### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **acheiropoíētos**, represented by `{{G886}}`, means unmanufactured or, more specifically, **made without hands**. A compound of a negative particle and the word for "made with hands," it appears **3 times** in **3 unique verses**. The term consistently distinguishes between what is physical and human-made versus what is spiritual and of divine origin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical applications, `{{G886}}` highlights the superiority of God's work over human effort. In Mark's Gospel, it is used to contrast the physical **temple** `{{G3485}}` that is "made with hands" with the one Jesus promised to build in three **days** `{{G2250}}` "**made without hands**" [[Mark 14:58]]. The term is also used to describe the believer's future hope; our "**earthly**" `{{G1919}}` body, or "**tabernacle**" `{{G4636}}`, will be replaced by a heavenly "**house**" `{{G3614}}` from **God** `{{G2316}}` that is "**not made with hands**" [[2 Corinthians 5:1]]. Finally, it describes the nature of spiritual transformation, as believers receive a "**circumcision**" `{{G4061}}` "**made without hands**" which involves the "**putting off**" `{{G555}}` of the sinful **flesh** `{{G4561}}` [[Colossians 2:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of `{{G886}}`:
* `{{G5499}}` **cheiropoíētos** (made by (make with) hands): The direct antonym of `{{G886}}`, this word refers to things of human construction. It is used in direct contrast to describe the earthly **temple** `{{G3485}}` that will be destroyed [[Mark 14:58]].
* `{{G1919}}` **epígeios** (earthly, in earth, terrestrial): This adjective describes that which is worldly and physical. It is used to characterize our current "**house**" `{{G3614}}` which is subject to being dissolved, unlike the eternal one from God [[2 Corinthians 5:1]].
* `{{G4061}}` **peritomḗ** (circumcision): This refers to the physical rite. In Colossians, a distinction is made between the physical act and the spiritual "**circumcision**" that is **made without hands** [[Colossians 2:11]].
* `{{G3619}}` **oikodomḗ** (building, edify(-ication, -ing)): This refers to a structure or the act of building. Believers are promised a "**building** of **God**" `{{G2316}}` that is **not made with hands** [[2 Corinthians 5:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G886}}` is significant, contrasting the physical with the spiritual.
* **Divine versus Human Work:** The word establishes a clear line between the temporary works of humanity and the eternal works of **God** `{{G2316}}`. The physical **temple** `{{G3485}}`, though significant, is ultimately a work "**made with hands**" `{{G5499}}`, while the new reality **Christ** `{{G5547}}` brings is **made without hands** [[Mark 14:58]].
* **The Nature of Salvation:** The concept is central to understanding salvation. The "**circumcision**" `{{G4061}}` that matters is not a physical act but a spiritual one performed by **Christ** `{{G5547}}`, signifying the removal of the "**body** `{{G4983}}` of the **sins** `{{G266}}` of the **flesh** `{{G4561}}`" [[Colossians 2:11]].
* **The Believer's Eternal Hope:** `{{G886}}` provides assurance of a future resurrection body. Our present "**earthly house**" `{{G1919}}` will be replaced by a perfect, heavenly dwelling from **God**, a "**house not made with hands, eternal** `{{G166}}` **in the heavens** `{{G3772}}`" [[2 Corinthians 5:1]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G886}}` is a precise theological term that signifies what is of divine, spiritual, and heavenly origin, in contrast to what is human, physical, and earthly. It powerfully communicates that God's work—whether in building His spiritual **temple** `{{G3485}}`, circumcising the heart, or providing our eternal bodies—is not accomplished by human effort but is a gift "**made without hands**."
TRV