### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **technítēs**, represented by `{{G5079}}`, is derived from τέχνη and defines an **artisan** or, figuratively, a founder or **Creator**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible, referring to both skilled human workers and to God as the ultimate builder.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its literal sense, `{{G5079}}` identifies skilled workers and artisans. In Acts, it describes the **craftsmen** who worked under Demetrius, a silversmith, making silver shrines and forming a trade guild ([[Acts 19:24]], [[Acts 19:38]]). In Revelation, the word signifies a vital part of a functioning city; the prophecy that "no **craftsman**, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more" in Babylon is a sign of its complete desolation [[Revelation 18:22]]. Figuratively, the term is used in Hebrews to describe God as the divine **builder** of the heavenly city for which Abraham waited [[Hebrews 11:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{G5079}}`:
* `{{G1217}}` **dēmiourgós** (maker): Defined as a worker for the people and used to speak of the Creator, this word appears alongside `{{G5079}}` to describe God as both the **builder** and **maker** of the heavenly city [[Hebrews 11:10]].
* `{{G5078}}` **téchnē** (art, craft, occupation): This is the root word for `technítēs` and refers to the specific skill or trade an artisan possesses. It is used in Revelation to describe the **craft** of the **craftsman** [[Revelation 18:22]].
* `{{G695}}` **argyrokópos** (silversmith): This word denotes a specific type of artisan. In Acts, Demetrius is identified as a **silversmith** who brings gain to the collective of **craftsmen** [[Acts 19:24]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5079}}` is centered on its metaphorical application to God.
* **Divine Founder:** The term elevates the concept of a craftsman to the divine level, presenting God as the **builder** of an eternal city with foundations, a work far superior to any human creation [[Hebrews 11:10]].
* **Symbol of Human Endeavor:** On earth, a **craftsman** represents human skill, commerce, and culture. The craftsmen in Acts are part of an economic enterprise [[Acts 19:24]], while their prophesied absence in Revelation symbolizes the end of all such worldly systems [[Revelation 18:22]].
* **Creator vs. Created:** The use of the word contrasts the work of human artisans, who create objects like shrines, with the work of God, the ultimate Creator who is the architect of spiritual realities.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5079}}` bridges the gap between the earthly and the divine. It is used to describe the literal work of a human **craftsman** whose skill is essential to society, but it also serves as a powerful metaphor for God as the supreme **builder** of the eternal. The word thereby highlights the distinction between the temporary creations of man and the permanent, foundational work of the Creator.
TRV