### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word τέκτων (téktōn, `{{G5045}}`) primarily denotes an "artificer," "craftsman," or "builder." While its etymology is debated, it is most commonly associated with the root *techne* (art, skill, craft), implying a skilled worker who shapes raw materials into functional or aesthetic objects. Although the Strong's definition mentions a connection to "producer of fabrics," its predominant usage, especially in the New Testament, refers to a craftsman in wood, hence "carpenter." However, its semantic range historically included workers in stone, metal, or any material requiring skilled construction or fabrication. The core meaning emphasizes the act of creating, constructing, and forming with expertise and precision.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term τέκτων (téktōn, `{{G5045}}`) appears twice in the New Testament, both times in the Synoptic Gospels, referring to Jesus and his familial background:
* In [[Mark 6:3]], the people of Nazareth, familiar with Jesus, exclaim: "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?" Here, Jesus himself is identified as the téktōn.
* In [[Matthew 13:55]], a parallel passage, the question is posed: "Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas?" In this account, Jesus is identified as the son of a téktōn.
Both passages highlight Jesus's humble origins in Nazareth. The villagers' use of this term is not intended as a compliment but rather as an expression of skepticism and incredulity. They knew Jesus as a common laborer from their community, not as a prophet or a Messiah. Their familiarity with his ordinary trade became a stumbling block to recognizing his extraordinary authority and divine mission. Regardless of whether Jesus himself was the téktōn or the son of one, the implication is clear: he came from a working-class family, engaging in manual labor, which was considered a respectable but not a prestigious occupation in Jewish society. This background would have instilled in Jesus practical skills, diligence, and an understanding of the physical world and the effort required to build and maintain structures.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Hebrew Counterparts:** In the Old Testament, the Hebrew term חָרָשׁ (ḥārāš, `{{H2796}}`) serves as a broad equivalent, meaning "craftsman," "artisan," or "engraver." This term is often specified by the material, such as חָרָשׁ עֵץ (ḥārāš ‘ēṣ) for a woodworker or חָרָשׁ אֶבֶן (ḥārāš 'eben) for a stonemason. Examples include [[2 Samuel 5:11]] and [[Isaiah 44:13]].
* **Greek Cognates:**
* τέχνη (technē, `{{G5078}}`): This noun signifies "art," "skill," "craft," or "trade," directly relating to the skilled nature of a téktōn. It appears in [[Acts 18:3]] where Paul is described as a tentmaker by technē.
* ἀρχιτέκτων (architektōn, `{{G753}}`): Meaning "master builder" or "architect," this compound word denotes a chief craftsman or one who designs and oversees construction. Paul uses this term to describe himself metaphorically as a spiritual builder in [[1 Corinthians 3:10]].
* **Related Concepts:** Manual labor, humility, creation, construction, wisdom applied to practical tasks, the dignity of work.
### Theological Significance
The identification of Jesus as a téktōn (or the son of one) carries profound theological weight:
* **Jesus's Humanity and Humility:** It powerfully underscores the full humanity of Jesus. He was not born into wealth or privilege, nor did he emerge from a priestly or scholarly elite. Instead, he shared the common lot of humanity, engaging in manual labor. This aspect of his life profoundly dignifies all honest work and emphasizes his identification with the everyday person, the laborer, and the marginalized.
* **The Divine Creator as Human Craftsman:** A striking paradox emerges: the Son of God, through whom all things were made ([[John 1:3]], [[Colossians 1:16]]), voluntarily took on the role of a physical craftsman. The divine architect of the cosmos became a human artisan, shaping wood and stone. This highlights the incredible condescension of the Incarnation and bridges the gap between divine creation and human labor, sanctifying the latter.
* **A "Stumbling Block" for Recognition:** For many of his contemporaries, Jesus's humble occupation was a significant obstacle to accepting his claims of divine authority. The "carpenter" could not possibly be the Messiah they envisioned ([[Mark 6:3-4]]). This illustrates a recurring theme in the Gospels: God often works in unexpected ways, choosing the humble and overlooked to accomplish His grand purposes, challenging human preconceptions about divine power and glory.
* **Metaphorical Echoes:** While not explicitly used as a direct metaphor for Jesus's ministry in the New Testament, his background as a téktōn resonates with his role as the builder of the Church ([[Matthew 16:18]]), the one who lays the spiritual foundation ([[1 Corinthians 3:11]]), and the one who shapes and transforms human lives. He is the ultimate "master builder" of God's redemptive plan.
### Summary
The Greek word τέκτων (téktōn, `{{G5045}}`) denotes a craftsman or artisan, specifically a carpenter in the New Testament. Its two occurrences in [[Mark 6:3]] and [[Matthew 13:55]] place Jesus (or his father) in this humble, working-class profession. This detail is crucial for understanding Jesus's full humanity and his identification with ordinary people, particularly laborers. Theologically, it underscores the profound humility of the Incarnation, dignifies manual labor, and presents a paradox of the divine Creator engaging in human craft. It also highlights the "scandal" of the Incarnation for those who struggled to reconcile Jesus's ordinary background with his extraordinary claims, ultimately pointing to him as the ultimate builder of God's spiritual kingdom.
TRV