### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼâmân**, represented by `{{H542}}`, means **an expert** or **cunning workman**. It is derived from a root that conveys the sense of training. This specific term is quite rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{H542}}` appears in a poetic description of beauty in the Song of Solomon. The speaker, admiring a "prince's daughter," compares her form to a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Specifically, "the joints of thy thighs are like jewels, the work of the hands of a **cunning workman**" [[Song of Solomon 7:1]]. Here, the term is used to evoke an image of perfection, precision, and artistry, suggesting that her beauty is so exquisite it must have been fashioned by a master artisan.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the surrounding verse help to build this theme of crafted beauty:
* `{{H3302}}` **yâphâh** (beautiful): This word, meaning "to be bright" or "beautiful," establishes the context of aesthetic admiration for the subject of the verse [[Song of Solomon 7:1]].
* `{{H2481}}` **chălîy** (jewel, ornament): The "work" of the craftsman is directly compared to jewels or a trinket, emphasizing the value, intricacy, and polished perfection of the creation.
* `{{H4639}}` **maʻăseh** (work): This refers to the product or "deed" of the workman's hands. It is this "work" that is being lauded as something precious [[Song of Solomon 7:1]].
* `{{H3027}}` **yâd** (hand): This word, indicating power and means, identifies the instrument of the "cunning workman," signifying that the beauty being described is the result of skillful labor [[Song of Solomon 7:1]].
### Theological Significance
The conceptual weight of `{{H542}}` is centered on the idea of masterful creation and inherent value.
* **Excellence in Craftsmanship:** The term is used to set the highest possible standard for quality. By describing a part of the human form as the product of an "expert," the text frames it as a flawless and valuable creation [[Song of Solomon 7:1]].
* **Artistry as a Measure of Beauty:** The use of **ʼâmân** suggests that true beauty possesses the qualities of intentional, skilled art. It is not just a passive quality but is likened to an object deliberately and expertly made.
* **The Value of Skill:** This word inherently celebrates expertise and trained skill. It attributes the admired beauty to the "hands of a cunning workman," placing a high value on the ability to produce works of perfection.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H542}}` **ʼâmân** is a highly specific term for a skilled expert or artisan. Though it appears only once, its use in [[Song of Solomon 7:1]] provides a powerful metaphor for beauty. It equates the elegance of the human form with a priceless object, like a jewel, that has been perfectly fashioned by a master craftsman, thereby celebrating the pinnacle of artistry and skill.
TRV