Bible Encyclopedias
Wise

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

(חָכָם, chakdm, σόφος). The Hebrew word, חֲכָמֹי, chakamin, rendered "wise men" (Genesis 41:8; Exodus 7:11; Ecclesiastes 9:17; Jeremiah 1:35; Esther 1:13) not only signifies men celebrated for wisdom, magi, but also magicians or enchanters. (See MAGIC). The feminine of the same term, חִכְמָה, chakmah, is used for a "wise woman," one noted for cunning or skill (2 Samuel 14:2; 2 Samuel 20:16). (See WITCH). The Hebrew word חִרְטֻמַּים chartummim, rendered "magicians" (Genesis 41:8; Genesis 41:24; Exodus 7:11; Exodus 7:22; Exodus 8:7; Exodus 8:18-19; Exodus 9:11; Daniel 1:20; Daniel 2:21), properly signifies sacred scribes, skilled in the sacred writing or hieroglyphics; and is applied to a class of Egyptian priests; and also to the magi of Babylon and Persia. (See MAGI). In Matthew 2:1-16, the Greek term is μάγος, having the same significance. (See STAR IN THE EAST).

Bibliography Information
McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Wise'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/​encyclopedias/​eng/​tce/​w/wise.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.