Bible Dictionary
Carpenter
A carpenter was a craftsman working chiefly with wood, though the term could include other materials. Jesus was known as a carpenter, and Joseph as a carpenter’s son.
Definition
A carpenter was a craftsman or artificer, especially a worker in wood, though the term could also include work in stone, iron, and copper. The corresponding biblical words can mean graver, craftsman, smith, or worker in wood.
Biblical Usage
Jesus was called “the carpenter,” and Joseph was called “the carpenter’s son.” Scripture also mentions carpenters in connection with construction and records tools used in their work.
Historical Background
Carpenters worked with various materials and tools. In Jewish society, even rabbis learned a handicraft; village carpenters generally held humble positions, while skilled city craftsmen could be Greeks.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
An artificer in stone, iron, and copper, as well as in wood (2 Sam. 5:11; 1 Chr. 14:1; Mark 6:3). The tools used by carpenters are mentioned in 1 Sam. 13:19, 20; Judg. 4:21; Isa. 10:15; 44:13. It was said of our Lord, “Is not this the carpenter’s son?” (Matt. 13:55); also, “Is not this the carpenter?” (Mark 6:3). Every Jew, even the rabbis, learned some handicraft: Paul was a tentmaker. “In the cities the carpenters would be Greeks, and skilled workmen; the carpenter of a provincial village could only have held a very humble position, and secured a very moderate competence.”
Smith's Bible Dictionary
[Handicraft]
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>kar'-pen-ter (charash; tekton): This word, which is a general word for graver or craftsman, is translated "carpenter" in 2Ki 22:6; 2Ch 24:12; Ezr 3:7; Isa 41:7. The same word is rendered "craftsman" in the American Standard Revised Version of Jer 24:1 and Jer 29:2 and "smith" in the American Standard Revised Version of Zec 1:20. In 2Sa 5:11; 2Ki 12:11; 1Ch 14:1; and Isa 44:13, charash occurs with `ets (wood), and is more exactly translated "carpenter" or "worker in wood." Tekton, the corresponding Greek word for artificer, is translated "carpenter" in Mt 13:55 and Mr 6:3.</p><p>See CARVING; CRAFTS.</p>