Woodworkers, also known as carpenters, hold a significant place in biblical history and tradition. Their craft is mentioned numerous times throughout the Scriptures, highlighting both the practical and symbolic importance of woodworking in biblical times.

Biblical References and Roles

1. Noah and the Ark: One of the earliest references to woodworking is found in the account of Noah. God instructed Noah to build an ark from gopher wood to preserve his family and the animal kingdom from the impending flood. This monumental task required considerable skill in woodworking. Genesis 6:14 states, "Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood; make rooms in the ark and coat it with pitch inside and out."

2. The Tabernacle and the Temple: Woodworkers played a crucial role in the construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem. The Tabernacle, as described in Exodus, required skilled craftsmen to work with acacia wood to create the Ark of the Covenant, the table, and other sacred furnishings. Exodus 31:3-5 mentions Bezalel, a master craftsman filled with the Spirit of God, who was skilled in all kinds of craftsmanship, including woodworking.

3. Solomon’s Temple: King Solomon employed numerous woodworkers in the construction of the Temple, using cedar and cypress wood imported from Lebanon. 1 Kings 5:6 records Solomon's request to Hiram, king of Tyre, for skilled woodworkers: "So give orders that cedars of Lebanon be cut for me. My servants will work with yours, and I will pay you for your servants whatever wages you set."

4. Jesus as a Carpenter: In the New Testament, Jesus is identified as a carpenter, following in the trade of His earthly father, Joseph. Mark 6:3 refers to Jesus as "the carpenter, the son of Mary," indicating His familiarity with the trade. This background in woodworking is often seen as a symbol of humility and the value of honest labor.

Symbolic Significance

Woodworking in the Bible often carries symbolic meanings. The use of wood in the construction of sacred objects and spaces signifies the transformation of natural materials into vessels of divine purpose. The Ark of the Covenant, made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, represents God's covenant with His people and His presence among them.

The cross, the central symbol of Christianity, is another profound example of wood's symbolic significance. The wooden cross on which Jesus was crucified is a powerful emblem of sacrifice, redemption, and salvation.

Craftsmanship and Skill

The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of skill and craftsmanship in woodworking. The artisans who worked on the Tabernacle and the Temple were described as being endowed with wisdom and understanding, highlighting the divine inspiration behind their work. This underscores the belief that craftsmanship is a gift from God, to be used for His glory.

In summary, woodworkers in the Bible are depicted as essential contributors to both the practical and spiritual life of the community. Their work not only provided necessary structures and tools but also played a vital role in the worship and religious practices of the Israelites. Through their craft, woodworkers helped to create spaces where the divine and human could meet, reflecting the beauty and order of God's creation.Woodworkers (6 Occurrences)

2 Samuel 5:11
And Hiram, king of Tyre, sent men to David, with cedar-trees and woodworkers and stoneworkers: and they made David a house.
(BBE)

2 Kings 12:11
And the money which was measured out they gave regularly to those who were responsible for overseeing the work, and these gave it in payment to the woodworkers and the builders who were working on the house of the Lord,
(BBE)

2 Kings 22:6
To the woodworkers and the builders and the stone-cutters; and for getting wood and cut stones for the building up of the house.
(BBE)

1 Chronicles 14:1
And Hiram, king of Tyre, sent men to David with cedar-trees, and stoneworkers and woodworkers for the building of his house.
(BBE)

2 Chronicles 24:12
Then the king and Jehoiada gave it to those who were responsible for getting the work done on the Lord's house, and with it they got wall-builders and woodworkers and metal-workers to put the house of the Lord in good order again.
(BBE)

Ezra 3:7
And they gave money to the stoneworkers and woodworkers; and meat and drink and oil to the people of Zidon and of Tyre, for the transport of cedar-trees from Lebanon to the sea, to Joppa, as Cyrus, king of Persia, had given them authority to do.
(BBE)

Woodworkers (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Woodworkers (6 Occurrences). 2 Samuel 5:11 And
Hiram, king of Tyre, sent men to David, with cedar-trees ...
/w/woodworkers.htm - 8k

Stoneworkers (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 5:11 And Hiram, king of Tyre, sent men to David, with cedar-trees and
woodworkers and stoneworkers: and they made David a house. (BBE). ...
/s/stoneworkers.htm - 7k

Overseeing (4 Occurrences)
... money which was measured out they gave regularly to those who were responsible for
overseeing the work, and these gave it in payment to the woodworkers and the ...
/o/overseeing.htm - 8k

Woodworker's (1 Occurrence)

/w/woodworker's.htm - 6k

Wall-builders (2 Occurrences)
... and Jehoiada gave it to those who were responsible for getting the work done on
the Lord's house, and with it they got wall-builders and woodworkers and metal ...
/w/wall-builders.htm - 7k

Woodworker (1 Occurrence)

/w/woodworker.htm - 6k

Transport (18 Occurrences)
... Ezra 3:7 And they gave money to the stoneworkers and woodworkers; and meat and drink
and oil to the people of Zidon and of Tyre, for the transport of cedar ...
/t/transport.htm - 12k

Regularly (30 Occurrences)
... money which was measured out they gave regularly to those who were responsible for
overseeing the work, and these gave it in payment to the woodworkers and the ...
/r/regularly.htm - 15k

Metal-workers (5 Occurrences)
... and Jehoiada gave it to those who were responsible for getting the work done on
the Lord's house, and with it they got wall-builders and woodworkers and metal ...
/m/metal-workers.htm - 8k

Authorized (6 Occurrences)
... Ezra 3:7 And they gave money to the stoneworkers and woodworkers; and meat and drink
and oil to the people of Zidon and of Tyre, for the transport of cedar ...
/a/authorized.htm - 8k

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