In the biblical context, a craftsman is an individual skilled in a particular trade or art, often involving the creation or construction of objects with precision and artistry. The role of craftsmen is highlighted throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing their importance in the construction of sacred spaces, the creation of religious artifacts, and the general development of society.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of craftsmen and their contributions to Israelite society. One of the most notable mentions is in the construction of the Tabernacle. In Exodus 31:1-5, God appoints Bezalel, filled with the Spirit of God, to oversee the craftsmanship of the Tabernacle: "See, I have called 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."

Similarly, in the building of Solomon's Temple, skilled craftsmen were essential. 1 Kings 7:13-14 mentions Hiram, a craftsman from Tyre, who was brought to work on the Temple: "Now King Solomon sent to bring Huram from Tyre. He was the son of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a craftsman in bronze from Tyre. 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."

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not focus as heavily on craftsmen, it does provide insight into the trade practices of the time. Jesus Himself is referred to as a "tekton" in Mark 6:3, often translated as "carpenter" or "craftsman," indicating His engagement in skilled labor: "Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon?"

The Apostle Paul, in his missionary journeys, also engaged in a craft to support himself. Acts 18:3 notes that Paul was a tentmaker by trade: "and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade."

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Craftsmanship in the Bible often symbolizes divine wisdom and creativity. The meticulous work of craftsmen in constructing the Tabernacle and the Temple reflects the order and beauty of God's creation. The skills endowed by God to individuals like Bezalel and Hiram underscore the belief that all talents and abilities are gifts from God, meant to be used for His glory.

Moreover, the role of craftsmen in the Bible serves as a metaphor for spiritual formation. Just as a craftsman shapes raw materials into something beautiful and functional, God shapes and molds His people, refining them through trials and experiences to fulfill His purposes.

Cultural and Historical Impact

In ancient Israel, craftsmen were integral to the community, contributing to the economy and the cultural heritage. Their work not only provided necessary goods and services but also played a crucial role in religious and communal life. The skills of craftsmen were passed down through generations, preserving techniques and traditions that were vital to the identity and continuity of the Israelite people.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of craftsmen highlights their essential role in both the practical and spiritual dimensions of life. Their work is seen as a reflection of divine creativity and wisdom, serving as a reminder of the value of skill and dedication in the service of God and community.(n.) One skilled in some trade or manual occupation; an artificer; a mechanic.5079. technites -- a craftsman, artificer
... a craftsman, artificer. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: technites
Phonetic Spelling: (tekh-nee'-tace) Short Definition: a craftsman, artisan ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5079.htm - 6k

5045. tekton -- a craftsman, spec. a carpenter
... 5044, 5045. tekton. 5046 . a craftsman, spec. a carpenter. ... artisan. Word
Origin from a prim. root tekt- Definition a craftsman, spec. a ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5045.htm - 6k

753. architekton -- a master builder
... builder, architect. 753 (from , "first" and 5045 , "a craftsman") -- properly,
a artesian; a master-craftsman. ["Architect" is derived ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/753.htm - 7k

8521. Tel Charsha -- "mound of a craftsman," a city in Babylon
... Tel Charsha. 8522 . "mound of a craftsman," a city in Babylon. Transliteration:
Tel Charsha Phonetic Spelling: (tale khar-shaw') Short Definition: Tel-harsha. ...
/hebrew/8521.htm - 6k

2796. charash -- engraver, artificer
... Word Origin from charash Definition engraver, artificer NASB Word Usage artisan
(1), blacksmith (1), carpenters (4), carpenters* (4), craftsman (7), craftsmen ...
/hebrew/2796.htm - 6k

Whether the Intellectual Habit, Art, is a virtue?
... Arb. ii, 18,19) that "no one makes bad use of virtue." But one may make bad use
of art: for a craftsman can work badly according to the knowledge of his art. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the intellectual habit art.htm

Whether it is Lawful to Ask for any Other Kind of Consideration ...
... Further, the lender, by transferring his ownership of a sum of money removes the
money further from himself than he who entrusts it to a merchant or craftsman. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful to 16.htm

Whether it is against the Natural Law to have Several Wives?
... Animal. i, 20), in the begetting of offspring the male is to the female as
agent to patient, and as the craftsman is to his material. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is against the.htm

Whether the Irascible and Concupiscible Powers are the Subject of ...
... according as it is moved by another power, cannot be perfect, unless both powers
be well disposed to the act: for instance, the act of a craftsman cannot be ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the irascible and concupiscible 2.htm

Whether to Create is Proper to any Person?
... A[8]; [389]Q[19], A[4]), when treating of the knowledge and will of God, God is
the cause of things by His intellect and will, just as the craftsman is cause ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether to create is proper.htm

Whether it was More Fitting that the Person of the Son Rather than ...
... Now the Person of the Son, Who is the Word of God, has a certain common agreement
with all creatures, because the word of the craftsman, ie his concept, is an ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it was more fitting.htm

Whether Grace was Given in the Baptism of John?
... A[2], ad 2), the whole teaching and work of John was in preparation for Christ:
just as it is the duty of the servant and of the under-craftsman to prepare the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether grace was given in.htm

Whether Unbelievers May have Authority or Dominion Over the ...
... i, 2) a slave is his master's instrument in matters concerning everyday life, even
as a craftsman's laborer is his instrument in matters concerning the working ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether unbelievers may have authority.htm

Whether the Bodies of the Damned Will be Impassible?
... that a form which is in the agent spiritually is received into the patient materially:
thus the form of the house built by the craftsman is materially in itself ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the bodies of the 4.htm

God did not Make Evil, nor is He at all in any Way the Author of ...
... It appears, then, as if an eminent craftsman were to cast over again a noble image,
wrought by himself of gold or other material, and beautifully proportioned ...
/.../methodius/from the discourse on the resurrection/part i god did not.htm

Craftsman (23 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Craftsman (23 Occurrences). Revelation ... you. No craftsman,
of whatever craft, will be found any more at all in you. ...
/c/craftsman.htm - 13k

Craftsman's (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Craftsman's (2 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 27:15
Cursed be the man that maketh a graven or molten image, an ...
/c/craftsman's.htm - 7k

Skilled (44 Occurrences)
... Exodus 35:35 Them hath He filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of
workmanship, of the craftsman, and of the skilful workman, and of the weaver in ...
/s/skilled.htm - 20k

Carpenter (4 Occurrences)
... kar'-pen-ter (charash; tekton): This word, which is a general word for graver or
craftsman, is translated "carpenter" in 2 Kings 22:6 2 Chronicles 24:12; Ezra 3 ...
/c/carpenter.htm - 10k

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

Craftsmen (22 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Craftsman. Multi-Version Concordance
Craftsmen (22 Occurrences). Acts 19:24 For a certain ...
/c/craftsmen.htm - 14k

Huram-abi (2 Occurrences)
... Huram-abi (2 Occurrences). 2 Chronicles 2:13 And now I have sent a skilful man,
endued with understanding, even Huram my master craftsman, (See NAS RSV NIV). ...
/h/huram-abi.htm - 6k

Oho'liab (5 Occurrences)
... Exodus 38:23 And with him was Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan,
a craftsman, and a skilful workman, and a weaver in colours, in blue, and in ...
/o/oho'liab.htm - 7k

Jehoiachin (20 Occurrences)
... prisoner to Babylon, and with him ten thousand captives, comprising all the better
and sturdier element of the people from prince to craftsman, leaving only ...
/j/jehoiachin.htm - 19k

Graven (61 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 27:15 Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an
abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth ...
/g/graven.htm - 27k

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