שְׂכַל
𐤔𐤊𐤋
sᵉkal
H7920 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To be prudent, act with insight or understanding; in the Aramaic context, to conduct oneself with intelligence, wisdom, or discretion. The word carries the sense of perceiving beyond the obvious, often implying careful attention, evaluation, and deliberation in action or thought.
Semantic Range
to act with intelligence, to show discretion, to demonstrate prudence, to comprehend with insight, to manage affairs judiciously
Root / Etymology
Aramaic verb derived from the Hebrew root שׂכל (שׂ-כ-ל), meaning 'to be wise, act prudently, succeed.' In Aramaic, the form שְׂכַל is parallel to Hebrew שָׂכַל, retaining core meanings but with semantic developments suited to Aramaic contexts.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Biblical Aramaic, שְׂכַל appears in contexts that emphasize insightful action, such as Daniel 1:4, where it describes effective discernment or the capacity to learn and apply knowledge. The sense often extends beyond mere intelligence to prudent management of affairs or adeptness in complex situations, especially in royal or learned settings. While English translations may use 'wise' or 'intelligent,' these renderings do not always capture the practical, outcome-oriented aspect of the term in Aramaic discourse. The Hebrew equivalent, שָׂכַל, appears more frequently in a wider range of biblical texts, including poetic and didactic literature, where it similarly conveys active, applied wisdom rather than abstract knowledge. In post-exilic and later Aramaic usage, שְׂכַל continues to denote discernment and insight, sometimes with a focus on administrative or interpretive competence. This word should not be conflated with words for 'technical knowledge' or mere learning, as it focuses on the integration of understanding with effective action.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) corresponding to שָׂכַל; {to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent}; consider.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
שׂכל (ś-k-l) — wisdom, prudence, insight, success
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H4905 | מַשְׂכִּיל | insight-imparting composition |
| H7919 | שָׂכַל | Let me make wise |
| H7922 | שֶׂכֶל | with insight |
| H7924 | שׇׂכְלְתָנוּ | understanding |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7920-01 |
מִשְׂתַּכַּ֨ל | misetakal | AVMrmsa |
I was contemplating | conducting himself wisely | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7920-01 |
Daniel 7:8 | מִשְׂתַּכַּ֨ל | misetakal | AVMrmsa |
I was contemplating | conducting himself wisely |