Topical Encyclopedia
Carving, as an art form and functional craft, holds a significant place in biblical history and culture. It is the practice of shaping wood, stone, or other materials by cutting or engraving, often to create decorative or symbolic objects. In the Bible, carving is mentioned in various contexts, from the construction of sacred spaces to the creation of idols, reflecting both its revered and cautionary uses.
Biblical References and Contexts1.
Tabernacle and Temple Furnishings: Carving played a crucial role in the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple, where skilled artisans were employed to create intricate designs. In
Exodus 31:1-5, God appoints Bezalel, filled with the Spirit of God, to oversee the craftsmanship of the Tabernacle, including "cutting stones for setting and carving wood, to work in every craft." The detailed work on the Tabernacle's furnishings, such as the Ark of the Covenant and the altar, involved elaborate carvings that symbolized divine presence and holiness.
2.
Solomon's Temple: The construction of Solomon's Temple further exemplifies the use of carving in sacred architecture. In
1 Kings 6:18, the inner walls of the Temple are described as being "carved with gourds and open flowers," showcasing the beauty and artistry dedicated to the house of the Lord. The Temple's design, including the cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers carved on the walls and doors, reflects the importance of carving in creating a space worthy of divine worship.
3.
Idolatry and Warnings: While carving was used to honor God, it also served as a medium for idolatry, which the Bible strongly condemns. In
Deuteronomy 4:16-18, the Israelites are warned against making "a carved image in the form of any figure," emphasizing the prohibition against idol worship. The prophets frequently denounce the creation and worship of carved idols, as seen in
Isaiah 44:9-20, where the futility of idol-making is vividly portrayed.
4.
Symbolism and Meaning: Carving in the Bible often carries symbolic meaning. The cherubim carved on the Ark of the Covenant and the Temple walls represent divine guardianship and the presence of God. The intricate designs serve not only as decoration but also as theological expressions of faith and reverence.
5.
Craftsmanship and Skill: The Bible acknowledges the skill and artistry involved in carving. In
Exodus 35:30-35, Bezalel and Oholiab are described as being endowed with wisdom and understanding to perform all kinds of work, including carving. This recognition of craftsmanship highlights the value placed on artistic talent and the divine inspiration believed to guide such work.
Cultural and Historical SignificanceCarving in biblical times was not merely an artistic endeavor but a significant cultural practice that reflected religious beliefs and societal values. The use of carving in sacred spaces underscored the importance of beauty and craftsmanship in worship, while the warnings against carved idols highlighted the tension between artistic expression and spiritual fidelity.
In summary, carving in the Bible is a multifaceted concept, encompassing both the divine artistry of sacred objects and the potential pitfalls of idolatry. It serves as a testament to the creativity endowed by God and the responsibility to use such gifts in ways that honor Him.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
CarvingThe arts of carving and engraving were much in request in the construction of both the tabernacle and the temple. (Exodus 31:5;35:33;1 Kings 6:18,35;Psalms 74:6) as well as in the ornamentation of the priestly dresses. (Exodus 28:9-36;2 Chronicles 2:7,14;Zechariah 3:9)
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Carve.
2. (n.) The act or art of one who carves.
3. (n.) A piece of decorative work cut in stone, wood, or other material.
4. (n.) The whole body of decorative sculpture of any kind or epoch, or in any material; as, the Italian carving of the 15th century.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
CARVINGkarv'-ing: Carving, or engraving, was extensively used among the peoples of Bible lands. There were no materials used in the arts which were not subjected to the graver's skill. Carved objects of wood, stone, ivory, clay, bronze, gold, silver and glass discovered today show how skillful the ancient carvers were. Carving was principally done in bas-relief, althoughExodus 28:11 shows that incised lines were also used. The signets and scarabs are examples of this class of carving. Several Hebrew words have been translated "carved" in the King James Version. Pecel or pecil is found inJudges 18:182 Chronicles 33:7, 22;2 Chronicles 34:3, 1; chaqah in1 Kings 6:35. The translation "graven" appears in the Revised Version (British and American) of all these passages. In1 Kings 6:29, 32, 35, qala appears; in1 Kings 6:18, 32, miqla`ath; in1 Kings 6:29 andPsalm 74:6, pittuach; inExodus 31:5;Exodus 35:33, charosheth (see CARPENTER); chaTubhah inProverbs 7:16 is better translated "striped" as in the Revised Version (British and American). For further notes on carving, see CRAFTS.
James A. Patch
Strong's Hebrew
2799. charosheth -- acarving, skillful working... 2798, 2799. charosheth. 2800 . a
carving, skillful working. Transliteration:
charosheth Phonetic Spelling: (khar-o'-sheth) Short Definition:
carving.
