In the context of the Bible, the term "workmen" refers to skilled laborers or craftsmen who were often employed in the construction and maintenance of significant structures, such as the Tabernacle, the Temple, and other important edifices. The role of workmen is highlighted in various passages, emphasizing their skill, dedication, and the divine inspiration behind their craftsmanship.

Old Testament References

The concept of workmen is prominently featured in the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple. In Exodus 31:1-6, God appoints Bezalel and Oholiab as chief craftsmen for the Tabernacle, filling them with the Spirit of God to enable them to perform their tasks with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. The passage states: "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" (Exodus 31:2-3).

The workmen's skills were not only practical but also divinely inspired, as seen in the detailed instructions given for the construction of sacred objects and spaces. This divine inspiration underscores the importance of their work in fulfilling God's commands and contributing to the worship and spiritual life of the Israelites.

In the building of Solomon's Temple, workmen played a crucial role. King Solomon employed a large workforce, including skilled laborers from Tyre, to construct the Temple in Jerusalem. 1 Kings 5:6-18 describes the collaboration between Solomon and Hiram, king of Tyre, to secure the necessary materials and skilled labor: "So Solomon’s builders and Hiram’s builders, along with the Gebalites, quarried the stone and prepared the timber and stone to build the temple" (1 Kings 5:18).

New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not focus extensively on the role of workmen in the same way as the Old Testament, the concept of labor and craftsmanship is still present. The Apostle Paul, for example, was a tentmaker by trade, as mentioned in Acts 18:3: "and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade" . This highlights the value of honest labor and the integration of work with ministry.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the work of craftsmen and laborers is seen as a reflection of God's creative nature. The skills and talents of workmen are viewed as gifts from God, meant to be used for His glory and the benefit of the community. The Bible emphasizes the dignity of work and the importance of using one's abilities to serve God and others.

Proverbs 22:29 underscores the value of skilled work: "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men" . This verse highlights the honor and recognition that come from diligent and skilled labor.

In summary, workmen in the Bible are portrayed as essential contributors to the religious and communal life of God's people. Their skills, often divinely inspired, are integral to the construction of sacred spaces and the fulfillment of God's purposes. The biblical narrative affirms the dignity of work and the importance of using one's talents in service to God and others.6001a. amel -- a laborer, sufferer
... Word Origin from amal Definition a laborer, sufferer NASB Word Usage who suffers
(2), worker's (1), workmen's (1). 6001, 6001a. amel. 6001b . ...
/hebrew/6001a.htm - 5k

The Invitation: to Tom Hughes
... Pray for wives and children Safe in slumber curled, Then to chat till midnight
O'er this babbling world" Of the workmen's college, Of the price of grain, Of ...
/.../kingsley/andromeda and other poems/the invitation to tom hughes.htm

Of Marcellus, Bishop of Apamea, and the Idols' Temples Destroyed ...
... "Give me," said he, "two workmen's pay; and I promise you I will easily destroy
the temple." The holy bishop did as he was asked, and the following was the ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xxi of marcellus bishop of.htm

'Over against his House'
... and refine. Coffee taverns, baths and wash-houses, workmen's clubs, and
many other agencies are doing real and good work. I for ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/over against his house.htm

Whether Men are Bound to Pay Tithes of all Things?
... sometimes they are transferred to another person by sale; sometimes they are due
to some other person, thus taxes are due to princes, and wages due to workmen. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether men are bound to 3.htm

Abstraction from Material Things Necessary in Order to Attain to ...
... Most excellently, therefore, Euripides accords with these, when he writes:".
"What house constructed by the workmen's hands,. With ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xi abstraction from material things.htm

Glad Givers and Faithful Workers
... So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set
the house of God in his state, and strengthened it.11. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/glad givers and faithful workers.htm

Hebrews vii. 3-Jan
... mean for instance: we see a house well built, and we say the whole is the Architect's
[doing], and yet certainly it is not all his, but the workmen's also, and ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xii hebrews vii 3-jan.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... A little further on, workmen of all descriptions are engaged in their several trades:
shoemakers ply the awl, glassmakers blow through their tubes, metal ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

Workmen's (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Workmen's (1 Occurrence). Judges 5:26 She put her hand
to the tent peg, and her right hand to the workmen's hammer. ...
/w/workmen's.htm - 6k

Workman (22 Occurrences)
... (1 Chronicles 22:15); "workers of stone," rendered "workman," "workmen" (Isaiah
40:20; Isaiah 44:11 Jeremiah 10:3, 9, "artificer"; Hosea 8:6); `asah, "to work ...
/w/workman.htm - 17k

Workfellow (1 Occurrence)
... (1 Chronicles 22:15); "workers of stone," rendered "workman," "workmen" (Isaiah
40:20; Isaiah 44:11 Jeremiah 10:3, 9, "artificer"; Hosea 8:6); `asah, "to work ...
/w/workfellow.htm - 10k

Worker (36 Occurrences)
... (1 Chronicles 22:15); "workers of stone," rendered "workman," "workmen" (Isaiah
40:20; Isaiah 44:11 Jeremiah 10:3, 9, "artificer"; Hosea 8:6); `asah, "to work ...
/w/worker.htm - 20k

Temples (17 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT). Judges 5:26 She put her hand to the tent peg, and her
right hand to the workmen's hammer. With the hammer she struck Sisera. ...
/t/temples.htm - 13k

Tent-pin (4 Occurrences)
... Judges 5:26 She put her hand to the tent-pin, And her right hand to the workmen's
hammer; And with the hammer she smote Sisera, she smote through his head; Yea ...
/t/tent-pin.htm - 7k

Mallet (1 Occurrence)
... Judges 5:26 She put her hand to the tent peg and her right hand to the workmen's
mallet; she struck Sis'era a blow, she crushed his head, she shattered and ...
/m/mallet.htm - 6k

Pierced (63 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV). Judges 5:26 She put her hand to the tent peg, and her right hand
to the workmen's hammer. With the hammer she struck Sisera. ...
/p/pierced.htm - 26k

Pin (10 Occurrences)
... Judges 5:26 She put her hand to the tent-pin, And her right hand to the workmen's
hammer; And with the hammer she smote Sisera, she smote through his head; Yea ...
/p/pin.htm - 13k

Peg (8 Occurrences)
... (WEB DBY NAS RSV NIV). Judges 5:26 She put her hand to the tent peg, and her right
hand to the workmen's hammer. With the hammer she struck Sisera. ...
/p/peg.htm - 9k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus