Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and General Overview:Skill, in the biblical context, refers to the ability to perform tasks with competence and expertise. It encompasses both natural talents and abilities that are honed through practice and experience. In the Bible, skill is often associated with wisdom, craftsmanship, and the effective use of one's abilities for the glory of God and the benefit of others.
Old Testament References:The Old Testament frequently highlights skill in various forms, particularly in craftsmanship and leadership. One of the most notable examples is the construction of the Tabernacle, where God specifically endowed certain individuals with skill for this sacred task. In
Exodus 31:1-5 , the Lord speaks to Moses about Bezalel: "See, I have chosen 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, to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every craft."
The book of Proverbs also frequently associates skill with wisdom, emphasizing the importance of diligent work and the pursuit of knowledge.
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."
New Testament References:In the New Testament, skill is often linked to spiritual gifts and the effective use of these gifts within the body of Christ. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, encourages believers to use their God-given abilities for the edification of the church. In
Romans 12:6-8 , Paul writes, "We have different gifts according to the grace given to us. If one's gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully."
Theological Implications:From a theological perspective, skill is seen as a gift from God, meant to be used for His purposes. The Bible encourages believers to develop their skills and use them in service to God and others. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of stewardship, where individuals are called to manage their talents and resources wisely.
Practical Application:In practical terms, the Bible encourages the development of skill through hard work, discipline, and a commitment to excellence.
Colossians 3:23-24 advises, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
Conclusion:While the Bible does not provide a comprehensive manual on skill development, it offers principles that guide believers in using their abilities effectively. Skill, when aligned with God's purposes, becomes a powerful tool for advancing His kingdom and serving others.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) Discrimination; judgment; propriety; reason; cause.
2. (n.) Knowledge; understanding.
3. (n.) The familiar knowledge of any art or science, united with readiness and dexterity in execution or performance, or in the application of the art or science to practical purposes; power to discern and execute; ability to perceive and perform; expertness; aptitude; as, the skill of a mathematician, physician, surgeon, mechanic, etc.
4. (n.) Display of art; exercise of ability; contrivance; address.
5. (n.) Any particular art.
6. (v. t.) To know; to understand.
7. (v. i.) To be knowing; to have understanding; to be dexterous in performance.
8. (v. i.) To make a difference; to signify; to matter; -- used impersonally.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SKILL; SKILFULskil, skil'-fool (forms of yadha` (2 Chronicles 2:14, etc.), bin (1 Chronicles 15:22), sakhal (Daniel 1:4, etc.), lamadh (1 Chronicles 5:18), chakham (1 Chronicles 28:21), charash (Ezekiel 21:31), yaTabh (Psalm 33:3); in Apocrypha empeiria (The Wisdom of Solomon 13:13), episteme (Sirach 1:19; 38:3, 6); adverb eumathos (The Wisdom of Solomon 13:11)): As a verb "to skill," meaning to have understanding or to be dexterous, common in Elizabethan English and in the King James Version and the English Revised Version (1 Kings 5:62 Chronicles 2:7;2 Chronicles 34:12), is obsolete. The American Standard Revised Version substitutes such expressions as "knoweth how" (1 Kings 5:6) and "were skillful with" (2 Chronicles 34:12). As a noun the word is used in the sense of "knowledge" (Ecclesiastes 9:11), "insight" (Daniel 1:17), and "wisdom" (1 Chronicles 28:21). The adjective skillful is used in corresponding senses, especially in the American Standard Revised Version, where it takes the place of "cunning" (Exodus 26:31;Exodus 31:4;Exodus 35:33, 35; 38:232 Chronicles 2:7, 13, 14Songs 7:1Isaiah 40:20Jeremiah 10:9) and of "curious" (Exodus 35:32), where the Hebrew chashabh suggests planning or devising, and thus what we should call "original" work. Both the English Revised Version and the American Standard Revised Version use the word in place of "eloquent" (Isaiah 3:3), "right" (Ecclesiastes 4:4) and "cunning" (1 Chronicles 25:7). In the first of these instances the Hebrew word means "understanding"; in the second, it refers to the manner of doing a thing, and in the third, to the training that makes one "skilled." the Revised Version (British and American) uses the word "skilled" of those that "took the war upon them" (Numbers 31:27 the King James Version). Skillfulness (Psalm 78:72) is used with reference to the hands, not only in their work, but also in guiding (as, e.g., a pilot). To play well (Hebrew heTibhu naggen), is rendered "play skillfully" (Psalm 33:3). "Unskillful" is used with reference to the uninitiated in the sense of "inexperienced" (Hebrews 5:13, apeiros).
Nathan Isaacs
Greek
4678. sophia --skill, wisdom...skill, wisdom. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: sophia Phonetic Spelling:
(sof-ee'-ah) Short Definition: wisdom Definition: wisdom, insight
...5078. techne -- art, craft, trade
... art, craft, trade. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: techne Phonetic
Spelling: (tekh'-nay) Short Definition: art,skill, trade Definition: art...
5429. phronimos -- practically wise, sensible
... From phren; thoughtful, ie Sagacious or discreet (implying a cautious character;
while sophos denotes practicalskill or acumen; and sunetos indicates rather...
1789. entrepho -- to train up
... 1722 "in," which intensifies 5142 , "nourish") -- properly, the state (condition)
of being , ie by "continuous instruction in the area ofskill and practical...
1864. epagonizomai -- to contend with or for
... 1864 (from 1909 , "focused " and 73 , "a contest, competition") -- properly, to
(literally, ""), ie withskill and commitment in opposing whatever is not of...
