View source for Chokmah

{{Short description|Biblical Hebrew word; 2nd emanation in Kabbalah}}
{{For-multi|the album by Nena|Chokmah (album)|the game|Hokme}}
{{Sefirot}}
'''''Chokmah''''' ({{langx|he|חָכְמָה|ḥoḵmā}}, also transliterated as ''chokma'', ''chokhmah'' or ''hokhma'') is the [[Biblical Hebrew]] word rendered as "[[wisdom]]" in English Bible versions ([[LXX]] {{lang|grc|σοφία}} ''[[sophia (wisdom)|sophia]]'', [[Vulgate]] ''{{lang|la|sapientia}}'').<ref name=Strong>''[[Strong's Concordance]]'' [https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H2451&t=KJV H2451]: "from H2449 [{{lang|he|חָכַם}} ''chakam'' "wise"]; wisdom (in a good sense):—skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit."
"The KJV translates Strong's H2451 in the following manner: wisdom (145x), wisely (2x), skilful man (1x), wits (1x)."</ref> It is the second of the ten [[sefirot]] in [[Kabbalah]], and represents the first power of conscious intellect and subtle manifestation, emerging from [[Keter]]'s pure potentiality. It embodies wisdom coming from nothingness, as highlighted in the [[Book of Job]] and the ''[[Bahir]]''. Chokmah is the primordial point of divine wisdom that becomes comprehensible through [[Binah (Kabbalah)|Binah]].

In Jewish mystical texts, Chokmah is described as the primordial point of divine wisdom, which shines forth from the will of God. This point remains incomprehensible until differentiated and given form in Binah. The ''[[Zohar]]'', an essential [[Primary texts of Kabbalah|Kabbalistic text]], emphasizes Chokmah’s role in the emanation process and its association with the sense of sight, as well as an inner spiritual sense of taste that precedes and arouses sight. The interplay between Chokmah and Binah is crucial for understanding how abstract wisdom becomes concrete understanding.

The ethical behavior associated with Chokmah involves emulating its dual nature: communion with the Creator to gain wisdom and teaching others the wisdom received. This reflects the sefirah's dual role of receiving and disseminating divine insight. Practical applications of Chokmah in Kabbalistic practice include meditative techniques to cultivate wisdom, selflessness, and alignment with divine will, illustrating its central role in theoretical and applied Kabbalistic disciplines.{{sfnp|Kaplan|1995}}

In [[Western esotericism]], Chokmah holds a significant place within [[Hermetic Qabalah]], associated with analytical thinking and stability. Its corresponding divine name, [[Jah|Yah]], the archangel [[Raziel]], and the angels [[Ophanim]], as well as its [[Tarot]] associations, underscore its importance in mystical and spiritual traditions. The paths connecting Chokmah to Keter, Binah, [[Chesed]], and [[Tiferet]], symbolized by corresponding Tarot cards, illustrate the flow of divine wisdom through different aspects of the [[Tree of life (Kabbalah)|Tree of Life]], integrating it into various levels of consciousness and action.

==Etymology and names==
''Chokmah'' (חָכְמָה), the [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] term for "[[wisdom]]", holds a prominent place in both Jewish mysticism and [[Gnosticism|Gnostic traditions]]. Its etymology traces back to the Hebrew root ח-כ-מ, which conveys the concept of wisdom or insight. In [[Gnostic cosmology]], ''Chokmah'' is frequently identified with [[Sophia (Gnosticism)|Sophia]] (Σοφία in Greek), who embodies divine wisdom. Sophia's narrative is central to many Gnostic texts, where she is also known by the name ''[[Achamōth]]'', a Greek derivation from the Hebrew word ''Chokmah''.{{sfnp|Botterweck|Ringgren|1974|p=371}}

The word occurs 149 times in the [[Masoretic Text]] of the [[Hebrew Bible]].<ref name="Strong" /> It is [[cognate]] with the Arabic word for "wisdom", ''[[ḥikma]]'' {{lang|ar|حكمة}} ([[Semitic root]] {{lang|sem|ḥ-k-m}}).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wisdom – an Arabic word |url=https://arabic.fi/words/1186 |access-date=2024-05-22 |website=arabic.fi |language=en}}</ref> Adjectival {{Transliteration|he|[[hakham|ḥakham]]}} "wise" is used as a honorific, as in ''[[Talmid Chakham]]'' (lit. "student of a sage") for a [[Torah study|Torah scholar]], or ''[[Hakham Bashi]]'' for a [[Chief Rabbi]].

