Wisdom (Word Study)

Wisdom is an attribute of God.

The Old Testament addresses wisdom as from God, and lack of wisdom by man, i.e., foolishness.

The New Testament addresses wisdom as from God and wisdom from men [secular].

In both testaments wisdom is the beneficial precursor of everything.

Definition - Dictionary

To teach, to make wise [chakam]

skill [chokmah]

intelligence, understanding [binah]

Definition - secular What actually wisdom in philosophy? Wisdom means insight. Having a deeper understanding of certain things. Wisdom has different meanings. It means intelligence, smartness, or the ability to differentiate right from wrong........... Wisdom is the possession of knowledge, experience, and good judgement. Yet knowledge itself is only information: wisdom is the use of knowledge to pursue the good life....... Aristotle's definition of wisdom? ==Wisdom is the ability to deliberate well about which courses of action would be good and expedient ......Wisdom, sapience, or sagacity is the ability to contemplate and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense and insight. ....What is wisdom and knowledge? =The primary difference between the two words is that wisdom involves a healthy dose of perspective and the ability to make sound judgments about a subject while knowledge is simply knowing.......Wisdom is defined as the ability or result of an ability to think and act, utilizing knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight......Wisdom will elevate those that lack experience, and offers knowledge and discretion to even a simple person. A wise person will listen to others and increase his learning and understanding.. : knowledge of what is proper or reasonable...ability to discern inner qualities and relationships : INSIGHT...: knowledge that is gained by having many experiences in life....discernment, insight, perception,..., apprehension, comprehension....judiciousness, prudence, sanity, logic, rationality

Definition of rationale 1: an explanation of controlling principles of opinion, belief, practice, or phenomena 2: an underlying reason

explanation, reason....rational 1: based on facts or reason and not on emotions or feeling...: having the ability to reason or think about things clearly

Definition - Bible ..

Wisdom in the Bible Wisdom in the Old Testament describes the practical skills associated with living a successful life. These range from the ability to create highly skilled works to the intellectual capability required to make choices that result in favorable outcomes and avoid troubles (see Longman, Job, 55; Crenshaw, Old Testament Wisdom, 3). In the Bible, wisdom is often associated with trust in and fear of God (Deut 4:6; Prov 1:7

Proverbs 1:7 (HCSB)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Easton’s Bible Dictionary (Wise, Wisdom)

WISE, WISDOM—a moral rather than an intellectual quality. To be “foolish” is to be godless (Ps. 14:1; comp. Judg. 19:23; 2 Sam. 13:13). True wisdom is a gift from God to those who ask it (Job 28:12–28;

Expository Dictionary of Bible Words: Word Studies for Key English Bible Words Based on the Hebrew and Greek Texts ḥokmāh [חָכְמָה, 2451]

ḥokmāh is a significant term found in approximately 150 places with the dominant sense of “wisdom.” Wisdom refers to knowledge coupled with an inner quality that embodies a heart and life in conformity with the purposes and character of God. ḥokmāh has this meaning throughout most of its usage in a variety of contexts. However, in several places it also has the derivative meaning “skill,” or “ability,” imparted by the Spirit of Yahweh to particular individuals.

Expository Dictionary of Bible Words: Word Studies for Key English Bible Words Based on the Hebrew and Greek Texts ḥokmāh [חָכְמָה, 2451]

ḥokmāh also denotes “wisdom” as that knowledge of God which leads to living godly lives in conformity with the divine character. Such “wisdom” is characteristic of Israel, for example, designed and given to reveal God’s character and person to the world at large (cf. Deut. 4:6). Elsewhere, this “wisdom” of God is given to particular individuals such as Solomon

Expository Dictionary of Bible Words: Word Studies for Key English Bible Words Based on the Hebrew and Greek Texts ḥokmāh [חָכְמָה, 2451]

“Wisdom” is indicated as a divine attribute in Job 12:13; Prov. 13:19; Jer. 10:12; 51:15. In Prov. 8:1, 11ff.

