Topical Bible: Craftsmen

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In the biblical context, craftsmen hold a significant role, often seen as individuals endowed with skill and wisdom to create and build according to divine instruction. The Bible frequently references craftsmen in various capacities, highlighting their contributions to religious, cultural, and economic life in ancient Israel and surrounding regions.

Old Testament References

1. Bezalel and Oholiab: Among the most notable craftsmen in the Bible are Bezalel and Oholiab, who were appointed by God to construct the Tabernacle. In Exodus 31:1-6 , the Lord speaks to Moses, saying, "See, I have appointed by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship, to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every craft. Moreover, I have selected Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to work with him." This passage underscores the divine inspiration and empowerment given to craftsmen for sacred purposes.

2. Solomon's Temple: The construction of Solomon's Temple also involved skilled craftsmen. In 1 Kings 7:13-14 , Hiram of Tyre, a craftsman of great renown, is brought to work on the temple. "Now King Solomon sent to bring Huram from Tyre. He was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a craftsman in bronze from Tyre. Huram was filled with wisdom, understanding, and skill to do all kinds of bronze work. So he came to King Solomon and performed all his work." The temple's construction required expertise in various materials, including wood, stone, and metal, showcasing the diverse skills of ancient craftsmen.

3. Idolatry and Craftsmen: The Bible also addresses the role of craftsmen in the creation of idols, often condemning their work when it leads to idolatry. Isaiah 44:12-13 describes the process: "The craftsman sharpens his tool and works over the coals. He fashions an idol with hammers and forges it with his strong arm. He grows hungry and loses his strength; he fails to drink water and grows faint. The woodworker stretches a measuring line; he marks it out with a stylus. He shapes it with chisels and outlines it with a compass. He makes it in the form of a man, like a man in all his glory, that it may dwell in a shrine." This passage highlights the futility and spiritual danger of crafting idols, contrasting with the divinely inspired work of craftsmen like Bezalel and Oholiab.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the role of craftsmen is less prominent but still present. The Apostle Paul, for instance, was a tentmaker by trade, as noted in Acts 18:3 : "And because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade." This indicates that craftsmanship was a respected and necessary occupation in the early Christian community.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons

Craftsmanship in the Bible often symbolizes the divine-human partnership in creation and the importance of using one's God-given talents for righteous purposes. The skills of craftsmen are seen as gifts from God, meant to be used in service to Him and His people. The meticulous work of Bezalel and Oholiab on the Tabernacle, for example, reflects the beauty and order of God's creation, while the warnings against idolatrous craftsmanship serve as a reminder of the need for spiritual discernment and fidelity to God.

Overall, craftsmen in the Bible are portrayed as vital contributors to the community, whose work, when aligned with divine will, serves to glorify God and advance His purposes on earth.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

(n.) Plural of Craftsman.

Greek

5079. technites -- a craftsman, artificer
... Word Origin from techne Definition a craftsman, artificer NASB Word Usage architect
(1), craftsman (1), craftsmen (2). builder, craftsman. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5079.htm - 6k

Strong's Hebrew

2798. Charashim -- "craftsmen," a man of Judah
... Charashim. 2799 . "craftsmen," a man of Judah. Transliteration: Charashim Phonetic
Spelling: (khar-aw-sheem') Short Definition: Ge-harashim. ... Charashim, craftsmen ...
/hebrew/2798.htm - 6k

2796. charash -- engraver, artificer
... 2795, 2796. charash. 2797 . engraver, artificer. Transliteration: charash
Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-rawsh') Short Definition: craftsmen. ...
/hebrew/2796.htm - 6k

Library

The Fight with Wild Beasts at Ephesus
... For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines
for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; 25. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the fight with wild beasts.htm

Days of Toil and Trial
... The speaker chosen was Alexander, one of the craftsmen, a coppersmith, to whom Paul
afterward referred as having done him much evil.2 Timothy 4:14. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 28 days of toil.htm