''Chokmah'' is sometimes referred to as "Fear" (יִרְאָה, Yirah) in Kabbalistic texts because it represents an aspect of wisdom that is beyond measure and comprehension, "because it has no measure of boundary, and therefore the mind does not have the power to grasp it".{{sfnp|Kaplan|1995|p={{page needed|date=July 2024}}}} This aligns with the idea expressed in the [[Book of Job]] that the "fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, and to depart from evil is [[Binah (Kabbalah)|understanding]]."<ref>{{bibleverse||Job|28:28|KJV}}.</ref> This term emphasizes the awe and reverence associated with divine wisdom, reflecting the necessary humility and respect required to truly grasp and embody it.{{sfnp|Smith|2021}}

==History==
{{further|History of Jewish mysticism}}
Chokmah, meaning "Wisdom," holds a foundational role in Jewish mystical texts such as the ''[[Sefer Yetzirah]]'' and the ''[[Zohar]]''. In early Kabbalah, Chokmah represents the initial divine wisdom emanating from Keter, playing a pivotal role in the unfolding of the universe.{{sfnp|Kaplan|1997}} The ''Zohar'' elaborates on this by describing Chokmah as the source of all wisdom and insight, crucial for the creative process.{{sfnp|Scholem|1995}}

In the 16th century, [[Isaac Luria]], a key figure in Kabbalistic thought, emphasized Chokmah's importance in the cosmic process of ''[[tzimtzum]]'' (divine contraction) and ''[[Tikkun olam|tikkun]]'' (repair). Chokmah initiates the process of restoring the fragmented divine light, central to Lurianic Kabbalah's understanding of creation and redemption.{{sfnp|Fine|2003}}

Contemporary Kabbalists, such as Rabbi [[Yehuda Ashlag]], have further developed the understanding of Chokmah. Ashlag's interpretations highlight Chokmah's role in achieving spiritual enlightenment and ethical living, viewing it as essential for understanding the divine and our place within the cosmos.{{sfnp|Ashlag|2002}}

==Description==
Chokmah, the second of the ten [[sefirot]], is the first power of conscious intellect within Creation, and the first point of subtle manifestation, since Keter represents emptiness. According to the [[book of Job]], "Wisdom comes from nothingness".<ref>{{bibleverse||Job |28:12|KJV}}.</ref> According to the ''[[Bahir]]'':

{{blockquote|The second (utterance) is [[wisdom]], as is written: 'Y-H-W-H acquired me at the beginning of His way, before His deeds of old' (Prov 8:22). And there is no 'beginning' but wisdom."{{sfnp|Green|2004|p={{page needed|date=July 2024}}}}}}

In Rabbi [[Aryeh Kaplan]]'s commentary on the ''[[Bahir]]'' he says "Wisdom (Chokmah) is therefore the first thing that the mind can grasp, and is therefore called a 'beginning'."{{sfnp|Bahir|1995|p={{page needed|date=July 2024}}}}

In the ''[[Zohar]]'', Chokmah is the primordial point which shines forth from the will of God, the starting point of Creation. This point is infinitely small, and yet encompasses the whole of being; it remains incomprehensible until all things are differentiated and given shape and form in [[Binah (Kabbalah)|Binah]], where they become intelligible.{{sfnp|Cordovero|1993|p={{page needed|date=July 2024}}}}

In general, the sense of sight relates to Chokmah. The ''Zohar'' states that there is an inner, spiritual sense of taste in Chokmah that precedes and arouses the sense of sight. Chokmah appears in the configuration of the sefirot at the top of the right axis, and corresponds to the eyes in the [[divine image]] (''tzelem Elohim''):

{{blockquote|these are comparable to the two eyes from which two teardrops Fell into the great sea. Chochmah is called eyes, and the right eye Is the upper chochmah and the left eye is the lower chochmah.{{sfnp|Berg|1999|p=380}}
}}

The word Chokmah is read in the ''[[Zohar]]'' (Numbers 220b) as ''koach mah'', "the power of selflessness", or, alternatively, as ''cheich mah'', "the palate of selflessness". "The power of selflessness" implies not only the attribute of selflessness itself, but the great creative power that selflessness entails. "The palate of selflessness" is the soul's ability to "taste" Divinity by virtue of one's state of selflessness,{{{sfnp|Kaplan|1995}} as is said (Psalms 34:8): "Taste and see that God is good."