AMG Concise Bible Dictionary Practical and God-Centred

The wisdom that the Bible encourages is concerned with the practical affairs of everyday living rather than with philosophical theories. People live in a real world and have to deal with real people (Deut 1:13–15; 34:9; 1 Kings 3:9; Acts 6:3; 7:10). The basis of that wisdom, however, is not human cleverness but obedient reverence for God

AMG Concise Bible Dictionary Practical and God-Centred

Godly wisdom, by contrast, is characterized by humility, uprightness and a concern for others (Prov 8:12–16; 10:8; 11:2; Isa 5:21; James 3:13–18).

This godly wisdom is available to all who are prepared to leave the folly of their self-centred ways and accept it from God (Prov 1:20–23; 8:1–6; 9:1–6). It will enable them to overcome the temptations of life (Prov 6:23–27). But if they refuse it, they will inevitably bring upon themselves disappointment, shame and despair (Prov 1:20, 24–26; 5:11–13; 7:1–23; Eccles 10:1–3).

In Old Testament times the chief teachers of this practical wisdom were people known as ‘the wise’ (Jer 18:18). Though different from priests and prophets, these teachers of wisdom were godly men who sought to persuade people by giving practical advice based on experience

AMG Concise Bible Dictionary God’s Wisdom and Man’s

Although God is the source of any wisdom that man possesses, man’s wisdom is still limited. God’s wisdom is not. It is infinite and therefore is beyond man’s understanding (Isa 40:28; Rom 11:33–34). In his wisdom God created the universe, and by his wisdom he governs it (Ps 104:24; Prov 3:19; Rev 7:12). His plan of salvation for his sinful creatures demonstrates to people and angels his unsearchable wisdom (Rom 11:33; Eph 3:10).

The wisdom of God in salvation was expressed in Jesus Christ, both in his life and in his death (Matt 12:42; 13:54; 1 Cor 1:23–24, 30; Col 2:3).

Martin A. Shields, “Wisdom,” ed. John D. Barry et al., The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).What does Proverbs say about seeking wisdom? The Bible says in Proverbs 4:6-7, "Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding."......Walking in wisdom helps us to make the right choices for our lives and protects us (Proverbs 2:11-16; 29:8). It equips us to handle difficult situations and relationships. ....Proverbs 2:6–11 (HCSB) For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He stores up success for the upright; He is a shield for those who live with integrity 8 so that He may guard the paths of justice and protect the way of His loyal followers. 9 Then you will understand righteousness, justice, and integrity—every good path. 10 For wisdom will enter your mind, and knowledge will delight your heart. 11 Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you..........,Wisdom helps you work smarter, not harder (Ecclesiastes 10:10)..Ecclesiastes 10:10 (HCSB) 10 If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen its edge, then one must exert more strength; however, the advantage of wisdom is that it brings success.. Those who have God's wisdom will show it in the way that they live Proverbs 4:7 (HCSB) 7 Wisdom is supreme—so get wisdom. And whatever else you get, get understanding.

Definition - Personal - based on bible

1. adds stability - does not vary or change

2. robust - firm foundation

3. enables and promotes - = science, mathematics, logic, natural law, righteousness, music, language, improvement, gain of knowledge by using previous firm gains [historical use], laws, art, literature [universal themes]

4. faster, more efficient adaptation - uses established patterns as tools and options

5. better societies based on UR

6. optimism - hope in eternity

7. justice - enable fixed laws, fixed standards,

8. protection against against anger [Proverbs 29:8 (HCSB)8 Mockers inflame a city, but the wise turn away anger.

9. comes from abiding in My word John 8:30–32 (HCSB)Truth and Freedom 30 As He was saying these things, many believed in Him. 31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples. 32 You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

10. reflected by conduct; not just knowing James 3:13 (HCSB)The Wisdom from Above 13 Who is wise and has understanding among you? He should show his works by good conduct with wisdom’s gentleness.

11 finds happiness and obtains Jehovah’s favor - Proverbs 8:32–35 (HCSB) 32 “And now, my sons, listen to me; those who keep my ways are happy. 33 Listen to instruction and be wise; don’t ignore it. 34 Anyone who listens to me is happy, watching at my doors every day, waiting by the posts of my doorway. 35 For the one who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord, 36 but the one who misses me harms himself; all who hate me love death.”....Proverbs 3:13 (HCSB)Wisdom Brings Happiness 13 Happy is a man who finds wisdom and who acquires understanding, 12. maintains good attitude

13. is accessible to anyone - Proverbs 1:20 (HCSB) Wisdom’s Plea 20 Wisdom calls out in the street; she raises her voice in the public squares.

