Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of skillfulness is woven throughout the biblical narrative, often highlighting the importance of wisdom, craftsmanship, and the diligent use of one's abilities in service to God and others. The term "skilfully" is associated with the execution of tasks with precision, wisdom, and expertise, reflecting a heart aligned with divine purpose.
Old Testament ReferencesIn the Old Testament, skillfulness is prominently featured in the context of craftsmanship and artistry, particularly in the construction of the Tabernacle.
Exodus 31:1-5 introduces Bezalel, whom God filled "with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship, to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze." This passage underscores the divine origin of skill, suggesting that true skillfulness is a gift from God, intended for His glory.
The building of the Temple under King Solomon also highlights the value of skill. In
1 Kings 7:14 , Hiram of Tyre is described as "a man of great skill, understanding, and knowledge in working with bronze." His expertise was crucial in the creation of the Temple's furnishings, demonstrating that skillfulness is essential in the service of God’s dwelling place.
Wisdom LiteratureThe wisdom literature of the Bible often associates skill with wisdom and understanding.
Proverbs 22:29 states, "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men." This proverb emphasizes that skill, when combined with diligence, leads to recognition and honor. It suggests that skillfulness is not merely a technical ability but is deeply connected to wisdom and moral integrity.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, while the term "skilfully" is not explicitly used, the concept is evident in the parables and teachings of Jesus. The Parable of the Talents (
Matthew 25:14-30) illustrates the importance of using one's abilities wisely and productively. The servants who skilfully invest their talents are commended, while the one who fails to do so is rebuked. This parable reinforces the idea that skillfulness involves stewardship and accountability before God.
Spiritual Gifts and the ChurchThe Apostle Paul, in his letters, speaks to the diversity of gifts within the body of Christ, each requiring skillful use for the edification of the church. In
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 , Paul writes, "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people." This passage highlights that skillfulness in spiritual gifts is essential for the unity and growth of the church.
ConclusionThroughout Scripture, skillfulness is portrayed as a divine endowment, a reflection of God's creativity and wisdom. It is a call to excellence, stewardship, and service, urging believers to develop and use their skills for the glory of God and the benefit of others.
Strong's Hebrew
3190. yatab -- to be good, well, glad, or pleasing... ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad, do (be, make) good((-ness)),
be (make) merry, please (+ well), shew more (kindness),
skilfully, X very small
...Library
Argument. --HeSkilfully Replies to a Passage which the Heretics...
... Chapter XXVII. Argument."HeSkilfully Replies to a Passage Which the Heretics
Employed in Defence of Their Own Opinion. But since...
He Then Clearly andSkilfully Criticises the Doctrine of the...
... Section 7. He then clearly andskilfully criticises the doctrine of the impossibility
of comparison with the things made after the Son, and exposes the...
He NextSkilfully Confutes the Partial, Empty and Blasphemous...
... Book II. Section 4. He nextskilfully confutes the partial, empty and blasphemous
statement of Eunomius on the subject of the absolutely existent....
Then Returning to the Words of Peter, "God Made Him Lord and...
... Section 4. Then returning to the words of Peter, "God made Him Lord and Christ,"
heskilfully explains it by many arguments, and herein shows Eunomius as an...
A Refutation of this Dogma on the Ground of Familiar Human...
... indeterminately, and to decompose and dissipate its materials in every casual and
unregulated way, just as the wisdom by which it wasskilfully constructed at...
Jesus at the Well. A Word to Preachers.
... become a preacher. II.--- Interest your Audience. Howskilfully Jesus
went to work to lay hold of this giddy woman! He spoke of...
Gregory of Nyssa: Dogmatic Treatises, Etc
... Section 4. He nextskilfully confutes the partial, empty and blasphemous statement
of Eunomius on the subject of the absolutely existent....
The Prudent Steward.
... the children of light, look after their own affairs; and it is intimated that the
one class attends to its business more earnestly and moreskilfully than the...
A Treatise of Novatian Concerning the Trinity
... Chapter XXVII. Argument.--HeSkilfully Replies to a Passage Which the Heretics
Employed in Defence of Their Own Opinion. Chapter XXVIII....
Separation to God.
... There may be danger that the questioner cannot see: Satan's baits oftenskilfully
conceal a sharp hook; but supposing that the thing be harmless, it does not...
Thesaurus
Skilfully (13 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Skilfully (13 Occurrences). 2 Peter 1:16 For,
skilfully devised fables not having followed out, we did
...Breastpiece (21 Occurrences)
... 28:28 And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of
the ephod with a thread of blue, that it may be upon theskilfully woven band...
Workmanship (15 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:8 And theskilfully woven band, which is upon it, wherewith to gird it
on, shall be like the work thereof and of the same piece: of gold, of blue...
Finely (27 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:8 And theskilfully woven band, which is upon it, wherewith to gird it
on, shall be like the work thereof and of the same piece: of gold, of blue...
Thread (32 Occurrences)
... 28:28 And they shall bind the breastplate by the rings thereof unto the rings of
the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be upon theskilfully woven band of...
Tunic (24 Occurrences)
... shalt take the garments, and put upon Aaron the coat, and the robe of the ephod,
and the ephod, and the breastplate, and gird him with theskilfully woven band...
Wherewith (182 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:8 And theskilfully woven band, which is upon it, wherewith to gird it
on, shall be like the work thereof and of the same piece; of gold, of blue...
Pieces (209 Occurrences)
... and shalt put them on the two shoulder-pieces of the ephod underneath, in the forepart
thereof, close by the coupling thereof, above theskilfully woven band...
Skilful (38 Occurrences)
Left-handed (3 Occurrences)
Left-handed. Lefthanded, Left-handed. Leftover . Easton's Bible Dictionary
(Judges 3:15; 20:16), one unable to use the right handskilfully, and who therefore...
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