Lexical Summary chishshabon: Thought, plan, device Original Word: חִשָּׁבּוֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance engine, invention From chashab; a contrivance, i.e. Actual (a warlike machine) or mental (a machination) -- engine, invention. see HEBREW chashab NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom chashab Definition device, invention NASB Translation devices (1), engines (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [חִשָּׁבוֺן] noun masculine device, invention (compare LagBN 200) — only plural absolute חִשְּׁבֹנוֺת; עָשָׁה הָאֱלֹהִים אֶתהָֿאָדָם יָשָׁר וְהֵמָּה בִקְשׁוּ חִשְּׁבֹנוֺת רַבִּים Ecclesiastes 7:29 God made mankind upright but they sought out many devices; וַיַּעַשׂ חִשְּׁבֹנוֺת מַחֲשֶׁבֶת חֹוֺשֵׁב2Chronicles 26:15 and he made contrivances (i.e. engines of war for hurling stones and arrows, see vb) the invention of inventive men. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrences• 2 Chronicles 26:15 – “He made skillfully designed devices in Jerusalem to be on the towers and corners to shoot arrows and hurl large stones; and his fame spread far and wide, for he was marvelously helped until he became strong.” • Ecclesiastes 7:29 – “Only this have I found: I have discovered that God made men upright, but they have sought out many schemes.” Literary and Contextual Analysis The first occurrence describes military technology commissioned by King Uzziah. The second speaks of moral “schemes” pursued by fallen humanity. The single term thus spans two spheres: 1. Constructive ingenuity that protects and advances society. Both contexts underscore that human creativity, while a divine gift, is ethically pliable and accountable to God. Historical Background Uzziah’s “devices” were likely early torsion-powered engines or multi-arrow launchers mounted on towers—precursors to later Mediterranean siege technologies. Their placement at “towers and corners” maximized defensive range, showing Judah’s openness to engineering advancement. This period (eighth century B.C.) was marked by Assyrian military pressure, making technical innovation a strategic necessity. In contrast, Ecclesiastes arises from the wisdom tradition that evaluates life “under the sun.” The Teacher observes that post-Eden mankind diverts its inventive capacity toward self-serving stratagems rather than covenant obedience. Theological Themes 1. Human Creativity as Imago Dei 2. Moral Ambiguity of Technology 3. Wisdom versus Folly Ministry and Practical Application • Stewardship: Churches and individuals should harness technological tools for gospel proclamation and compassionate service (1 Corinthians 10:31). • Discernment: Before adopting innovations, leaders must test motives and outcomes against Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22). • Accountability: Creative gifts are platforms for faithful witness; misuse invites discipline, as Uzziah himself experienced when pride later led to his downfall (2 Chronicles 26:16-21). Related Scriptures Proverbs 8:12; Proverbs 19:21; Isaiah 54:17; Micah 2:1; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5; Ephesians 2:10. Devotional Reflection Every believer confronts a choice: employ “devices” for kingdom defense and edification, or pursue “schemes” that fracture fellowship with God. By consecrating creativity to Christ, the church transforms invention into ministry, echoing King David’s prayer, “May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” (Psalm 20:4). Forms and Transliterations חִשְּׁבֹנ֜וֹת חִשְּׁבֹנ֥וֹת חשבנות chishshevoNot ḥiš·šə·ḇō·nō·wṯ ḥiššəḇōnōwṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Chronicles 26:15 HEB: וַיַּ֣עַשׂ ׀ בִּירוּשָׁלִַ֨ם חִשְּׁבֹנ֜וֹת מַחֲשֶׁ֣בֶת חוֹשֵׁ֗ב NAS: he made engines [of war] invented KJV: in Jerusalem engines, invented INT: made Jerusalem engines invented skillful Ecclesiastes 7:29 2 Occurrences |
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