14. takes care of himself - Proverbs 19:8 (HCSB) 8 The one who acquires good sense loves himself; one who safeguards understanding finds success.

Old Testament

Expository Dictionary of Bible Words: Word Studies for Key English Bible Words Based on the Hebrew and Greek Texts (ḥokmāh [חָכְמָה, 2451])

ḥokmāh is a significant term found in approximately 150 places with the dominant sense of “wisdom.” Wisdom refers to knowledge coupled with an inner quality that embodies a heart and life in conformity with the purposes and character of God. ḥokmāh has this meaning throughout most of its usage in a variety of contexts. However, in several places it also has the derivative meaning “skill,” or “ability,”

Psalm 104:1–35 (HCSB) God the Creator 1 My soul, praise Yahweh! Lord my God, You are very great; You are clothed with majesty and splendor. 2 He wraps Himself in light as if it were a robe, spreading out the sky like a canopy, 3 laying the beams of His palace on the waters above, making the clouds His chariot, walking on the wings of the wind, 4 and making the winds His messengers, flames of fire His servants.

5 He established the earth on its foundations; it will never be shaken.

6 You covered it with the deep as if it were a garment; the waters stood above the mountains.

7 At Your rebuke the waters fled; at the sound of Your thunder they hurried away — 8 mountains rose and valleys sank — to the place You established for them.

9 You set a boundary they cannot cross; they will never cover the earth again. 10 He causes the springs to gush into the valleys; they flow between the mountains. 11 They supply water for every wild beast; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. 12 The birds of the sky live beside the springs; they sing among the foliage. 13 He waters the mountains from His palace; the earth is satisfied by the fruit of Your labor. 14 He causes grass to grow for the livestock

and provides crops for man to cultivate, producing food from the earth, 15 wine that makes man’s heart glad— making his face shine with oil— and bread that sustains man’s heart.

16 The trees of the Lord flourish, the cedars of Lebanon that He planted. 17 There the birds make their nests; the stork makes its home in the pine trees.

18 The high mountains are for the wild goats; the cliffs are a refuge for hyraxes.

19 He made the moon to mark the festivals; the sun knows when to set. 20 You bring darkness, and it becomes night, when all the forest animals stir. 21 The young lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God. 22 The sun rises; they go back and lie down in their dens.

23 Man goes out to his work and to his labor until evening. 24 How countless are Your works, Lord!

In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures. 25 Here is the sea, vast and wide, teeming with creatures beyond number— living things both large and small.

26 There the ships move about, and Leviathan, which You formed to play there. 27 All of them wait for You to give them their food at the right time. 28 When You give it to them, they gather it;

when You open Your hand, they are satisfied with good things. 29 When You hide Your face,

they are terrified; when You take away their breath, they die and return to the dust.

30 When You send Your breath, they are created, and You renew the face of the earth.

31 May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in His works.

32 He looks at the earth, and it trembles; He touches the mountains, and they pour out smoke.

33 I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God while I live. 34 May my meditation be pleasing to Him; I will rejoice in the Lord. 35 May sinners vanish from the earth and wicked people be no more.

My soul, praise Yahweh! Hallelujah!

New Testament Sophia

Morality

Wisdom is a moral application of God. Wisdom is a predecessor or pre-requisite to all righteous action and thought.

Wisdom is pre-eminent to all else in God’s economy and is precluded by reverence towards God. Proverbs 9:10 (HCSB) 10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 1:7 (HCSB) 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs 3:5–6 (HCSB)5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,and do not rely on your own understanding;6 think about Him in all your ways, and He will guide you on the right paths.

Mind of God

Live respectful, peaceful.

Revere God and respect men

Proverbs 2:6 (HCSB) 6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Chaos - tohu תֹּהוּ tohu (1062c); from an unused word; formlessness, confusion, unreality, emptiness:—chaos(1), confusion(1), desolation(1), emptiness(1), empty space(1), formless(2), futile(2), futile things(1), meaningless(2), meaningless arguments(1), nothing(2), waste(3), waste place(2).

