from ποιέω; a product, i.e. fabric (literally or figuratively):--thing that is made, workmanship.
Transliteration:poíēma
Pronunciation:poy'-ay-mah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word *poíēma* (`{{G4161}}`) is a noun derived from the verb ποιέω (poieō, `{{G4160}}`), which means "to do," "to make," "to create," or "to produce." As such, *poíēma* signifies the passive result of this action: "that which is made," "a product," "a creation," or "a work." The base definition provided further clarifies its semantic range as "fabric (literally or figuratively)" and encompasses the concepts of "thing that is made" and "workmanship." The term carries the nuance of something intentionally crafted, highlighting the skill and artistry of the maker. It implies a deliberate design and a finished product that reflects the character or ability of its originator.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
*Poíēma* appears only twice in the New Testament, yet each instance carries significant theological weight:
1. **[[Romans 1:20]]**: "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made (poíēma), so that they are without excuse."
In this foundational passage, Paul argues for the undeniable revelation of God through the natural world. The "things that have been made" (τῶν ποιημάτων) refer to the entire created order, the cosmos. Here, *poíēma* emphasizes the universe as God's *product* or *workmanship*. The intricate design, order, and vastness of creation serve as a visible testament to God's invisible attributes—His eternal power and divine nature. The very existence and complexity of the created world point to a divine Creator, leaving humanity without any valid excuse for their unbelief or idolatry.
2. **[[Ephesians 2:10]]**: "For we are His workmanship (poíēma), created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them."
This verse presents a profound truth about the believer's identity in Christ. Following the declaration that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works ([[Ephesians 2:8-9]]), Paul clarifies the purpose of this salvation. Believers are God's *poíēma*, His "workmanship" or "masterpiece." This signifies that we are not merely "made" in a general sense, but specifically "fashioned" or "re-created" by God through Christ Jesus. The term underscores the intentionality, skill, and purpose of God in our spiritual transformation. We are not self-made, but divinely crafted for a specific end: to walk in the good works that God has prepared for us. This highlights the new creation theme and God's sovereign design for the lives of His redeemed people.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ποιέω (poieō, `{{G4160}}`):** The verbal root from which *poíēma* is derived, meaning "to make," "to do," or "to create." *Poíēma* is the tangible result or product of this verb's action.
* **κτίσις (ktisis, `{{G2937}}`):** This word means "creation," "the act of creating," or "the created thing." While often used interchangeably with *poíēma* when referring to God's creation (e.g., in [[Romans 1:20]], *ktisis* is used for "creation of the world"), *poíēma* tends to emphasize the *product* as a work of skill and design, whereas *ktisis* can refer more broadly to the act of creation or the sum total of all created things.
* **ἔργον (ergon, `{{G2041}}`):** Meaning "work," "deed," or "act." In [[Ephesians 2:10]], *poíēma* (God's workmanship, referring to believers) is directly linked to *ergon* (the good works prepared for believers). This connection emphasizes that God's new creation (His *poíēma*) is designed with a purpose to perform good *erga*.
* **Divine Craftsmanship:** The concept embodied by *poíēma* resonates with Old Testament imagery of God as a potter (יָצַר, yatsar, `{{H3335}}`) and humanity as the clay ([[Isaiah 64:8]], [[Jeremiah 18:6]]). This highlights God's sovereignty, artistry, and power in shaping His creation, both physically and spiritually.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *poíēma* is profound, touching upon both general and special revelation:
* **General Revelation and Divine Accountability:** In [[Romans 1:20]], *poíēma* underscores the truth that the created universe serves as a powerful witness to God's existence, power, and divine nature. The order, beauty, and complexity of the cosmos are not accidental but bear the unmistakable signature of a divine artisan. This means humanity is without excuse for failing to acknowledge and worship God, as His attributes are "clearly seen" through His *workmanship*.
* **The Believer's Identity and Purpose in Redemption:** [[Ephesians 2:10]] elevates the believer to the status of God's "masterpiece." This is a central theological truth: salvation in Christ is not merely about forgiveness of sins, but about a radical re-creation. Believers are not merely saved *from* something, but *for* something. As God's *poíēma*, our new identity is rooted in His creative and redemptive power, not in human effort or merit. This divine craftsmanship ensures that our lives have ultimate meaning and purpose, as we are designed to live out the "good works" that God has prepared for us, bringing glory to Him. This passage powerfully refutes any notion of salvation by works while simultaneously affirming the essential role of good works as the natural outflow of a divinely transformed life.
### Summary
The Greek word *poíēma* (`{{G4161}}`), derived from ποιέω (`{{G4160}}`), denotes "that which is made," "a product," or "workmanship." Its two significant occurrences in the New Testament provide rich theological insight. In [[Romans 1:20]], *poíēma* refers to the created universe, emphasizing it as God's masterful *workmanship* that clearly reveals His eternal power and divine nature, leaving humanity without excuse. In [[Ephesians 2:10]], the term takes on a redemptive dimension, declaring believers to be God's *poíēma*—His spiritual "masterpiece" or "workmanship"—created anew in Christ Jesus. This re-creation is not for salvation by works, but for the specific purpose of walking in the good works God has prepared. Thus, *poíēma* encapsulates the divine artistry and intentionality evident both in the grand design of the cosmos and in the transformed lives of those redeemed by grace, underscoring God's sovereign purpose in all His creative and re-creative acts.
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