Definition and Significance:
Handwork refers to the labor and craftsmanship performed by human hands. In the biblical context, handwork encompasses a wide range of activities, including construction, artistry, weaving, and other forms of manual labor. It is often associated with diligence, skill, and the fulfillment of God's purposes through human effort.

Biblical References and Themes:

1. Creation and Divine Example:
The concept of handwork is rooted in the very act of creation, where God Himself is depicted as a craftsman. In Genesis 2:7, God forms man from the dust of the ground, illustrating divine craftsmanship: "Then the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being." This act sets a precedent for human creativity and labor.

2. Skill and Craftsmanship:
The Bible frequently highlights the importance of skill and excellence in handwork. In the construction of the Tabernacle, God specifically appoints Bezalel and Oholiab, filling them with His Spirit to perform skilled work. Exodus 31:3-5 states, "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."

3. Diligence and Labor:
Handwork is often associated with diligence and industriousness. Proverbs 31:13 speaks of the virtuous woman: "She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands." This verse underscores the value of hard work and the industrious nature of a godly life.

4. Provision and Sustenance:
Handwork is also linked to provision and sustenance. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10, Paul emphasizes the importance of work: "For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: 'If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.'" This reflects the biblical principle that labor is a means of providing for oneself and one's family.

5. Spiritual Symbolism:
Handwork can symbolize spiritual truths and divine workmanship. Ephesians 2:10 declares, "For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life." Here, the believer's life is likened to a work of art crafted by God, emphasizing the spiritual dimension of handwork.

6. Rest and Sabbath:
While handwork is valued, the Bible also prescribes rest from labor. The Sabbath commandment in Exodus 20:9-10 instructs, "Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God." This balance between work and rest is integral to the biblical understanding of labor.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In ancient Israel, handwork was an essential part of daily life, encompassing agriculture, construction, and various trades. Craftsmen and artisans held important roles in society, contributing to the community's economic and cultural development. The biblical narrative often reflects the agrarian and artisanal context of its time, where handwork was both a necessity and a form of worship.

Theological Implications:
Handwork in the Bible is not merely a physical activity but is imbued with spiritual significance. It reflects God's creative nature, human responsibility, and the call to excellence in all endeavors. Through handwork, individuals participate in God's ongoing creation, fulfill their God-given purposes, and contribute to the well-being of their communities.

There is Next to be Answered the Following Query...
... next to be answered the following query: "And how is it that he repents when men
become ungrateful and wicked; and finds fault with his own handwork, and hates ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter lviii there is next.htm

In the Next Place, Mixing up Together Various Heresies...
... of men? He finds fault, moreover, with his own handwork, [4548] and hates,
and threatens, and destroys his own offspring? Whither ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter liii in the next.htm

The Seventh Book
... clearly see his great works, the action has been performed through the medium of
a few men, of men of the lowest sort, so that his divine handwork might not be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the seventh book.htm

Handwork (2 Occurrences)
...Handwork (2 Occurrences). Exodus 31:3 And I have given him the spirit of God and
made him wise and full of knowledge and expert in every sort of handwork, (BBE) ...
/h/handwork.htm - 6k

Sort (143 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Exodus 31:3 And I have given him the spirit of God and made him wise and
full of knowledge and expert in every sort of handwork, (BBE). ...
/s/sort.htm - 36k

Ornamenting (1 Occurrence)
... Ornamenting (1 Occurrence). Exodus 35:33 Trained in the cutting of stones and
the ornamenting of wood and in every sort of handwork. (BBE). ...
/o/ornamenting.htm - 6k

Trained (37 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Exodus 35:33 Trained in the cutting
of stones and the ornamenting of wood and in every sort of handwork. (BBE). ...
/t/trained.htm - 19k

Expert (59 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Exodus 31:3 And I have given him the spirit of God and made him wise and
full of knowledge and expert in every sort of handwork, (BBE). ...
/e/expert.htm - 25k

Handworker (1 Occurrence)

/h/handworker.htm - 6k

Hand-weapon (1 Occurrence)
Hand-weapon. Hand'to, Hand-weapon. Handwork . Multi-Version Concordance
Hand-weapon (1 Occurrence). ... (WBS). Hand'to, Hand-weapon. Handwork . Reference
/h/hand-weapon.htm - 6k

Code (6 Occurrences)
... Parents who had given their child to a master, who had adopted it and taught
it handwork, could not claim it again (sections 188). ...
/c/code.htm - 40k

Hammurabi
... Parents who had given their child to a master, who had adopted it and taught
it handwork, could not claim it again (sections 188). ...
/h/hammurabi.htm - 47k

Handwork: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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