The Hebrew tohu is typically translated as “without form” or “formless,” and bohu is rendered “void” or “empty.” Genesis 1:2 could be translated as “it came about that the earth was without form and empty.”

The Holy Bible with a Commentary and Critical Notes, Vols. I–VI (Chapter 1)

Verse 2. The earth was without form and void] The original term תהו tohu and בהו bohu, which we translate without form and void, are of uncertain etymology; but in this place, and wherever else they are used, they convey the idea of confusion and disorder. From these terms it is probable that the ancient Syrians and Egyptians borrowed their gods, Theuth and Bau, and the Greeks their Chaos. God seems at first to have created the elementary principles of all things; and this formed the grand mass of matter, which in this state must be without arrangement, or any distinction of parts: a vast collection of indescribably confused materials, of nameless entities strangely mixed; and wonderfully well expressed by an ancient heathen poet:—Ante mare et terras, et, quod tegit omnia, cœlum,Unus erat toto naturæ vultus in orbe,Quem dixere Chaos; rudis indigestaque moles,Nec quicquam nisi pondus iners; congestaque eodemNon bene junctarum discordia semina rerum.OVID.Before the seas and this terrestrial ball,And heaven’s high canopy that covers all,One was the face of nature, if a face;Rather, a rude and indigested mass;A lifeless lump, unfashion’d and unframed,Of jarring seeds, and justly Chaos named.DRYDEN.The most ancient of the Greeks have spoken nearly in the same way of this crude, indigested state of the primitive chaotic mass.When this congeries of elementary principles was brought together, God was pleased to spend six days in assimilating, assorting, and arranging the materials, out of which he built up, not only the earth, but the whole of the solar system

Holman Concise Bible Commentary (Genesis)

This is an accurate translation of bereshit, the first word in the Hebrew book. The title is most appropriate to the book’s contents, for it concerns the divine origin of all things, whether matter or energy, living or inanimate. It implies that apart from God everything can be traced back to a beginning point when God’s purposes and works came into being. Bereshit indicates that God brought forth the “heavens and the earth” as the first act of creation (Gen. 1:1).

Darkness

Apart from its literal meaning, darkness often has a figurative meaning in the Bible. Its most common figurative usage is as a symbol for evil. This symbolic usage is natural, for wrongdoers prefer darkness to light. It enables them to carry out their wrongdoing more easily (Neh 6:10; Ps 91:5–6; Isa 29:15; Jer 49:9; Luke 22:53; John 3:19–20; Rom 13:12–13; 1 Thess 5:2, 7).

The world of mankind, because of sin, is a place of darkness and death.

Expository Dictionary of Bible Words: Word Studies for Key English Bible Words Based on the Hebrew and Greek Texts (ḥōshek [‎חשֶׁךְ‎, 2822])

This term means “dark,” “darkness,” but is also translated “obscurity,” or “night” on a couple of occasions. ḥōshek is found eighty times, in both literal and metaphorical contexts.First of all, ḥōshek refers to the primeval darkness of creation both in the creation account of the divine origins of the universe (cf. Gen. 1:2); and in the poetic sections of Scripture (cf. Job 12:22; 26:10; Ps. 104:20).At a different level, though still alluding to the creative powers of God, ḥōshek refers to the darkness that indicates the presence of God in terrifying judgment. One of the most striking examples of this phenomenon is the plague of darkness visited by God on Pharaoh and the Egyptians for that king’s refusal to free the people of Israel from bondage (cf. Exod. 10:21, 22

Don Fleming, “Darkness,” AMG Concise Bible Dictionary (AMG Publishers, 1990), 87.

Robert L. Thomas, New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries : Updated Edition (Anaheim: Foundation Publications, Inc., 1998).

Insight, prudence [practical affairs, mgt], understanding,

1 Corinthians 1:18–25 (HCSB) Christ the Power and Wisdom of God 18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is God’s power to us who are being saved. 19 For it is written:

I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,

and I will set aside the understanding of the experts.

