What does חָכָם · לֵב mean in the Bible?
חָכָם · לֵב: Wisdom encompasses both intellectual discernment and practical skill; ranges from cunning to moral insight
Hebrew · H2450, H3820
חָכָם
Wise , (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful) · the heart ; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings , the will and even the intellect ; likewise for the centre of anything
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Where it appears: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
This lexicon entry is part of our ongoing editorial review. If you notice missing content, unclear wording, or a possible correction, please send us a note through the Connect page. Screenshots are helpful.
Words in this compound — expand to study each participant
חָכָם H2450 wise , (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful)
Pronunciation ḥākām
Wisdom encompasses both moral discernment and practical skill; extends from intellectual to craftsperson competence.
Open lexicon entry →
לֵב H3820 the heart ; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings , the will and even the intellect ; likewise for the centre of anything
Pronunciation lev
The seat of will, intellect, and emotion—the inner moral and spiritual center governing all human motivation and choice.
Open lexicon entry →
What does חָכָם (chakam lev) mean in the Bible?
חָכָם · לֵב: Wisdom encompasses both intellectual discernment and practical skill; ranges from cunning to moral insight
Full entry for חָכָם (H2450, H3820) · Open the biblical lexicon
Questions this entry answers
How many biblical occurrences are listed for H2450, H3820?
H2450, H3820 is connected to 733 lexical occurrence verses in the lexicon data.
Evidence Summary
Hebrew phrase. Wisdom encompasses both intellectual discernment and practical skill; ranges from cunning to moral insight
Source Gloss
wise , (i.e. intelligent, skilful or artful)
Extended definition
Wisdom encompasses both intellectual discernment and practical skill; ranges from cunning to moral insight
cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man).
Grammatical Forms
How this word appears across different grammatical cases and numbers.
Sampled Scripture Occurrences
Representative Scripture witnesses for this entry: passage, original form, and sense in context.
Old Testament Witnesses
a heart characterized by wisdom, discernment, and teachability
Word Origins
חָכָם is built from this root:
Why This Word Matters
Wisdom in Proverbs begins internally with a humble heart ready to receive instruction. Proverbs 10:8
Canonical Themes
Sources
MorphGNT Strong's Dictionary XML — CC0 1.0 Public Domain
Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible (morphhb/OSHB) — CC BY 4.0
Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon — CC BY 4.0
Berean Standard Bible (BSB) source-word alignment - CC0 Public Domain