...4734. miqlaath --carving
... 4733, 4734. miqlaath. 4735 .carving. Transliteration: miqlaath Phonetic Spelling:
(mik-lah'-ath) Short Definition: carved.... carved figure,carving, graving....
2405. chatuboth -- dark-hued stuffs
... carved. Feminine passive participle of chatab; properly, acarving; hence, a tapestry
(as figured) -- carved. see HEBREW chatab. 2404, 2405. chatuboth. 2406...
4741. maqtsuah -- a scraping tool
... Word Origin from qatsa Definition a scraping tool NASB Word Usage planes (1). plane.
From qatsa'; a scraper, ie Acarving chisel -- plane. see HEBREW qatsa'....
Library
The First Bible Pictures
... [Illustration: TWO EMPTY TOMBS IN THE CATACOMBS, THE LOWER ONE SHOWING PART OF THE
COVERING SLAB WITH A ROUGHCARVING OF THE MARTYRS' PALM OF VICTORY]....
Gifts and Talents.
... manner of workmanship, to devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver,
and in brass, and in cutting of stones, to set them, and incarving of timber...
Things as They Are
... Every bit of this picture is suggestive: the closed door behind, -- only a Brahman
may open that door; the mythologicalcarving, -- only a Brahman has the...
The Absurdity and Shamefulness of the Images by which the Gods are...
... other races still more ancient, set up blocks of wood in conspicuous situations,
and erected pillars of stone, which were called Xoana, from thecarving of the...
The Destruction of Jerusalem
... PRECIOUS GOLDEN CANDLESTICK, FROM THE TEMPLE AT JERUSALEM, CARRIED BY THE ROMAN
CONQUERORS THROUGH THE STREETS OF ROME"FROM THE BROKEN ROMANCARVING STILL TO...
Striking Similes
... caged creature. A few pens parched by long disuse. A figure like acarving
on a spire. A fluttering as of blind bewildered moths. A...
Involution
... In the coal itself another fossil was discovered, almost as abundant but far more
beautiful, and from the exquisitecarving which ornamented its fluted stem it...
How it is Necessary to be United with and Render Praise to Him who...
... transcends all things the praises of a transcendent hymnody, which we shall do by
denying or removing all things that are"like as men who,carving a statue...
At Masaarah
... And how will it be with thee when the chosen people go forth, or thecarving is
complete and the Egyptian cometh no more; or how will it be when he taketh one...
Folly of Idol Worship.
... For why need we tell you who already know, into what forms the craftsmen, [1781]
carving and cutting, casting and hammering, fashion the materials?...
Thesaurus
Carving (5 Occurrences)... 4. (n.) The whole body of decorative sculpture of any kind or epoch, or in any material;
as, the Italian
carving of the 15th century. Int.
...CARVING.
...Crafts (2 Occurrences)
... CRAFTS MENTIONED IN THE BIBLE 1. Brickmaking 2. Carpentering (Wood-Working) 3.Carving
(Engraving) 4. Ceramics 5. Dyeing and Cleansing 6. Embroidering...
Figure (19 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) The representation of any form, as by drawing, painting, modeling,carving,
embroidering, etc.; especially, a representation of the human body; as, a...
Workmanship (15 Occurrences)
... Exodus 31:5 and in cutting of stones for setting, and incarving of wood,
to work in all manner of workmanship. (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS)....
Tools (3 Occurrences)
... 1) The percussion tool was the hammer, used for splitting or trimming stone, beating
metals, and in wood-carving, as well as for driving nails, tent pins, etc....
Engage (20 Occurrences)
... WEY). Exodus 31:5 and in cutting of stones for setting, and incarving of wood,
to work in all manner of workmanship. (See NIV). Exodus...
Carve (1 Occurrence)
... The arts of engraving andcarving were much practised among the Jews.... Isaiah
(44:13-17) gives a minute description of the process ofcarving idols of wood....
Craftsmanship (4 Occurrences)
... RSV). Exodus 31:5 and in cutting of stones for setting, and incarving of
wood, to work in all manner of workmanship. (See NAS NIV)....
Craft (14 Occurrences)
... (Root in WEB KJV WEY ASV WBS NAS RSV). Exodus 31:5 and in cutting of stones for
setting, and incarving of wood, to work in all manner of workmanship....
Cutting (178 Occurrences)
... forbidden to the Israelites as being unworthy of them in their relation to Yahweh
(Leviticus 19:27 Deuteronomy 14:1). Charosheth, "carving," "engraving," is...
Resources
What is a graven image? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Christian revival? | GotQuestions.orgHow does creationism vs. evolution impact how a person views the world? | GotQuestions.orgCarving: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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