דַּרְדַּע
Darda, an Israelite
Definition
Darda is a proper name referring to an Israelite man mentioned in 1 Kings 4:31. He is listed among the wise men of the ancient East, specifically noted as being less wise than King Solomon. The name appears only in this single biblical reference, where he is grouped with other renowned sages: Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Calcol, and Mahol. No other biographical details, lineage, or specific teachings of Darda are provided in Scripture, making him a figure known solely for his association with wisdom.
Biblical Usage
The word is used only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Kings 4:31. It functions strictly as a proper name within a comparative list of wise men. The context is a celebration of Solomon's unparalleled wisdom, which is said to have exceeded that of these famous historical figures, including Darda. There are no patterns of usage across different books or contexts.
Etymology
The name Darda (דַּרְדַּע) is apparently derived from the Hebrew roots דַּר (dar, H1858), meaning 'pearl' or 'to flow,' and דֵּעַ (deaʻ, H1843), meaning 'knowledge.' Thus, the name can be interpreted as 'pearl of knowledge' or 'flow of knowledge,' a fitting etymology for an individual celebrated for wisdom. This compound construction suggests a personification of valuable insight.
Semantic Range
While Darda himself is not a major theological figure, his mention underscores a key biblical theme: the supreme wisdom granted by God. The comparison in 1 Kings 4:31 elevates Solomon's God-given wisdom above even the most renowned human sages of his era. This highlights that true, surpassing wisdom is a divine gift, not merely a human achievement, pointing forward to the 'one greater than Solomon' (Matthew 12:42).
In the ancient Near Eastern context, wisdom was highly valued, and individuals could gain fame as sages or counselors. Listing Darda alongside other wise men places him within this recognized tradition of esteemed intellectuals. The biblical author uses these culturally recognized names as a benchmark to magnify Solomon's exceptional, divinely sourced understanding, which was a point of national pride and a sign of God's favor.
Ethan (ʼÊythân, H387) — Another wise man listed alongside Darda in 1 Kings 4:31. Heman (Hêymân, H1968) — A wise man and musician, also listed in the same verse as a contemporary sage. Calcol (Kalkôl, H3633) — A wise man mentioned in the same comparative list in 1 Kings 4:31.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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