Lexical Summary Darda: Darda Original Word: דַּרְדַּע Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Darda Apparently from dar and dea'; pearl of knowledge; Darda, an Israelite -- Darda. see HEBREW dar see HEBREW dea' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition an Isr. NASB Translation Darda (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs דַּרְדַּע proper name, masculine (etymology dubious; possibly = דַּרְדַּר belonging then below דרר, compare Thes Add83) — only 1 Kings 5:11 Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol (types of wise men, but Solomon wiser than they); = דָּ֖רַע 1 Chronicles 2:6, where read דַּרְדַּע with ᵑ6 ᵑ7 & Manuscripts דַּרְדַּר see דרר. דָּרוֺם, דְּרוֺר see דרר. Topical Lexicon Name in Scriptural Narrative Darda appears in Scripture as one of the renowned sages whose fame for insight provided the benchmark by which King Solomon’s extraordinary wisdom was measured (1 Kings 4:31). Biblical Occurrence 1 Kings 4:31 records that Solomon “was wiser than anyone else, wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Calcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol”. This single verse frames Darda’s entire canonical footprint yet situates him within a memorable quartet of sages. Historical Background The reference belongs to the section describing Solomon’s reign (1 Kings 4:20–34), where the text highlights economic prosperity, administrative order, and a flourishing intellectual culture. Ancient Israel, like neighboring Near-Eastern societies, prized collections of proverbs, riddles, songs, and parables as vehicles for transmitting communal wisdom. Darda and his companions likely stood within that larger wisdom tradition—figures whose sayings, though now lost to us, were known and highly regarded in their own time. Comparison with Solomon’s Wisdom The intention of 1 Kings 4:31 is not primarily to exalt Darda but to magnify Solomon. By stacking Solomon’s reputation against esteemed sages, the Spirit-inspired narrator affirms that Solomon’s wisdom was a gift surpassing even the greatest human attainments. The comparison therefore underscores the uniqueness of divine endowment: Solomon “spoke three thousand proverbs, and his songs numbered a thousand and five” (1 Kings 4:32). Darda’s inclusion amplifies the superlative claim, lending credibility to the record of Solomon’s superior wisdom. Association with the Sons of Mahol The phrase “sons of Mahol” may indicate literal lineage or a guild designation (“sons” in the sense of disciples). “Mahol” is often related to dance or music, suggesting that these men—Ethan, Heman, Calcol, and Darda—were celebrated court musicians or sages whose wisdom was embedded in lyrical composition. The connection to music aligns with the ascription of Psalm 88 to Heman the Ezrahite and Psalm 89 to Ethan the Ezrahite, pointing to an overlap between Israel’s musical and wisdom traditions. Tradition and Possible Identity Later Jewish writings occasionally identify Darda with “Dara” of 1 Chronicles 2:6, one of the sons of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah. If this linkage is correct, Darda belonged to a line noted for producing men of understanding. While Scripture does not confirm the identification, it illustrates how deeply his reputation permeated Israel’s collective memory. Theology of Wisdom Darda’s fleeting yet strategic placement in 1 Kings contributes to a biblical theology that distinguishes human wisdom from divinely granted wisdom. Human sagacity—as personified by Darda—possesses genuine worth, yet it remains eclipsed by the wisdom originating in God. The Old Testament’s esteem for wisdom anticipates the New Testament revelation of Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). Ministry Implications 1. Value of God-given Insight: Darda serves as a reminder that communities ought to honor individuals gifted with discernment, while recognizing that such gifts ultimately point beyond themselves to the Giver. Further References for Study 1 Kings 3:9–12; 1 Kings 4:29–34; Psalm 88; Psalm 89; Proverbs 1:7; Ecclesiastes 12:9–14; Colossians 2:2–3; James 1:5 Forms and Transliterations וְדַרְדַּ֖ע ודרדע vedarDa wə·ḏar·da‘ wəḏarda‘Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 4:31 HEB: וְהֵימָ֧ן וְכַלְכֹּ֛ל וְדַרְדַּ֖ע בְּנֵ֣י מָח֑וֹל NAS: Calcol and Darda, the sons KJV: and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons INT: Heman Calcol and Darda the sons of Mahol 1 Occurrence |
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