Lexical Summary manda: Knowledge, understanding Original Word: מַנְדַּע Strong's Exhaustive Concordance knowledge, reason, understanding (Aramaic) corresponding to madda'; wisdom or intelligence -- knowledge, reason, understanding. see HEBREW madda' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to madda Definition knowledge, the power of knowing NASB Translation knowledge (2), reason (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs מַנְדַּע noun [masculine] knowledge, power of knowing (ᵑ7J id.; Syriac  ,  ; Biblical Hebrew מַדָּע (late); compare 'Mandâ' = γνῶσις, NöM xx); — absolute Daniel 5:12; emphatic דְּעָא- Daniel 2:21; suffix דְּעִי- Daniel 4:31; Daniel 4:33. Topical Lexicon Meaning and scope The word denotes the capacity to perceive, discern, and understand—knowledge that is both intellectual and spiritual. In Daniel, it functions as a key term for grasping revelatory truth, whether bestowed by God upon His servant or acclaimed by Gentile rulers who recognize divine wisdom. Canonical context in Daniel 1. Daniel 2:21 presents God as the One who “gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning,” underscoring that true understanding originates with Him and is sovereignly distributed. Across these scenes, knowledge serves as the hinge between revelation and response: receiving God-given understanding produces humility, worship, and faithful service; rejecting or misusing it invites judgment. Theological themes • Divine omniscience: The term highlights God’s exhaustive understanding of times, seasons, and human kingdoms (Daniel 2:21). Historical background The term appears in the Aramaic chapters (Daniel 2–7), a court narrative set amid Babylonian and Medo-Persian dominance. In that pluralistic milieu, God reveals superior knowledge through Daniel, demonstrating His supremacy over pagan diviners and affirming to exiled Judah that their covenant Lord remains in control of world affairs. Ministry implications • Teaching and discipleship: Sound doctrine begins with God’s self-disclosure; teachers should echo Daniel’s humility, crediting God as the ultimate source of insight (James 1:5). Related biblical concepts Knowledge intertwines with wisdom (hokmah) and understanding (biynah). Proverbs 1:7 begins with the fear of the Lord as its foundation, while Hosea 4:6 laments the destruction that comes from lack of knowledge. In the New Testament, Paul prays that believers may be “filled with the knowledge of His will” (Colossians 1:9), echoing Daniel’s experience of Spirit-given discernment within a hostile culture. Christological perspective Jesus Christ embodies perfect knowledge (John 2:24-25) and, like Daniel, reveals mysteries of the kingdom (Matthew 13:11). His supremacy over earthly powers mirrors Daniel’s God-given insight before Babylonian kings, assuring the church that ultimate authority belongs to the Son who “knows all things” (John 21:17). Application for believers today Seekers of knowledge must root their pursuit in reverence for God, submit intellect to Scripture, and rely on the Holy Spirit for illumination. As Daniel’s faithful witness transformed empires, so contemporary Christians, armed with divinely granted understanding, can engage cultures, shape policies, and serve communities in ways that exalt the God who “gives knowledge to the discerning.” Forms and Transliterations וּמַנְדְּעִי֙ וּמַנְדְּעָ֖א וּמַנְדַּ֡ע ומנדע ומנדעא ומנדעי מַנְדְּעִ֣י ׀ מנדעי man·də·‘î mandə‘î mandeI ū·man·da‘ ū·man·də·‘ā ū·man·də·‘î umanDa ūmanda‘ ūmandə‘ā ūmandə‘î umandeA umandeILinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 2:21 HEB: חָכְמְתָא֙ לְחַכִּימִ֔ין וּמַנְדְּעָ֖א לְיָדְעֵ֥י בִינָֽה׃ NAS: to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding. KJV: unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know INT: wisdom to wise and knowledge know of understanding Daniel 4:34 Daniel 4:36 Daniel 5:12 4 Occurrences |
    |