20 Where is the philosopher? Where is the scholar? Where is the debater of this age? Hasn’t God made the world’s wisdom foolish? 21 For since, in God’s wisdom, the world did not know God through wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe through the foolishness of the message preached. 22 For the Jews ask for signs and the Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Gentiles. 24 Yet to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is God’s power and God’s wisdom, 25 because God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.

John 8:30–32 (HCSB) Truth and Freedom 30 As He was saying these things, many believed in Him. 31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples. 32 You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Built the principles

Main point. = God has built His principles of wisdom into the the structure of the physical world. Everything in the world functions according to this principles and doesn’t descend into chaos. Proverbs 8:24–31 (HCSB) 24 I was born when there were no watery depths and no springs filled ith water. 25 I was delivered before the mountains and hills were established, 26 before He made the land, the fields, or the first soil on earth. 27 I was there when He established the heavens, when He laid out the horizon on the surface of the ocean, 28 when He placed the skies above, when the fountains of the ocean gushed out, 29 when He set a limit for the sea so that the waters would not violate His command, when He laid out the foundations of the earth. 30 I was a skilled craftsman beside Him. I was His delight every day, always rejoicing before Him. 31 I was rejoicing in His inhabited world, delighting in the human race.

Doing, Abiding

Psalm 104:24 (HCSB) 24 How countless are Your works, Lord! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures.

James 3:13–17 (HCSB) The Wisdom from Above 13 Who is wise and has understanding among you? He should show his works by good conduct with wisdom’s gentleness. 14 But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t brag and deny the truth. 15 Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy.

Deuteronomy 4:5–8 (HCSB) 5 Look, I have taught you statutes and ordinances as the Lord my God has commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to possess. 6 Carefully follow them, for this will show your wisdom and understanding in the eyes of the peoples. When they hear about all these statutes, they will say, ‘This great nation is indeed a wise and understanding people.’ 7 For what great nation is there that has a god near to it as the Lord our God is to us whenever we call to Him? 8 And what great nation has righteous statutes and ordinances like this entire law I set before you today?

Creation

Wisdom is the attribute of God which reflects the rationality, the order of god’s creation, the mind of God. The principles of His structure are incorporated into the physical world. Order is prevalent over chaos.

Proverbs 3:19–20 (HCSB) 19 The Lord founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding.

20 By His knowledge the watery depths broke open, and the clouds dripped with dew.

The personification of wisdom Proverbs 8:4–14 (HCSB) 4 “People, I call out to you; my cry is to mankind. 5 Learn to be shrewd, you who are inexperienced; develop common sense, you who are foolish.

6 Listen, for I speak of noble things, and what my lips say is right. 7 For my mouth tells the truth, and wickedness is detestable to my lips.

8 All the words of my mouth are righteous; none of them are deceptive or perverse. 9 All of them are clear to the perceptive, and right to those who discover knowledge. 10 Accept my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. 11 For wisdom is better than jewels, and nothing desirable can compare with it.

12 I, Wisdom, share a home with shrewdness and have knowledge and discretion. 13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil. I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech. 14 I possess good advice and competence; I have understanding and strength.

Proverbs 8:1–23 (HCSB) Wisdom’s Appeal 8 Doesn’t Wisdom call out?

Doesn’t Understanding make her voice heard? ....... 8 All the words of my mouth are righteous; none of them are deceptive or perverse. 9 All of them are clear to the perceptive, and right to those who discover knowledge. .......... 11 For wisdom is better than jewels, and nothing desirable can compare with it. .......... 13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil. ..............15 It is by me that kings reign and rulers enact just law; 16 by me, princes lead, as do nobles and all righteous judges. 17 I love those who love me, and those who search for me find me. 18 With me are riches and honor, lasting wealth and righteousness. ...........20 I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice, .............

22 “The Lord made me at the beginning of His creation, before His works of long ago. 23 I was formed before ancient times, from the beginning, before the earth began.

Proverbs 8:22–31 (HCSB) 22 “The Lord made me at the beginning of His creation, before His works of long ago.

23 I was formed before ancient times, from the beginning, before the earth began. 24 I was born when there were no watery depths......... 25 I was delivered before the mountains and hills were established,..............26 before He made the land, the fields, or the first soil on earth.

