### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **cheiropoíētos**, represented by `{{G5499}}`, means **manufactured, i.e. of human construction**. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. This term is used to describe physical objects or rituals created by human effort, often to contrast them with a superior, spiritual, or divinely-made reality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G5499}}` consistently highlights the limitations of human works compared to divine ones. It is used to describe physical places of worship, such as the **"temples made with hands"** where the Most High does not dwell ([[Acts 7:48]], [[Acts 17:24]]). The book of Hebrews uses this distinction to elevate Christ's ministry, explaining that He entered a **"greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands"** [[Hebrews 9:11]] and not the earthly **"holy places made with hands"**, which are merely **"figures of the true"** [[Hebrews 9:24]]. The term is also applied to the physical rite of **"Circumcision in the flesh made by hands"** [[Ephesians 2:11]] and the earthly temple that false witnesses accused Jesus of threatening to destroy [[Mark 14:58]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contrast between the man-made and the divine:
* `{{G886}}` **acheiropoíētos** (made without (not made with) hands): As the direct antonym, this term describes what is of divine, not human, origin. It is used to refer to a new temple [[Mark 14:58]], the true circumcision of Christ [[Colossians 2:11]], and the eternal house believers have in the heavens [[2 Corinthians 5:1]].
* `{{G3485}}` **naós** (a fane, shrine, temple): This word for temple is frequently qualified by `{{G5499}}` to specify the physical, humanly constructed building that cannot contain God ([[Acts 17:24]], [[Mark 14:58]]).
* `{{G4633}}` **skēnḗ** (a tent or cloth hut (literally or figuratively)): This word refers to the tabernacle. Christ's priestly work is associated with a greater tabernacle "not made with hands" [[Hebrews 9:11]].
* `{{G499}}` **antítypon** (corresponding ("antitype"), i.e. a representative, counterpart): This word explains that the holy places "made with hands" are merely "figures" or counterparts of the true heavenly reality that Christ entered [[Hebrews 9:24]].
* `{{G4061}}` **peritomḗ** (circumcision): This term refers to the physical rite which is described as being "made by hands," used to distinguish it from a spiritual state [[Ephesians 2:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5499}}` is significant in distinguishing between physical representation and spiritual reality.
* **The Nature of God's Dwelling:** The word establishes that God is not confined to human constructions. Emphasizing that the Most High does not dwell in **"temples made with hands"** [[Acts 7:48]] points believers toward a relationship with God that is not dependent on a physical location.
* **The Superiority of Christ's Ministry:** The contrast between what is **"made with hands"** and what is not is central to the Christology of Hebrews. The earthly tabernacle and its holy places are `{{G5499}}`, while Christ's ministry takes place in a greater, heavenly sanctuary **"not of this building"** ([[Hebrews 9:11]], [[Hebrews 9:24]]).
* **External Rituals vs. Internal Reality:** The term is used to differentiate between an outward, physical sign like the **"Circumcision... made by hands"** [[Ephesians 2:11]] and the true, internal work of God in a believer's heart, which is **"made without hands"** [[Colossians 2:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5499}}` is a crucial theological term used to draw a sharp contrast between the human and the divine, the physical and the spiritual, the temporary and the eternal. By labeling temples, sanctuaries, and even religious rites as **"made with hands,"** Scripture consistently points beyond these earthly figures to the superior and true reality of God's presence and Christ's redemptive work.
TRV