Strong's Lexicon démiourgos: Creator, Craftsman, Maker Original Word: δημιουργός Word Origin: From δῆμος (dēmos, "people") and ἔργον (ergon, "work") Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often associated with the concept of God as Creator is בּוֹרֵא (bōrē', Strong's Hebrew 1254), which means "to create" or "to shape." Usage: The term "démiourgos" is used to describe a creator or craftsman, someone who fashions or constructs. In a biblical context, it is often associated with God as the ultimate Creator of the universe. The word emphasizes the skill and intentionality involved in creation, highlighting God's sovereignty and wisdom in designing the cosmos. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek culture, "démiourgos" referred to a skilled worker or artisan, often one who worked for the public good. Philosophers like Plato used the term to describe a divine craftsman who ordered the cosmos. In the context of the Bible, this concept aligns with the portrayal of God as the supreme Creator who brings order and purpose to creation. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 1217 dēmiourgós (from 1218 /dḗmos, "a unified group of people" and 2014 /epiphaínō, "work") – properly, someone working on behalf of a group of people (used only in Heb 11:10). See 1218 (dēmos). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom démos and ergon Definition builder, maker, creator NASB Translation builder (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1217: δημιουργόςδημιουργός, δημιουργου, ὁ (δήμιος, public, belonging to the people, and ἘΡΓΩ; cf. ἱερουργός, ἀμπελουργός, etc.), often in Greek writers from Homer down; a. properly, a workman for the public. b. universally, the author of any work, an artisan, framer, builder: τεχνιτεσς καί δημιουργός, Hebrews 11:10; (Xenophon, mem. 1, 4, 7 (cf. 9) σοφοῦ τίνος δημιουργου τέχνημα. God is called ὁ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ δημιουργός in Plato, rep. 7, p. 530 a.; ὁ δημιουργός τῶν ὅλων in Josephus, Antiquities 1, 7, 1, and often in ecclesiastical writers from Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 20, 11 [ET]; 26, 1 [ET]; 33, 2 [ET] on; (cf. Philo, de mut. nom. § 4; de opif. mund., Muller, edition, p. 133; Piper, Einl. in monument. Theol. § 26; Sophocles' Lexicon, under the word). In the Scriptures, besides, only in 2 Macc. 4:1 κακῶν δημιουργός). (Cf. Trench, § cv.) From demos and ergon; a worker for the people, i.e. Mechanic (spoken of the Creator) -- maker. see GREEK demos see GREEK ergon |