3834. panourgia -- cleverness, craftiness
... Feminine Transliteration: panourgia Phonetic Spelling: (pan-oorg-ee'-ah) Short
Definition: cunning, craftiness Definition: shrewdness,skill; hence: cunning...
1128. gumnazo -- to exercise naked, to train
... 1128 ("exert intensely, like a pro-athlete") presumes full discipline, necessary
to be in "top working condition" (full agility,skill, endurance)....
Strong's Hebrew
3788. kishron --skill, success... 3787, 3788. kishron. 3789 .
skill, success. Transliteration: kishron Phonetic
Spelling: (kish-rone') Short Definition:
skill. Word
...2451. chokmah -- wisdom
... Word Origin from chakam Definition wisdom NASB Word Usageskill (5),skill* (1),
wisdom (143), wisely (3), wits' (1). skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit....
3820. leb -- inner man, mind, will, heart
... 1), presume* (1), pride* (1), recalls* (1), reflected* (1), regard* (1),
self-exaltation* (1), sense (10), senseless* (1), seriously (1),skill* (1), skilled...
1847. daath -- knowledge
... Word Origin from yada Definition knowledge NASB Word Usage concern (1), know (3),
knowledge (81), premeditation (2),skill (1), truth (1), unintentionally* (2...
3045. yada -- to know
... be, make self) known, + be learned, + lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, X
prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of)skill, be sure...
8394. tebunah -- an understanding
... Word Origin from bin Definition an understanding NASB Word Usage discernment (1),
reasonings (1),skill (1), skillful (1), skillfully (1), understanding (37)....
995. bin -- to discern
... direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look
well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can)skill(-full), teach, think...
7919. sakal -- to be prudent
... root; to be (causatively, make or act) circumspect and hence, intelligent -- consider,
expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give)skill(-ful), have...
Library
The WonderfulSkill with which Origen Prepares Gregory and...
... Argument VII."The WonderfulSkill with Which Origen Prepares Gregory
and Athenodorus for Philosophy. The Intellect of Each is...
Now to Call Such ScriptureSkill Divine Knowledge, is Just as...
... Address 95: Now to call such scriptureskill divine knowledge, is just
as solid and judicious? Now to call such scriptureskill...
"Bring not Therefore Your Cunning Man, that HasSkill in Words...
... [Way-2-10] "Bring not therefore your cunning man, that hasskill in words?
"Bring not therefore your cunning man, that hasskill...
But Where Does this Supposed virtue of the Image Reside? in the...
... Section 20. But where does this supposed virtue of the image reside? in the material,
or in the form, or in the maker'sskill? Untenability of all these views....
Not the Lowliness of the Material, but the Dignity andSkill of...
... Chapter VI."Not the Lowliness of the Material, But the Dignity andSkill of the
Maker, Must Be Remembered, in Gauging the Excellence of the Flesh....
The Proper Age and the Proper Means for Acquiring RhetoricalSkill...
... Book IV. Chapter 3."The Proper Age and the Proper Means for Acquiring
RhetoricalSkill. 4. But the theories and rules on this...
The Bible --The Background and the Picture.
... No physician ever revealed hisskill without his patients.... The doctor's dealings
with his patients measure the extent of his knownskill....
Results of Transgression
... temple. For the construction of the wilderness tabernacle, chosen men
were endowed by God with specialskill and wisdom. "Moses...
Gifts and Talents.
... Successive generations improved upon previous achievements, until among the various
nations comparative perfection of art andskill was attained....
Christ the Great Physician.
... In order that we appreciate a physician, and avail ourselves of the benefits
of hisskill, we must have faith in him. Without faith...
Thesaurus
Skill (26 Occurrences)... of the art or science to practical purposes; power to discern and execute; ability
to perceive and perform; expertness; aptitude; as, the
skill of a
...Art (3201 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) The systematic application of knowledge orskill in effecting a desired
result. Also, an occupation or business requiring such knowledge orskill....
Craft (14 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Art orskill; dexterity in particular manual employment; hence,
the occupation or employment itself; manual art; a trade....
Crafts (2 Occurrences)
... to believe that before the Israelites came in contact with the people of Canaan
and Phoenicia they had not developed any considerable technicalskill (1 Kings 5...
Judge (297 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) One who hasskill, knowledge, or experience, sufficient to decide on the
merits of a question, or on the quality or value of anything; one who discerns...
Learn (76 Occurrences)
... of; to ascertain by inquiry, study, or investigation; to receive instruction concerning;
to fix in the mind; to acquire understanding of, orskill; as, to...
Cunning (43 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Wrought with, or exhibiting,skill or ingenuity; ingenious; curious;
as, cunning work.... 5. (a.) Knowledge; art;skill; dexterity....
Skilled (44 Occurrences)
... of a widow of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker
in brass; and he was filled with wisdom and understanding andskill, to work...
Games (2 Occurrences)
... GAMES. gamz: I. ISRAELITISH GAMES 1. Children's Games Mimicry 2. Sports 3. Games
of Chance andSkill 4. Story-Telling 5. Dancing 6. Proverbs 7. Riddles II....
Learning (40 Occurrences)
... 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Learn. 2. (n.) The acquisition of knowledge orskill;
as, the learning of languages; the learning of telegraphy....
Resources
What does the Bible say about art? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian play Pokémon? Should a Christian play Yu-Gi-Oh!? | GotQuestions.orgWho were Bezalel and Oholiab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgSkill: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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