Dictionary of Bible Themes: 5531 skill

5531 skill

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 5000 Humanity » 5200 Human civilisation » 5531 skill

A trade or craft acquired by training or practice, or a special ability or expertise that may be an endowment of the Holy Spirit. Scripture lists many skills and abilities, particularly used in the building of the tabernacle and temple.

Skill offered in God's service

Exodus 35:10; 1 Chronicles 22:15-16 See also 1 Chronicles 28:21

Skill in particular crafts

In working metal

2 Chronicles 2:7

Skill with silver:

Judges 17:4; Acts 19:24 1 Kings 7:14-15,41-45 pp 2 Chronicles 4:12-16

Skill with gold:

2 Chronicles 3:5-7; Isaiah 46:6 2 Timothy 4:14

In working stone

1 Chronicles 22:2 See also 1 Kings 5:15-18 pp 2 Chronicles 2:2; 1 Kings 6:36; Kings 7:9-12

With timber

1 Kings 5:6 pp 2 Chronicles 2:8-9 See also 1 Kings 6:14-36

With fabrics

Exodus 38:23

Skill in embroidery:

Exodus 26:1,36; Exodus 28:39

Skill in weaving:

Exodus 29:5; Exodus 39:1-5 Exodus 35:25 skill in spinning

With music

1 Chronicles 15:22; 2 Chronicles 34:12-13; Psalm 33:3

Other skills

Genesis 25:27 hunting

Seamanship:

1 Kings 9:27; Ezekiel 27:8 Job 32:22 flattery; Psalm 45:1 writing

Enchanting:

Psalm 58:5; Isaiah 3:3 Psalm 78:72 leadership; Jeremiah 2:33 love; Jeremiah 9:17 Mourning: professional mourners were a feature of life in Bible times; Jeremiah 50:9 fighting; Ezekiel 28:5 trading

Undesirable skills

In constructing idols

Isaiah 44:13 See also Isaiah 40:19-20; Isaiah 41:7; Jeremiah 10:9; Hosea 13:2; Acts 17:29

Doing evil

Jeremiah 4:22 See also Isaiah 25:11; Ezekiel 21:31; Micah 7:3

Acquiring skill

Through training

1 Chronicles 5:18; 2 Chronicles 2:13-14

Military skill:

Genesis 14:14; 2 Chronicles 26:11 1 Chronicles 25:7 musical skill; Luke 6:40 teaching abilities; 1 Corinthians 9:25 Athletic prowess requires strict training; Hebrews 5:14 distinguishing good from evil through proper training

Skills given by God

Exodus 31:1-6 pp Exodus 35:30-35 These skills may well have been developed through training, but they are recognised as gifts from God. See also Exodus 36:1-2; Deuteronomy 33:11 Moses prays for Levi's skills to be blessed by God; Isaiah 50:4 Skill in the right use of words comes from God; Romans 12:6-8 Special abilities are given by God to believers.