Topical Encyclopedia In biblical contexts, the act of carving is often associated with craftsmanship, artistry, and idolatry. The term "carve" and its derivatives appear in various passages, highlighting both the skill involved in creating objects and the potential for misuse when such objects become idols.Craftsmanship and Artistry Carving in the Bible is frequently linked to the skilled work of artisans who crafted intricate designs for the tabernacle and temple. In Exodus 31:1-5, God appoints Bezalel, filling him with the Spirit of God, to work with gold, silver, bronze, and wood, demonstrating the divine endorsement of artistic skill. The passage states, "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" . This highlights the importance of carving as a God-given talent used for His glory. Similarly, the construction of Solomon's Temple involved extensive carving work. In 1 Kings 6:18, the interior of the temple is described: "The cedar within the temple was carved with gourds and open flowers. Everything was cedar; no stone was visible" . This illustrates the use of carving to beautify sacred spaces, reflecting the glory and majesty of God. Idolatry and Misuse Conversely, carving is also associated with the creation of idols, which the Bible condemns. The prohibition against idolatry is clear in the Ten Commandments, where God commands, "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above or on the earth below or in the waters beneath" (Exodus 20:4). Carved images, often made of wood or stone, were common in the ancient Near East and represented false gods. Isaiah 44:13-17 provides a vivid depiction of the futility of idol-making: "The woodworker stretches out a measuring line; he outlines it with a stylus; he shapes it with chisels and outlines it with a compass. He makes it in the form of a man, like a man in all his glory, that it may dwell in a shrine" . The passage continues to mock the absurdity of worshiping something crafted by human hands, emphasizing the foolishness of idolatry. Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons The act of carving, therefore, carries significant symbolic weight in Scripture. It serves as a reminder of the human capacity for creativity and the potential for that creativity to be directed either toward honoring God or toward idolatry. The Bible encourages believers to use their God-given talents for His purposes, as seen in the construction of the tabernacle and temple, while warning against the temptation to create and worship idols. In summary, carving in the Bible is a multifaceted concept that encompasses both the beauty of God-inspired artistry and the dangers of idolatry. It calls believers to discernment in their creative endeavors, ensuring that their work glorifies God rather than leading them away from Him. Easton's Bible Dictionary The arts of engraving and carving were much practised among the Jews. They were practised in connection with the construction of the tabernacle and the temple (Exodus 31:2, 5; 35:33; 1 Kings 6:18, 35; Psalm 74:6), as well as in the ornamentation of the priestly dresses (Exodus 28:9-36; Zechariah 3:9; 2 Chronicles 2:7, 14). Isaiah (44:13-17) gives a minute description of the process of carving idols of wood. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To cut.2. (v. t.) To cut, as wood, stone, or other material, in an artistic or decorative manner; to sculpture; to engrave. 3. (v. t.) To make or shape by cutting, sculpturing, or engraving; to form; as, to carve a name on a tree. 4. (v. t.) To cut into small pieces or slices, as meat at table; to divide for distribution or apportionment; to apportion. 5. (v. t.) To cut: to hew; to mark as if by cutting. 6. (v. t.) To take or make, as by cutting; to provide. 7. (v. t.) To lay out; to contrive; to design; to plan. 8. (v. i.) To exercise the trade of a sculptor or carver; to engrave or cut figures. 9. (v. i.) To cut up meat; as, to carve for all the guests. Strong's Hebrew 2707. chaqah -- to cut in, carve... 2706, 2707. chaqah. 2708 . to cut in, carve. Transliteration: chaqah Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-kaw') Short Definition: carved. Word Origin a prim. ... /hebrew/2707.htm - 6k 7049b. qala -- to carve 7049. qala' -- to sling, hurl forth 2672. chatsab -- to hew, hew out, cleave 6458. pasal -- to hew, hew into shape 2404. chatab -- to cut or gather wood 6605. pathach -- to open 2710. chaqaq -- to cut in, inscribe, decree 6087. atsab -- to hurt, pain, grieve 3799. katham -- to be stained Library Authority and the Adventurer The Messenger Of Predestination Christ Kept from Iniquity Book ix. On Jerusalem and Her Enemies The Attack on the Scriptures Introductory Note to Clement of Alexandria Christian Meekness Idols not to be Made, Much Less Worshipped. Idols and Idol-Makers ... Thesaurus Carve (1 Occurrence)... 3. (vt) To make or shape by cutting, sculpturing, or engraving; to form; as, to carve a name on a tree. ... Multi-Version Concordance Carve (1 Occurrence). ... /c/carve.htm - 8k Quarries (4 Occurrences) Grave (128 Occurrences) Engrave (8 Occurrences) Carved (36 Occurrences) Lawgiver (7 Occurrences) Worship (332 Occurrences) Fin Plaster (13 Occurrences) Cart-wheels (1 Occurrence) Resources Should we have a Christmas tree? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a quiet time? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about giving up? | GotQuestions.org Carve: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Carve (1 Occurrence)Isaiah 22:16 Subtopics Related Terms |
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