==Qualities==

===Colour===
Chokmah is associated with several colors in Kabbalistic tradition. Grey is often linked to Chokmah as it represents the blending of all colors, symbolizing comprehensive wisdom.{{sfnp|Kaplan|1997}} Some traditions, especially those influenced by Western esotericism, associate Chokmah with blue, which signifies clarity and expansiveness, reflecting the profound nature of divine wisdom.{{sfnp|Samuel|2007}} White is another color associated with Chokmah, symbolizing purity and enlightenment, indicative of the undifferentiated light of wisdom.{{sfnp|Scholem|1995}}

===Ethical behaviour===
According to [[Moses ben Jacob Cordovero]] in ''[[The Palm Tree of Devorah]]'', Chokmah has two faces, one facing [[Keter]] above, and the other overseeing the other [[sefirot]]. Therefore, to emulate this sefira, one aspect should be in communion with his Creator in order to increase his wisdom, and the other should be to teach others the wisdom that the Holy One has endowed him.{{sfnp|Cordovero|1993}}

==Textual references==
===In the Hebrew Bible===
{{further|Sophia (wisdom)}}
The author of the book of Proverbs personifies Divine Wisdom as extant before the world was made, revealer of God, and actor as God's agent in creation ({{bibleverse||Prov|8:22–31|he}}; {{bibleverse||Wisdom|8:4-6|he}}; and {{bibleverse||Sir|1:4–9|jps}}). Wisdom dwelt with God ({{bibleverse||Prov|8:22–31|he}}; {{bibleverse||Sir|24:4|jps}}; and {{bibleverse||Wisdom|9:9-10|jps}}) and, being the exclusive property of God, was as such inaccessible to human beings ({{bibleverse||Job|28:12–13, 20–1, 23–27|he}}). It was God who "found" Wisdom ({{bibleverse||Bar|3:29-37|jps}}) and gave her to [[Israelites|Israel]]: "He hath found out all the way of knowledge, and hath given it unto Jacob his servant, and to Israel his beloved. Afterward did he shew himself upon earth, and conversed with men." ({{bibleverse||Bar|3:36-37|jps}} and {{bibleverse||Sir|24:1-12|jps}}).

As a female figure (Sir. 1:15 and Wis. 7:12), Wisdom addressed human beings (Prov. 1:20–33 and 8:1–9:6), inviting to her feast those who are not yet wise (Prov. 9:1-6). Wisdom of Solomon 7:22b–8:1 is a famous passage describing Divine Wisdom, including the passage:

{{blockquote|For she is the breath of the power of God, and a pure influence flowing from the glory of the Almighty: therefore can no defiled thing fall into her. For she is the brightness of the everlasting light, the unspotted mirror of the power of God, and the image of his goodness. And being but one, she can do all things: and remaining in herself, she maketh all things new: and in all ages entering into holy souls, she maketh them friends of God, and prophets.|{{bibleverse||Wisdom|7:25-27|jps}}
}}

[[Solomon]], as the archetypal wise person, fell in love with Wisdom: "I loved her, and sought her out from my youth, I desired to make her my spouse, and I was a lover of her beauty." ({{bibleverse||Wisdom|8:2|jps}}).<ref>For a summary account of wisdom in the Hebrew Bible, see {{harvp|Murphy|1992|loc=vol. vi |pages=920–931}}.</ref>

===In the Apocrypha===
The [[Book of Sirach]], also known as ''Ecclesiasticus'', contains significant references to Chokmah. In chapter 24, Wisdom speaks about her origins, role in creation, and dwelling among the people of Israel. Verses 13-17, often referred to as the "Riddling List of Ecclesiasticus", use a series of trees to describe Wisdom:{{sfnp|Graves|1948|p=264–5}}

