דֵּעָה
knowledge
Definition
The Hebrew noun דֵּעָה (dêʻâh) refers to knowledge, understanding, or insight. It often denotes a deep, experiential knowledge, not merely intellectual facts. In Isaiah 11:9, it describes the profound knowledge of God that will fill the earth in the messianic age. In Job 36:4, it is used for Elihu's claim to possess sound, comprehensive understanding. Conversely, in Psalm 73:11, it appears in the wicked's cynical question, 'How can God know? Is there knowledge (דֵּעָה) in the Most High?'—highlighting a defiant denial of divine awareness.
Biblical Usage
This word appears six times in the Old Testament, primarily in poetic and prophetic books (Job, Psalms, Isaiah). It is used in contexts of divine knowledge (Isaiah 11:9), human wisdom (Job 36:4), and theological challenge (Psalm 73:11). In 1 Samuel 2:3, Hannah uses it to contrast God's perfect knowledge with human arrogance. In Jeremiah 3:15, it describes shepherds (leaders) who will feed God's people with 'knowledge and understanding.'
Etymology
דֵּעָה is the feminine form of the noun דֵּעַ (dêaʻ, H1843), meaning 'knowledge.' Both derive from the root ידע (y-d-ʻ), meaning 'to know.' This root is central to the semantic field of knowledge in Hebrew, encompassing everything from simple awareness to intimate relational understanding, as seen in the verb יָדַע (yādaʻ).
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it often points to the knowledge of God—a central theme in biblical wisdom and prophecy. It is not abstract but implies a relationship and correct application of truth. In Isaiah 11:9, it is part of the vision of a restored creation founded on the knowledge of the Lord. Understanding דֵּעָה enriches reading by highlighting that biblical 'knowledge' is often covenantal, personal, and transformative, contrasting with mere information.
In ancient Israelite culture, 'knowledge' was closely tied to wisdom, skill, and practical understanding for living rightly before God and in community. It was not a purely academic pursuit. The knowledge denied by the wicked in Psalm 73:11 reflects a cultural debate about God's active involvement in justice and human affairs.
חָכְמָה (chokmâh, H2451) — wisdom, often practical skill or applied knowledge. בִּינָה (bînâh, H998) — understanding, discernment, the ability to distinguish. דַּעַת (daʻath, H1847) — another noun for knowledge, very close in meaning and from the same root.
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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