Craftsmanship in the Bible is a theme that highlights the skill, artistry, and divine inspiration involved in the creation of objects, structures, and art. It is often associated with the wisdom and knowledge imparted by God to individuals for the purpose of fulfilling His plans and glorifying Him through their work.

Old Testament References

1. Bezalel and Oholiab: One of the most notable examples of craftsmanship in the Bible is found in the construction of the Tabernacle. God specifically chose Bezalel and Oholiab to lead this work. In Exodus 31:1-6 , the Lord says to Moses, "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 origin of their skills and the importance of their work in the worship of God.

2. Solomon’s Temple: The construction of Solomon's Temple is another significant example of craftsmanship. In 1 Kings 7:13-14 , we read about Hiram, a craftsman from Tyre, who was brought to work on the temple: "Now King Solomon sent to bring Huram from Tyre. He was a widow’s son from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a craftsman in bronze. 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 intricate design and the quality of its construction reflect the high value placed on skilled craftsmanship.

3. Proverbs and Wisdom Literature: The Book of Proverbs often associates craftsmanship with wisdom and diligence. Proverbs 22:29 states, "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men." This highlights the honor and recognition that come from excellence in one's craft.

New Testament References

1. Paul’s Tentmaking: In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul is known for his trade as a tentmaker. Acts 18:3 notes, "and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade." Paul's work as a craftsman provided for his needs and allowed him to minister without being a financial burden to others, demonstrating the value of skilled labor in supporting ministry.

2. Parables and Teachings of Jesus: Jesus often used examples from craftsmanship and labor in His parables and teachings. In Matthew 7:24-25 , He compares those who hear and act on His words to a wise man who builds his house on the rock, emphasizing the importance of a solid foundation, a concept familiar to builders and craftsmen.

Theological Implications

Craftsmanship in the Bible is not merely about technical skill but is deeply connected to the divine purpose and the expression of God's creativity through human hands. It reflects the image of God in humanity, as humans are endowed with the ability to create, design, and build. The Bible portrays craftsmanship as a noble and God-honoring pursuit, where the work of human hands can be an act of worship and service to the Creator.(n.) The work of a craftsman.4399. melakah -- occupation, work
... Origin from the same as malak Definition occupation, work NASB Word Usage anything
(4), article made (1), business (4), cattle (1), craftsmanship (3), details ...
/hebrew/4399.htm - 6k

Sixth Tractate. Beauty.
... Thus, for an illustration, there is the beauty, conferred by craftsmanship, of all
a house with all its parts, and the beauty which some natural quality may ...
//christianbookshelf.org/plotinus/the six enneads/sixth tractate beauty.htm

Book I.
... Medical skill, craftsmanship, and so on, are found in many persons; but to be
always without sin is a characteristic of the Divine power only. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book i.htm

Nuremberg Sept. 15, 1530. To the Honorable and Worthy N. , My ...
... translation. Aside from that it shows plenty of skill and craftsmanship
there. So much for translating and the nature of language. ...
/.../luther/an open letter on translating/nuremberg sept 15 1530 to.htm

Book Four this is the Story of his Years among the Manicheans. ...
... 24. But I had not seen how the main point in these great issues [concerning the
nature of beauty] lay really in thy craftsmanship, O Omnipotent One, "who alone ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book four this is the.htm

Second Tractate. On Providence (1).
... the stars shine in the divine firmament, so that all appears one great and lovely
figure " living or wrought in the furnaces of craftsmanship " with stars ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/second tractate on providence 1.htm

Fourth Tractate. Problems of the Soul (2).
... The tools of craftsmanship will be seen to be intermediaries between the judging
worker and the judged object, disclosing to the experimenter the particular ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/fourth tractate problems of the.htm

Craftsmanship (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The work of a craftsman. Multi-Version
Concordance Craftsmanship (4 Occurrences). Exodus 31:3 and ...
/c/craftsmanship.htm - 7k

Crafts (2 Occurrences)
... CRAFTS. I. SOURCES OF OUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE CRAFTS OF THE BIBLE 1. Written Records
and Discoveries of Craftsmanship (1) Jewish (2) Canaanitish and Phoenician (3 ...
/c/crafts.htm - 30k

Craftsmen (22 Occurrences)

/c/craftsmen.htm - 14k

Craftsman's (2 Occurrences)

/c/craftsman's.htm - 7k

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