Definition

Proper noun: - An Apocryphal book: A book found in the collection of ancient Jewish writings known as the Apocrypha, which is included in some versions of the Christian Old Testament but not in the Hebrew Bible. Its main content is a philosophical and theological meditation on the nature and value of wisdom. - Attributed authorship: Although traditionally ascribed to King Solomon, a figure renowned in the Bible for his wisdom, scholarly consensus holds that it was likely composed much later, probably in the first century BC.

Usage Examples

• As a title:
  • "The Wisdom of Solomon is studied for its insights into Hellenistic Jewish thought."
  • "In the Wisdom of Solomon, divine wisdom is personified as a feminine figure."
  • "Passages from the Wisdom of Solomon are sometimes read in liturgical settings."

Advanced Usage

• Theological context: The book is significant for its fusion of Jewish religious tradition with Greek philosophical concepts, particularly regarding the immortality of the soul and the nature of righteousness.
• Literary analysis: It is often analyzed as an example of "wisdom literature," a genre that includes books like Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, but with a distinct Hellenistic influence.

Variants and Related Words

• Book of Wisdom: An alternative, common title for the same text.
• Solomon (Proper noun): The Israelite king to whom the book's authorship is traditionally attributed.
• Apocrypha (Noun): The collection of books to which the Wisdom of Solomon belongs.
• Wisdom literature (Noun): The genre of biblical writing focused on proverbs, instruction, and philosophical reflection.

Synonyms

• Book of Wisdom: The direct synonym and alternate title.

Notes on Meaning

This term refers specifically to a single, canonical text. It is not used as a general phrase to describe someone's wise decisions or insights, even if they are named Solomon.

Noun

1. an Apocryphal book consisting mainly of a meditation on wisdom; although ascribed to Solomon it was probably written in the first century BC