Topical Encyclopedia A silver-smith in biblical times was an artisan skilled in crafting items from silver, a precious metal highly valued for its beauty and utility. The role of the silver-smith is mentioned in the context of both religious and economic activities in the Bible, reflecting the importance of their craft in ancient society.Biblical References: One of the most notable references to a silver-smith is found in the New Testament, in the Book of Acts. The Apostle Paul’s missionary work in Ephesus led to a significant conflict with local artisans, particularly a silver-smith named Demetrius. Demetrius crafted silver shrines of the goddess Artemis, a central figure in Ephesian worship. Concerned that Paul's teachings were turning people away from idol worship, Demetrius rallied his fellow craftsmen, fearing the loss of their trade and the diminishing reverence for Artemis. Acts 19:24-27 states: "For a silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought in a great deal of business for the craftsmen. Demetrius assembled the craftsmen, along with the workmen in related trades. 'Men,' he said, 'you know that this business is our source of prosperity. And you can see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in nearly the whole province of Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a great number of people. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited and her majesty deposed, she who is worshiped by all the province of Asia and the world.'" This passage highlights the economic and religious influence of silver-smiths in ancient cities, where their work was intertwined with the worship of deities and the local economy. Cultural and Religious Significance: Silver-smiths were integral to the production of idols and religious artifacts, which were central to the pagan worship practices prevalent in many ancient cultures. Their craftsmanship was not only a source of income but also a means of sustaining the religious traditions of their communities. The production of silver idols and shrines was a lucrative business, as these items were often purchased by pilgrims and worshippers. In the broader biblical narrative, the work of silver-smiths is often contrasted with the monotheistic worship of the God of Israel, who forbade the making of idols. The prophets frequently condemned the creation and worship of idols, emphasizing the futility of worshipping man-made objects. For instance, Isaiah 44:10-11 states: "Who fashions a god or casts an idol which profits him nothing? Behold, all his companions will be put to shame, for the craftsmen themselves are only human. Let them all assemble and take their stand; they will all be brought to terror and shame." Economic Role: Beyond their religious implications, silver-smiths played a crucial role in the economy of ancient cities. Their skills were not limited to religious artifacts; they also crafted various items such as jewelry, utensils, and currency. Silver was a standard of wealth and trade, and the work of silver-smiths contributed significantly to the economic vitality of their communities. In summary, the role of the silver-smith in biblical times was multifaceted, encompassing religious, cultural, and economic dimensions. Their craft was both a reflection of the prevailing religious practices and a vital component of the ancient economy. The biblical narrative often uses the work of silver-smiths to illustrate the tension between idolatry and the worship of the one true God. Greek 695. argurokopos -- a beater of silver, ie a silversmith ... a beater of silver, ie a silversmith. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: argurokopos Phonetic Spelling: (ar-goo-rok-op'-os) Short Definition: a ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/695.htm - 6k 1216. Demetrios -- Demetrius, the name of a silversmith and of a ... Strong's Hebrew 6884. tsaraph -- to smelt, refine, test... smelt, refine, test NASB Word Usage goldsmith (5), goldsmiths (2), pure (1), refine (3), refined (5), refiner's (1), refining goes (1), silversmith (2), smelt ... /hebrew/6884.htm - 6k Library The Life Story of Pastor Wang The Vanity of Idols. Luke's Account of the Enrollment The So-Called Letter to Diognetus Precepts from the Prophetic Books. Acts xix. 21, 23 The Fight with Wild Beasts at Ephesus Paul's Trials and victories at Ephesus We Would Here, as if all Nations on the Earth were Present... A Terrible Dream Thesaurus Silversmith (4 Occurrences)... silver. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SILVERSMITH. sil'-ver ... Ephesus. Multi-Version Concordance Silversmith (4 Occurrences). Acts 19 ... /s/silversmith.htm - 8k Silver-smith (1 Occurrence) Demetrius (3 Occurrences) Silver-pieces (6 Occurrences) Employ (6 Occurrences) Miniature (1 Occurrence) Mechanics (2 Occurrences) Craftsmen (22 Occurrences) Ar'temis (5 Occurrences) Artificer (13 Occurrences) Resources Who was Joseph Smith? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Gomer in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the significance of thirty pieces of silver? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Silver-smith (1 Occurrence)Acts 19:24 Subtopics Related Terms |
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