Lexical Summary amon: Craftsman, Master Workman Original Word: אָמוֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance one brought up From 'aman, probably in the sense of training; skilled, i.e. An architect (like 'aman) -- one brought up. see HEBREW 'aman see HEBREW 'aman NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom aman Definition an artificer, architect, master workman NASB Translation artisans (1), master workman (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. אָמוֺן noun masculine artificer, architect, master-workman, as firm and sure in his workman-ship: וָאֶהְיֶה אֶצְלוֺ אָמוֺן I was at his side architect, master-workman (ᵐ5 ᵑ6 ᵑ9 Ges Ew De MV RV, > foster-son AE Ki AV) Proverbs 8:30; יֶתֶר הָֽאָמוֺן rest of the master-workmen Jeremiah 52:15 (Hi Gf De RVm, but rest of the multitude Ges MV RV et al., אמון = המון) — I. אָמוֺן see above. Topical Lexicon Semantic Range and Translation Choices אָמוֹן conveys the idea of a skilled worker entrusted with the execution of a design. English renderings include “master craftsman,” “skilled craftsman,” “architect,” or “artisan.” Some ancient versions accentuate the relational nuance of being “brought up” or “nurtured,” highlighting tenderness as well as technical proficiency. Both strands—expert workmanship and intimate association—contribute to the theological richness of the term. Occurrence in Scripture The word appears once, in the climactic creation hymn of Proverbs 8:22-31. Its solitary placement intensifies its weight, situating it at the heart of inspired reflection on God’s creative act. Contextual Exegesis of Proverbs 8:30 “Then I was a skilled craftsman at His side, and His delight day by day, rejoicing always in His presence” (Proverbs 8:30). 1. Proximity: “at His side” underscores Wisdom’s uninterrupted fellowship with the LORD during creation. Theological Implications • Doctrine of Creation: אָמוֹן supports the truth that the universe is neither random nor self-generating; it is the product of expert design orchestrated in intimate fellowship within the Godhead (see Isaiah 40:12-14). Christological Considerations The New Testament repeatedly ascribes creative agency to the pre-incarnate Son: “Through Him all things were made” (John 1:3); “by Him all things were created” (Colossians 1:16). Early church writers saw Proverbs 8:30 as foreshadowing the Logos, consistent with Paul’s declaration that Christ is “the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24). While personified Wisdom is literary, the attributes mapped perfectly onto the eternal Son, providing a canonical bridge between Old and New Testaments. Practical and Devotional Applications • Confidence in God’s Order: Believers labor in a universe embedded with divine wisdom; vocational excellence becomes an act of worship mirroring the master craftsman. Historical Reception Jewish interpreters debated whether אָמוֹן signified craftsman or foster-child, yet all agreed it asserts Wisdom’s indispensability. The Greek Fathers frequently cited the verse to affirm the Son’s eternality against Arian claims, while Reformation commentators stressed that the term magnifies Christ’s mediatorial role in both creation and redemption. Related Concepts and Intertextual Echoes • “Spirit of God…was hovering” (Genesis 1:2) – the Spirit’s creative presence parallels Wisdom’s. Summary אָמוֹן in Proverbs 8:30 portrays Wisdom as the master craftsman delighting at God’s side. The term affirms meticulous design, relational joy and an unbroken unity within the Godhead during creation. Viewed through the full counsel of Scripture, the verse prefigures the Lord Jesus Christ, calling believers to trust the wise order He fashioned, to seek His wisdom for holy living, and to serve with the same joy that resonated at the dawn of time. Forms and Transliterations אָ֫מ֥וֹן אמון ’ā·mō·wn ’āmōwn aMonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 8:30 HEB: וָֽאֶהְיֶ֥ה אֶצְל֗וֹ אָ֫מ֥וֹן וָֽאֶהְיֶ֣ה שַׁ֭עֲשֻׁעִים NAS: Then I was beside Him, [as] a master workman; And I was daily KJV: Then I was by him, [as] one brought up [with him]: and I was daily INT: become was beside Him a master become delight 1 Occurrence |
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