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H2799 · Hebrew · Old Testament
חֲרֹשֶׁת
charōshet
Noun, feminine
craftwork; skilled engraving

Definition

From chārash (H2790), meaning to engrave, plow, or be silent. Charōshet refers to skilled craftwork — the work of artisans, carpenters, metal workers, and engravers. Used to describe the skilled labor employed in constructing the Tabernacle and Temple.

Usage & Theological Significance

The concept of charōshet — skilled craftsmanship — reveals that artistic excellence is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Exodus 31:3-5 declares that Bezalel was filled with the Spirit of God 'with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship (melākhāh / charōshet).' The New Testament counterpart is found in the variety of gifts given to the church (1 Cor. 12) — every form of excellence, including skilled labor and artistry, flows from divine endowment. The craftsmen of the Tabernacle were not merely builders; they were co-creators with God, translating divine blueprints into earthly reality. This theology of vocation means that all skilled work — whether carpentry, surgery, music, or software — can be an act of worship. Jesus Himself worked as a tekton (craftsman/carpenter) — the divine Son sanctifying human labor with His own hands.

Key Bible Verses

Exodus 31:5 To make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship.
1 Kings 7:14 He was a craftsman in bronze. He came to King Solomon and did all the work assigned to him.
2 Chronicles 2:14 He is trained to work in gold and silver, bronze and iron, stone and wood, and with purple and blue and crimson yarn and fine linen. He is experienced in all kinds of engraving and can execute any design given to him.
Isaiah 44:13 The craftsman measures with a line and makes an outline with a marker; he roughs it out with chisels and marks it with compasses.
Exodus 35:35 He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers — all of them skilled workers and designers.

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