27 I was there when He established the heavens, when He laid out the horizon on the surface of the ocean,...............29 when He set a limit for the sea..........when He laid out the foundations of the earth.

30 I was a skilled craftsman beside Him. I was His delight every day, always rejoicing before Him. 31 I was rejoicing in His inhabited world, delighting in the human race.

Order in the bible

Genesis 1:11–12 (HCSB)11 Then God said, “Let the earth produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds.” And it was so. 12 The earth produced vegetation: seed-bearing plants according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

Genesis 1:27 (HCSB) 27 So God created man in His own image; He created him in the image of God; He created them male and female.

1 Corinthians 14:32–33 (HCSB) 32 And the prophets’ spirits are under the control of the prophets, 33 since God is not a God of disorder but of peace.

1 Corinthians 15:23–24 (HCSB)

23 But each in his own order: Christ, the firstfruits; afterward, at His coming, those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father, when He abolishes all rule and all authority and power.

Psalm 37:23 (HCSB)

23 A man’s steps are established by the Lord,

and He takes pleasure in his way.

Order

Encyclopedias - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Order ORDER or'-der (`arakh, "to arrange"; tassein ( diatassein, taxis, tagma)): "Order" in Biblical phrases may indicate (1) arrangement in rows, (2) sequence in time, (3) classification and organization, (4) likeness or manner, (5) regulation, direction or command, or (6) the declaring of a will. In many passages it is difficult if not impossible to determine from the English text alone in which of these senses the word is used. 1. Arrangement in Rows: The fundamental idea suggested by the Hebrew, Greek and English words is that of arrangement in rows. Thus "order" is used in the Bible of arranging wood for an altar (Leviticus 1:7; 1 Kings 18:33; compare Hebrew Genesis 22:9; Isaiah 30:33); of laying out flax-stalks for drying (Joshua 2:6); of preparing offerings (Leviticus 1:8,12; compare Luke 6:5; Judges 6:26); of arranging lamps (Exodus 27:21; 39:37; Leviticus 24:3,4; compare Psalms 132:17); of placing the shewbread on the table (Exodus 40:4,23; Leviticus 6:12; 24:8; 2 Chronicles 13:11); of drawing up the battle array (1 Chronicles 12:38 (Hebrew 39, `adhar)); and of arranging weapons in order for battle (Jeremiah 46:3, the American Standard Revised Version "prepare"). As a verb "to order" in the older versions usually has the obsolete sense "to arrange" and not the more usual English meanings, "to demand" or "to direct." Thus: "In the tent of meeting shall Aaron order it" (Leviticus 24:4, the American Standard Revised Version "keep in order"); "Order ye the buckler and shield" (Jeremiah 46:3; compare Psalms 119:133; Job 23:4, the American Standard Revised Version "set in order"; Judith 2:16; The Wisdom of Solomon 8:1; 15:1; Ecclesiasticus 2:6). The Hebrew pa`am (literally, "hoof-beat," "occurrence," "repetition") in the plural conveys the idea of an architectural plan (Ezekiel 41:6). Another word, shalabh, literally, "to join," in connection with the tabernacle, has in some versions been translated as including the idea of orderly arrangement (Exodus 26:17). The word "order" standing by itself may mean orderly or proper arrangement (1 Esdras 1:10; The Wisdom of Solomon 7:29; 1 Macc 6:40; Colossians 2:5). Akin to the idea of arranging things in a row is that of arranging words (Job 33:5; 37:19; Psalms 5:3), of recounting things in order (Isaiah 44:7; Luke 1:1 the King James Version (diatassein); Luke 1:3; Acts 11:4 (kathexes)), of setting forth a legal case (Job 23:4; 13:18; compare Psalms 50:21). From the idea of arranging in order for the purpose of comparison the Hebrew `arakh acquires the meaning "to compare" (Isaiah 40:18; Psalms 89:7). This is clearly the meaning of 'en `arokh 'elekha (Psalms 40:5)), where "They cannot be set in order unto thee" must be interpreted to mean "There is nothing that can be compared unto thee." 2. Sequence in Time: As the fundamental meaning of `arakh is arrangement in space, that of cadhar is order or sequence in time. In later Hebrew cedher was used in the sense of "program." In Job 10:22 lo' cedharim, absence of regularity, in the description of the uncertain period that follows death probably means "confusion in time." (The Septuagint (pheggos) suggests, in the place of cedharim, a word for "light," possibly tsohorayim.) In the New Testament we find "order" used of time in connection with the resurrection of the dead (1 Corinthians 15:23 (tagma)) and of a succession of places visited (Acts 18:23 (kathexes)). The phrase "in order unto" (Psalms 119:38) expresses causal sequence and hence, purpose. 