This adjective describes someone who possesses knowledge and understanding—an expert, a skilled person, someone versed in a particular domain. In James 3:13, it appears in the question 'Who is wise and understanding among you?' paralleling wisdom with expertise or skill. Classical usage emphasized both theoretical knowledge and practical skill: being versed in seafaring, knowledgeable about a craft, or skilled in counsel. The multilingual evidence (Spanish entendido, German verständig) consistently emphasizes the intellectual dimension—understanding as mental capacity rather than mere information.