* Cedar: "I grew tall like a cedar in Lebanon, and like a cypress on the heights of Hermon."
* Palm Tree: "I grew tall like a palm tree in En-gedi, and like rosebushes in Jericho."
* Olive Tree: "Like a fair olive tree in the field, and like a plane tree beside water I grew tall."
* Cane: "Like cinnamon and camel’s thorn, I gave forth perfume, and like choice myrrh I spread my fragrance."
* Galbanum, Onyx, Stacte, and Frankincense: "Like galbanum, onyx, and stacte, and like the odor of frankincense in the tent."
*Terebinth: "Like a terebinth I spread out my branches, and my branches are glorious and graceful."

These metaphors emphasize Wisdom's beauty, strength, and presence in various forms, signifying her integral role in the natural world and divine connection. Each image in the list represents different attributes of Wisdom: the cedar and cypress for strength and majesty, the palm tree and rosebush for beauty and grace, the olive tree and plane tree for fruitfulness and resilience, and the aromatic plants for the pleasing and pervasive influence of Wisdom. The terebinth represents spreading influence and enduring presence.{{sfnp|Brunton|1927|pp=123ff}}

===In the Talmud===
''Chokmah'' is also discussed in the [[Talmud]], representing a high level of wisdom. The Talmudic order of ''[[Kodshim]]'', related to sacred things, is described in [[Shabbat (Talmud)|tractate Shabbat]] 31a as a significant area of study that imparts ''Chokmah''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shabbat 31a |url=https://www.sefaria.org/Shabbat.31a?lang=bi}}</ref> This reflects the importance of deep scholarly engagement with sacred texts as a path to attaining wisdom.{{sfnp|Wilson|1901}}

== Practical applications ==
In practical Kabbalistic practices, Chokmah is approached through meditation and contemplation to gain wisdom and insight. Practitioners focus on developing a deep sense of selflessness, as Chokmah embodies the "power of selflessness" (''koach mah''). This involves visualizing the flow of divine wisdom and seeking to align one's thoughts and actions with higher principles.{{sfnp|Kaplan|1995}}

==In Western esotericism==
In [[Hermetic Qabalah]], the Tree of Life is viewed as if the practitioner is looking outward from within the diagram. This perspective places Chokmah on the practitioner's left, corresponding to the left hemisphere of the brain, often associated with analytical thinking. Chokmah is also considered the root of [[Boaz and Jachin|Jachin]], one of the two pillars symbolizing stability and establishment.

According to the [[Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn]], the name of God associated with Chokmah is [[Jah|Yah]], the [[archangel]] that presides over it is [[Raziel]], who reveals divine secrets. The order of [[angel]]s that reside in it are the [[Ophanim]] ("Wheels"), which represent dynamic divine insight. The Heaven of [[Assiah]] associated with it is called Mazloth, implying the fulfillment of destiny, and the physical manifestation associated with it is the [[Zodiac]].{{sfnmp|1a1=Regardie|1y=1970|2a1=Regardie|2y=1999}}

In [[Aleister Crowley]]'s ''[[777 and Other Qabalistic Writings of Aleister Crowley|Liber 777]]'', Chokmah is associated with the color grey, the four Twos of the [[Thoth Tarot|Tarot]], [[Shiva]], [[Odin]], [[Athena]], [[God the Father]], [[Amaranth]], [[Star Ruby]], [[Hashish]], [[yin and yang|Yang]] and [[List of hexagrams of the I Ching#Hexagram 1|Khien]], and [[Insanity]].{{sfnp|Crowley|1986|loc=Table I, cols. XV, XIV, XXII, XXXIII, XXXIV, XXXVI, XXXIX, XL, XLIII, XLVI, CLXXXVI}} He lists its associated opposing [[qliphah]] as Ghagiel.{{sfnmp|1a1=Crowley|1y=1986|1p=2|1loc=Table I, col. VIII|2a1=Regardie|2y=1970|2p=82|2loc=Fifth knowledge lecture|3a1=Godwin|3y=1994|3p={{page needed|date=July 2024}}}}

