Topical Encyclopedia
The term "handiwork" in the context of the Bible often refers to the creative and purposeful work of God, particularly in relation to His creation. It signifies the craftsmanship and intentional design that God has imbued in the universe and everything within it. The concept of handiwork underscores the belief in a divine Creator who is both powerful and intimately involved in the details of His creation.
Biblical References:1.
Psalm 19:1 : "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." This verse highlights the heavens as a testament to God's handiwork, emphasizing that the natural world is a reflection of His glory and craftsmanship. The skies, in their vastness and beauty, serve as a visible manifestation of God's creative power.
2.
Ephesians 2:10 : "For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life." Here, the Apostle Paul speaks of believers as God's handiwork, created anew in Christ for the purpose of fulfilling good works. This passage underscores the idea that God's creative work extends beyond the physical universe to include the spiritual transformation and purpose of individuals.
3.
Isaiah 64:8 : "But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are our potter; we all are the work of Your hand." This metaphor of the potter and clay illustrates God's role as the divine craftsman, shaping and molding His people according to His will. It conveys a sense of God's sovereignty and intimate involvement in the lives of His people.
Theological Significance:The concept of handiwork in the Bible is deeply rooted in the understanding of God as the ultimate Creator. It affirms the belief that the universe is not a product of random chance but is the result of intentional design and purpose. This belief is foundational to the Christian worldview, which sees all of creation as inherently good and reflective of God's character.
Moreover, the idea of humans as God's handiwork carries profound implications for human identity and purpose. It suggests that each person is uniquely crafted by God, with inherent value and a specific role to play in His divine plan. This understanding calls believers to live in a manner that reflects their identity as God's creation, engaging in good works and fulfilling the purposes for which they were created.
Practical Implications:Recognizing the world as God's handiwork encourages a sense of stewardship and responsibility towards creation. Believers are called to care for the environment, recognizing it as a gift from God that reveals His glory. Additionally, understanding oneself as God's handiwork fosters a sense of dignity and purpose, motivating individuals to pursue lives of holiness and service.
In summary, the biblical concept of handiwork serves as a reminder of God's creative power, His intimate involvement in the world, and the purposeful design inherent in all of creation. It calls believers to acknowledge their Creator, live out their God-given purpose, and steward the world in a way that honors Him.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) Work done by the hands; hence, any work done personally.
Strong's Hebrew
3336. yetser -- a form, framing, purpose... Word Origin from yatsar Definition a form, framing, purpose NASB Word Usage formed
(1), frame (1),
handiwork (1), intent (4), intentions* (1), mind (1), what (1
...Library
God Will Bestow Salvation Upon the Whole Nature of Man, Consisting...
... temples. 1. Now God shall be glorified in Hishandiwork, fitting it so as
to be conformable to, and modelled after, His own Son. For...
Of the Difference Between Life and Death; of the Breath of Life...
... quicken, that as in Adam we do all die, as being of an animal nature, in Christ
we may all live, as being spiritual, not laying aside God'shandiwork, but the...
Since Our Bodies Return to the Earth, it Follows that they have...
... and we too have been formed; and since there is one and the same Father, whose voice
from the beginning even to the end is present with Hishandiwork, and the...
Christ Assumed Actual Flesh, Conceived and Born of the virgin.
... This, therefore, the Word of God was made, recapitulating in Himself His ownhandiwork;
and on this account does He confess Himself the Son of man, and blesses...
The Goodness of the Son of God is Proved from his Works...
... [1925] so that thehandiwork of the true Creator might be known, when
the fluid became solid, and the rock streamed with water?...
How we are to Understand the Words, "The Devil Sinneth from the...
... His beginning, then, is thehandiwork of God; for there is no nature, even among
the least, and lowest, and last of the beasts, which was not the work of Him...
Introduction to the Treatise on the Incarnation of the Word.
... He, Who alone could renew thehandiwork and restore the likeness and give afresh
the knowledge of God, must needs, in order to pay the debt which all had...
Letter xxii. St. Ambrose in a Letter to his Sister Gives an...
... heavenly mind. These are the heavens which declare the glory of God, these
are Hishandiwork which the firmament proclaims. For...
Whether it is Lawful for Religious to Live on Alms?
... 35): "It is a more blessed thing to give, rather than to receive." Therefore they
should not live on alms, but rather should they give alms of theirhandiwork....
Letter cxliv. From Augustine to Optatus.
... For, so far as I can see, your one aim has been to refute your opponents
when they deny that our souls are thehandiwork of God....
Thesaurus
Handiwork (4 Occurrences)...Handiwork (4 Occurrences). Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's own
handiwork, created
in Christ Jesus for good works which He has pre-destined us to practise. (WEY)
...Ophel (6 Occurrences)
... city shall be deserted; the hill (Ophel) and the watch-tower shall be for dens for
ever." Here we have palace, city and watch-tower, all thehandiwork of the...
Expanse (18 Occurrences)
... A Psalm by David. The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his
handiwork. (WEB DBY YLT NAS). Psalms 150:1 Praise ye Jah!...
Pre-destined (13 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's ownhandiwork, created in Christ Jesus for
good works which He has pre-destined us to practise. (WEY)....
Proclaims (6 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Psalms 19:1 For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David. The heavens declare
the glory of God. The expanse shows hishandiwork. (See RSV)....
Choirmaster (55 Occurrences)
... A Psalm by David. The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows hishandiwork.
(See RSV). Psalms 20:1 For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by David....
Skies (36 Occurrences)
... A Psalm by David. The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows hishandiwork.
(See NIV). Psalms 36:5 Your loving kindness, Yahweh, is in the heavens....
Shows (42 Occurrences)
... A Psalm by David. The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows hishandiwork.
(WEB). Psalms 59:17 To you, my strength, I will sing praises....
Showeth (20 Occurrences)
... evermore. (See JPS ASV WBS). Psalms 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of
God; And the firmament showeth hishandiwork. (ASV WBS)....
Practise (52 Occurrences)
... (ASV). Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's ownhandiwork, created in Christ Jesus
for good works which He has pre-destined us to practise. (WEY)....
Resources
What does it mean that we are God's workmanship in Ephesians 2:10? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Hannah's prayer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did Jesus mean when He said, “I am the Light of the World” (John 8:12)? | GotQuestions.orgHandiwork: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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