The So-Called Letter to Diognetus
... the potter a fourth! These things have been molded into their present shapes
by the arts of these craftsmen. Before they were shaped ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the so-called letter to diognetus.htm

The First Apology of Justin, the Martyr
... You know well enough without our mentioning it how the craftsmen prepare their
material, scraping and cutting and molding and beating. ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the first apology of justin.htm

The Uproar in Ephesus.
... If this doctrine should prevail, as there was reason to fear, from the great number
who had already embraced it, those craftsmen would starve for want of ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiii the uproar in.htm

The Conversion of Apollos, his Character, and the Ministry of Paul ...
... A strong current of indignation was turned against the missionaries; and the craftsmen
were convinced that they were bound to support the credit of their ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter viii the conversion of.htm

Whether Religious are Bound to Manual Labor?
... on each individual, but it suffices that one person apply himself to this business
and another to that; for instance, that some be craftsmen, others husbandmen ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether religious are bound to.htm

Of God and his Exclusive Eternity.
... Thus, forsooth, [they reason] from their carnal familiarity with the sight of craftsmen
and house-builders, and artisans of all descriptions, who have no power ...
/.../augustine/a treatise on faith and the creed /chapter 2 of god and his.htm

Here Peradventure Some Man May Say, "If it was Bodily Work that ...
... honest. The Apostle then would not disdain either to take in hand any work
of peasants, or to be employed in the labor of craftsmen. ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 14 here peradventure some.htm

Paul's Epistles; his Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem ...
... secular games, at which the Asiarchs presided, took place during the month of May,
the disorderly proceedings of Demetrius and the craftsmen, which occurred at ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ix pauls epistles his.htm

Thesaurus

Craftsmen (22 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Craftsman. Multi-Version Concordance
Craftsmen (22 Occurrences). Acts 19:24 For a certain ...
/c/craftsmen.htm - 14k

Charashim (1 Occurrence)
...Craftsmen, a valley named in 1 Chronicles 4:14. In Nehemiah 11:35 the Hebrew
word is rendered "valley of craftsmen" (RV marg., Geha-rashim). ...
/c/charashim.htm - 7k

Smiths (5 Occurrences)
... 2 Kings 24:14 He carried away all Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the mighty
men of valor, even ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and the ...
/s/smiths.htm - 8k

Ge-harashim (2 Occurrences)
... Chronicles 4:14, the King James Version renders "valley of Charashim." In Nehemiah
11:35, English Versions of the Bible renders "valley of craftsmen"; here it ...
/g/ge-harashim.htm - 7k

Lod (4 Occurrences)
... The town lay in the Shephelah, perhaps in ge ha-charashim, "the valley of craftsmen"
(Nehemiah 11:35). ... Nehemiah 11:35 Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen. ...
/l/lod.htm - 11k

Crafts (2 Occurrences)
... Spinning and Weaving 17. Tanning 18. Tent-Making 19. Wine-Making III. CRAFTSMEN
LITERATURE I. Sources of Our Knowledge of the Crafts of the Bible. ...
/c/crafts.htm - 30k

Jeconiah (9 Occurrences)
... Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim,
king of Judah, and the princes of Judah, with the craftsmen and smiths ...
/j/jeconiah.htm - 9k

Lydda (3 Occurrences)
... The town lay in the Shephelah, perhaps in ge ha-charashim, "the valley of craftsmen"
(Nehemiah 11:35). In the New Testament it appears as Lydda. ...
/l/lydda.htm - 11k

Smith (7 Occurrences)
... Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim,
king of Judah, and the princes of Judah, with the craftsmen and smiths ...
/s/smith.htm - 9k

Demetrius (3 Occurrences)
... This trade brought to him and his fellow-craftsmen "no small gain," for these shrines
found a ready sale among the countless thousands who came to this temple ...
/d/demetrius.htm - 17k

Resources

What are the meanings of the various visions in the book of Zechariah? | GotQuestions.org

Who were Bezalel and Oholiab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

When and how was Judah conquered by the Babylonians? | GotQuestions.org

Craftsmen: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Craftsmen (22 Occurrences)