=== Paths ===
The paths connecting Chokmah to other sefirot are significant. The path to [[Keter]] is associated with [[The Fool (tarot card)|The Fool]], symbolizing the initial spark of creation. The path to [[Binah (Kabbalah)|Binah]] is linked to [[The Empress (tarot card)|The Empress]], representing the nurturing of wisdom into understanding. The path to [[Chesed]] corresponds to [[The Hierophant]], symbolizing the transmission of divine wisdom through teaching. Lastly, the path to [[Tiferet]] is represented by [[The Emperor (tarot card)|The Emperor]], reflecting the integration of wisdom into balanced authority.{{sfnmp|1a1=Fortune|1y=2000|2a1=Crowley|2y=1969}}

==See also==
* {{annotated link|Chabad}}
* {{annotated link|Hikmah}}
* {{annotated link|Holy Wisdom}}
* {{annotated link|Seder hishtalshelus|''Seder hishtalshelus''}}
* {{annotated link|True Will}}

==References==
=== Citations ===
{{Reflist|30em}}

=== Works cited ===
{{refbegin|30em|indent=yes}}
* {{cite book |last=Ashlag |first=Yehuda |year=2002 |title=In the Shadow of the Ladder: Introductions to Kabbalah |place=Israel |publisher=Nehora Press |isbn=978-965-7222-08-9}}
* {{cite book |title=The Bahir |translator=[[Aryeh Kaplan]] |year=1995 |publisher=Aronson |isbn=1-56821-383-2 |ref={{sfnref|Bahir|1995}}}}
* {{cite book |editor-first=Michael |editor-last=Berg |title=The Zohar: Prologue, Beresheet A. |year=1999 |place=Israel |publisher=Yeshivat "Kol Yehuda"}}
* {{cite book |editor1-first=G. Johannes |editor1-last=Botterweck |editor2-first=Helmer |editor2-last=Ringgren |title=Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament |volume=IV |year=1974 |publisher=Eerdmans Publishing Company |isbn=978-0-8028-2328-1}}
* {{cite book |last=Brunton |first=V. |year=1927 |title=Ecclesiasticus Or the Wisdom of Jesus Son of Sirach |publisher=John Lane}}
* {{cite book |first=Moshe |last=Cordovero |author-link=Moses ben Jacob Cordovero |title=The Palm Tree of Devorah |translator=Moshe Miller |year=1993 |publisher=Targum Press |isbn=1-56871-027-5}}
* {{cite book |last=Crowley |first=Aleister |author-link=Aleister Crowley |others=Illustrated by [[Lady Frieda Harris]] |title=[[The Book of Thoth (Crowley)|The Book of Thoth: A Short Essay on the Tarot of the Egyptians]] |year=1969 |orig-year=1944 |edition=reprint |place=New York |publisher=[[Samuel Weiser]]}}
* {{cite book |first=Aleister |last=Crowley |title=[[777 and other Qabalistic writings of Aleister Crowley]] |year=1986 |publisher=[[Samuel Weiser]] |location=York Beach, Maine |isbn=0-87728-670-1}}
* {{cite book |last=Fine |first=Lawrence |title=Physician of the Soul, Healer of the Cosmos: Isaac Luria and his Kabbalistic Fellowship |place=Palo Alto |publisher=[[Stanford University Press]] |year=2003}}{{ISBN?}}
* {{cite book |first=Dion |last=Fortune |author-link=Dion Fortune |title=The Mystical Kabbalah |year=2000 |publisher=[[Samuel Weiser]] |orig-year=1935 |isbn=1-57863-150-5 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/mysticalqabalah00fort_0}}
* {{cite book |first=David |last=Godwin |title=Godwin's Cabalistic Encyclopedia: A Complete Guide to Cabalistic Magick |publisher= LLewelyn Worldwide |year=1994 |isbn=978-1-56718-324-5}}
* {{cite book |last=Graves |first=Robert |author-link=Robert Graves |year=1948 |title=The White Goddess: A Historical Grammar of Poetic Myth |publisher=Faber & Faber |isbn=978-0-571-02362-2}}
* {{cite book |last=Green |first=Arthur |author-link=Arthur Green |year=2004 |title=A Guide to the Zohar |publisher=Stanford University Press |isbn=978-0-8047-4908-4}}
* {{cite book |last=Kaplan |first=Aryeh |author-link=Aryeh Kaplan |year=1995 |title=Meditation and Kabbalah |publisher=Jason Aronson |isbn=978-1-56821-381-1}}
* {{cite book |last=Kaplan |first=Aryeh |year=1997 |title=Sefer Yetzirah: The Book of Creation |publisher=Weiser Books |isbn=978-0-87728-855-8}}
* {{cite book |last=Murphy |first=Roland E. |chapter=Wisdom in the Old Testament |title=Anchor Bible Dictionary |volume=6 |editor-first=David Noel |editor-last=Freedman |pages=920–931 |place=New York |publisher=Doubleday |year=1992}}
* {{cite book |last=Regardie |first=Israel |author-link=Israel Regardie |title=The Golden Dawn |date=1970 |isbn=0-87542-663-8 |publisher=Llewellyn Worldwide}}
* {{cite book |first=Israel |last=Regardie |title=[[A Garden of Pomegranates]] |year=1999 |publisher=Llewellyn |orig-year=1932 |isbn=1-56718-141-4}}
* {{cite book |last=Samuel |first=Gabriella |year=2007 |title=Kabbalah Handbook: A Concise Encyclopedia of Terms and Concepts in Jewish Mysticism |publisher=Penguin Publishing Group |isbn=978-1-101-21846-4 |oclc=488308797}}
*{{Cite book |last=Scholem |first=Gershom |author-link=Gershom Scholem |title=Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism |date=1995 |location=New York |publisher=Schocken Books |isbn=978-0-8052-1042-2}}
* {{cite book |last=Smith |first=R. L. |year=2021 |title=Such a Mind as This: A Biblical-Theological Study of Thinking in the Old Testament |publisher=Wipf and Stock Publishers |isbn=978-1-6667-2554-4}}
* {{cite book |editor-first=Epiphanius |editor-last=Wilson |title=Hebrew Literature: Comprising Talmudic Treatises, Hebrew Melodies and the Kabbalah Unveiled |year=1901 |place=New York |publisher=Willey Book Company |translator1=[[Joseph Barclay]] |translator2=[[Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3mM7AQAAMAAJ}}
{{refend}}

