Heb. hammaśkilim, from the verb śakal, “to be prudent.” The form may be understood either in a simple sense, as “those who are prudent,” “those who have insight,” or in a causative sense, “those who cause to have insight,” that is, “those who teach.” The man who truly has insight into the things of God realizes that, by virtue of that very fact, these things must be shared with others. Divine wisdom leads him to be a teacher of that wisdom to others.

 Maśkilim appears in ch. 11:33, where it is translated, “they that understand.” There they are shown as persecuted for their faithful endeavors; here they are rewarded with eternal glory. Compare v. 10.