Lexical Summary Charashim: Craftsmen, artisans, smiths Original Word: חֲרָשִׁים Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Charashim, craftsmen Plural of charash; mechanics, the name of a valley in Jerusalem -- Charashim, craftsmen. see HEBREW charash NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originpl. of charash Definition "craftsmen," a man of Judah NASB Translation Ge-harashim* (1). Topical Lexicon Overview חֲרָשִׁים designates skilled craftsmen or artisans. The term highlights a profession essential to Israel’s social fabric, combining manual dexterity, artistic insight, and technological knowledge. Although appearing only twice in Scripture, it opens a window onto Israel’s economic life, prophetic warnings, and broader theological motifs concerning human creativity under the sovereignty of God. Occurrences in Scripture 1 Chronicles 4:14 situates חֲרָשִׁים within the Judean genealogy: “Seraiah was the father of Joab, the father of Ge-harashim, so called because they were craftsmen”. The locale’s very name—“Valley of Craftsmen”—memorializes the family’s vocation. Isaiah 3:3 lists the skilled worker among the leaders whose removal would herald judgment on Jerusalem: “the captain of fifty and the dignitary, the counselor, the cunning magician and the clever enchanter”. The loss of artisans is part of the prophetic picture of societal collapse. Social and Historical Significance 1. Economic Backbone. Artisans forged tools, weapons, and agricultural implements, built dwellings, and produced temple furnishings. Their expertise underpinned agriculture, warfare, and worship alike. Theological Themes 1. Divine Endowment of Skill. Scripture consistently portrays craftsmanship as Spirit-enabled (Exodus 31:1-5; 35:30-35). חֲרָשִׁים thus stands as testimony that artistic ability is a gift to be stewarded for God’s glory. Ministry Applications • Vocational Calling. Believers with technical or artistic gifts can glean affirmation of their calling. The Spirit values excellence in carpentry, metallurgy, architecture, and modern equivalents such as engineering and design. Conclusion Though brief in scriptural footprint, חֲרָשִׁים embodies a robust biblical theology of work: God equips people with creative skill, expects that skill to be exercised for communal good, and can withhold it in judgment. Recognizing and cultivating such gifts remains a vital component of faithful discipleship and societal welfare. Forms and Transliterations חֲרָשִׁ֔ים חֲרָשִׁ֖ים חרשים charaShim ḥă·rā·šîm ḥărāšîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 4:14 HEB: אֲבִי֙ גֵּ֣יא חֲרָשִׁ֔ים כִּ֥י חֲרָשִׁ֖ים KJV: of the valley of Charashim; for they were craftsmen. INT: the father of the valley of Charashim for were craftsmen Isaiah 3:3 2 Occurrences |
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