== Further reading ==
{{refbegin|30em|indent=yes}}
* {{cite book |last=Crowley |first=Aleister |author-link=Aleister Crowley |editor=Germer, Karl J. |editor-link=Karl Germer |date=1952 |title=[[The Vision and the Voice]] |place=Barstow, California |publisher=[[Thelema Publishing Company]] |edition=1st |ref=none}} With an introduction by [[Israel Regardie]].
* {{cite book |last=Idel |first=Moshe |author-link=Moshe Idel |title=Kabbalah: New Perspectives |place=New Haven and London |publisher=[[Yale University Press]] |year=1988 |isbn=978-0-300-04699-1 |ref=none}}
* {{cite book |last=Regardie |first=Israel |author-link=Israel Regardie |year=1972 |title=The Tree of Life |publisher=Samuel Weiser |isbn=978-0877281498 |ref=none}}
* {{cite book |first=Arthur Edward |last=Waite |author-link=Arthur Edward Waite |title=The Holy Kabbalah |year=2007 |publisher=Cosimo Classics |isbn=978-1-60206-324-2 |ref=none}}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
*[https://inner.org/sefirot/sefchoch.htm Basics in Kabbalah, The Ten Sefirot: Chochmah] (inner.org)
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20081012024957/http://altreligion.about.com/library/texts/bl_introkabbalahwestcott12.htm An Introduction to the Kabala] (about.com)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20190407074446/https://www.aish.com/spirituality/kabbala101/Inspired_Intellect.asp Kabbalah 101: Chochmah] (aish.com)
*[http://www.chabad.org/article.asp?AID=6237 Lessons in Tanya] (chabad.org)
*[https://www.kabbalahempowerment.com/wisdom-and-understanding/ Chokhmah And Binah (Wisdom And Understanding) – How Your Awesome Mind Is Spirituality Wired] (kabbalahempowerment.com)

[[Category:Kabbalistic words and phrases]]
[[Category:Sefirot]]
[[Category:Wisdom]]