As an expert in linguistics and cultural studies, I'm delighted to share my insights on the Hebrew language and its rich vocabulary pertaining to wisdom. The Hebrew language is one of the oldest and most revered languages in the world, with a rich tapestry of words that encapsulate the concept of wisdom in various forms.

Chokhmah (חכמה) is indeed the primary term for wisdom in Hebrew, as you've mentioned. It is derived from the root ח-כ-מ, which conveys the idea of being shrewd, skillful, or wise. Chokhmah is not just about intellectual knowledge; it encompasses a broader sense of understanding that includes moral and spiritual insight. In the context of the Hebrew Bible, Chokhmah is often associated with the wisdom that comes from God and is reflected in the ability to make sound judgments and decisions.

The Masoretic text, which is the authoritative Hebrew text of the Jewish Bible (Tanakh), uses the term Chokhmah 149 times, highlighting its significance in Jewish thought and literature. It is through this wisdom that one can discern between good and evil, and it is often linked with the pursuit of a righteous life.

In the Talmud, which is a central text of Rabbinic Judaism and a compilation of Jewish law and tradition, Shabbat 31a refers to a high level of wisdom, chokhmah, as being associated with the knowledge of the Talmudic order of Kodshim. This order deals with the laws and rituals of the Temple service in ancient Israel, and the wisdom required to understand and apply these laws is considered to be of a high order.

However, Chokhmah is not the only term that relates to wisdom in Hebrew. There are several other words and concepts that are closely associated with wisdom, each with its own nuances:


1. Binah (בינה) - Often translated as "understanding," Binah is a term that is used to describe a deep and intuitive form of wisdom that is closely linked with the ability to comprehend and interpret complex information.


2. Tevnnah (טבונה) - This term is used less frequently but refers to a kind of wisdom that is associated with cleverness or the ability to devise plans and strategies.


3. Sekel (סכל) - Sekel can be translated as "prudence" or "discretion." It is a form of wisdom that is more practical and related to everyday decision-making.


4. Maskil (מסכל) - This term refers to a wise or understanding person, someone who has the ability to learn from experience and apply knowledge to their life.


5. Lamed Vavnik (ל"ו נכר) - While not a word for wisdom itself, this term refers to the 36 righteous individuals in each generation who are said to sustain the world through their wisdom and deeds.


6. Hokhmah (הכמה) - This is a feminine form of the word and is used in a more general sense to refer to wisdom or a wise woman.

7.
Mishpat (משפט) - Although primarily meaning "judgment" or "justice," it is also related to the wisdom required to administer justice fairly.

8.
Da'at (דעת) - This term can be translated as "knowledge" but is often used in a spiritual context to refer to a deep, experiential wisdom.

Each of these words contributes to the multifaceted concept of wisdom in Hebrew, reflecting the complexity and depth of understanding that is valued in Jewish thought. Wisdom in Hebrew is not merely a collection of facts or information; it is a profound understanding that integrates knowledge, experience, morality, and spirituality.

Now, let's transition into the Chinese translation of the above discussion:

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Chokhmah (???????, ISO 259 ?o?ma) is the Biblical Hebrew word rendered as "wisdom" (LXX -ҦϦ-?-- sophia, Vulgate sapientia). The word occurs 149 times in the Masoretic text of the Hebrew Bible. The Talmud (Shabbat 31a) describes knowledge of the Talmudic order of Kodshim as a high level of wisdom, chokhmah.read more >>