Acts 19:24
For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen,
(WEB KJV ASV NAS RSV NIV)

Acts 19:38
If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a matter against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them press charges against one another.
(WEB KJV ASV NAS RSV NIV)

Exodus 31:6
I, behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the heart of all who are wise-hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded you:
(See NIV)

Exodus 35:35
Them hath He filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of workmanship, of the craftsman, and of the skilful workman, and of the weaver in colours, in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any workmanship, and of those that devise skilful works.
(See NIV)

Exodus 36:4
All the wise men, who performed all the work of the sanctuary, each came from his work which they did.
(See NIV)

2 Kings 24:14
He carried away all Jerusalem, and all the princes, and all the mighty men of valor, even ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and the smiths; none remained, save the poorest sort of the people of the land.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV)

2 Kings 24:16
All the men of might, even seven thousand, and the craftsmen and the smiths one thousand, all of them strong and apt for war, even them the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV)

1 Chronicles 4:14
Meonothai became the father of Ophrah: and Seraiah became the father of Joab the father of Ge Harashim; for they were craftsmen.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV)

1 Chronicles 22:15
There are also workmen with you in abundance, cutters and workers of stone and timber, and all kinds of men who are skillful in every kind of work:
(See RSV)

1 Chronicles 22:16
of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise and be doing, and Yahweh be with you.
(See NIV)

1 Chronicles 29:5
of gold for the things of gold, and of silver for the things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. Who then offereth willingly to consecrate himself this day unto the LORD?'
(See NAS RSV NIV)

2 Chronicles 2:7
Now therefore send me a man skillful to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and who knows how to engrave all manner of engravings, to be with the skillful men who are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom David my father did provide.
(See NIV)

2 Chronicles 2:14
the son of a woman of the daughters of Dan; and his father was a man of Tyre, skillful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson, also to engrave any manner of engraving, and to devise any device; that there may be a place appointed to him with your skillful men, and with the skillful men of my lord David your father.
(See RSV NIV)

Nehemiah 11:35
Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 44:11
Behold, all his fellows shall be put to shame; and the workmen, they are of men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; they shall fear, they shall be put to shame together.
(See JPS NAS RSV NIV)

Jeremiah 24:1
Yahweh showed me, and behold, two baskets of figs set before the temple of Yahweh, after that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and the princes of Judah, with the craftsmen and smiths, from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon.
(WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV)

Jeremiah 29:2
(after that Jeconiah the king, and the queen mother, and the eunuchs, and the princes of Judah and Jerusalem, and the craftsmen, and the smiths, were departed from Jerusalem),
(WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV)

Jeremiah 52:15
Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive of the poorest of the people, and the residue of the people who were left in the city, and those who fell away, who fell to the king of Babylon, and the residue of the multitude.
(See NIV)

Ezekiel 27:9
The old men of Gebal and the wise men of it were in you your repairers of ship seams: all the ships of the sea with their mariners were in you to deal in your merchandise.
(See NIV)

Hosea 13:2
Now they sin more and more, and have made themselves molten images of their silver, even idols according to their own understanding, all of them the work of the craftsmen. They say of them,'They offer human sacrifice and kiss the calves.'
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV)

Zechariah 1:20
Yahweh showed me four craftsmen.
(WEB JPS DBY NAS NIV)

Zechariah 1:21
Then I asked, "What are these coming to do?" He said, "These are the horns which scattered Judah, so that no man lifted up his head; but these have come to terrify them, to cast down the horns of the nations, which lifted up their horn against the land of Judah to scatter it."
(See NAS NIV)

Subtopics

Craftsmen

Related Terms

Guile (21 Occurrences)

Deception (24 Occurrences)

Craftiness (8 Occurrences)

Churl (6 Occurrences)

Craft (14 Occurrences)

Subtlety (3 Occurrences)

Subtle (5 Occurrences)

Crag (5 Occurrences)

Craftsmen (22 Occurrences)