3. Classification and Organization: The idea of classification is present in the Hebrew taqan, translated "set in order," with reference to a collection of proverbs (Ecclesiastes 12:9). The same stem is used with reference to the arranging of singers before the altar (Hebrew Ecclesiasticus 47:9), The classification of priests according to their service is spoken of as "ordering" (1 Chronicles 24:3,19, Hebrew paqadh). Next to the high priests ranked priests of the second order (mishneh, 2 Kings 23:4; compare 25:18 parallel Jeremiah 52:24). The related concept of organization is present where the Hebrew kun (literally, "to establish".) is translated "order" (Isaiah 9:7 the King James Version, "to establish" the American Standard Revised Version; Psalms 119:133; 2 Chronicles 29:35; compare 1 Macc 16:14). A similar use of the term "order" is found in the New Testament in connection with the organization of the affairs of the church (1 Corinthians 16:1 (diatassein); Titus 1:5 (epidiorthoo); 1 Corinthians 11:34). 4. Likeness or Manner: "Order," in the sense of likeness or manner, is used in the phrase "after the order of Melchisedek" to translate the Hebrew `al dibherath, or rather the archaic form `al dibherathi (Psalms 110:4), which in other passages is translated "because of" (compare Ecclesiastes 3:18; 7:14; 8:2). This well-known phrase is rendered in Septuagint kata ten taxin, a translation adopted in Hebrews 5:6,10; 6:20; 7:11,17, where the passage from Psalm is made the basis of an extended argument, in the course of which "order" is taken in the sense of "likeness" (Hebrews 7:16). 5. Regulation, Direction, Command: In the sense of regulation, we find "order" as a translation of mishpaT (which is literally, "the ruling of a shopheT," whether as a judicial decree or legislative act) in connection with the conduct of priests (1 Chronicles 6:32 (Hebrew 17); 2 Chronicles 30:16; compare Luke 1:8; 1 Esdras 1:6), and with reference to the Nazirite regulations in the story of Samson (Judges 13:12, the Revised Version (British and American) "manner"), church services (1 Corinthians 14:40) and, in the older English VSS, with reference to other ritual matters (1 Chronicles 15:13; 23:31; 2 Chronicles 8:14, the American Standard Revised Version "ordinance"). The phrase `al yadh, literally, "according to the hand of," translated in Ezra 3:10; 1 Chronicles 25:2 b,3,6 twice in various ways, means "under the direction of," or "under the order of," as translated in the last instance. The modern sense of "command" is suggested here and in several other instances (1 Esdras 8:10; 1 Macc 9:55). He "that ordereth his conversation aright" (sam derekh, Psalms 50:23) is probably one who chooses the right path and directs his steps along it. "Who shall order the battle?" (1 Kings 20:14) is corrected in the American Standard Revised Version: "Who shall begin the battle?" (compare 2 Chronicles 13:3, Hebrew 'acar, literally, "to bind," hence, "to join" or "begin"; compare proelium committere). 6. Declaring of Last Will: The phrase "to set one's house in order" (Isaiah 38:1 parallel 2 Kings 20:1; 2 Samuel 17:23), used of Hezekiah and Ahithophel, in contemplation of death, means to give final instructions to one's household or to make one's will. The Hebrew tsawah used in this phrase is the stem found in the later Hebrew tsawwa'ah, "a verbal will" (Babha' Bathra' 147a, 151b; BDB). Great moral weight was attached in Biblical times to the charges laid upon a household by a deceased father or remoter ancestor, not only as to the disposition of property but also as to personal conduct. (Compare the case of the Rechabites, where the same Hebrew expression is used, tsiwwah `alenu, Jeremiah 35:6.) Nathan Isaacs