The following "Question" was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, and "Answered" by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed from the tape, GC 1301-A, titled "Bible Questions and Answers Part 3."  A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE.  ©1976. All Rights Reserved.

Question

Is there a reference where Christ is called a carpenter?

Answer

Now, I recently saw an article in Moody Monthly or something, a little ad that said “Jesus the Carpenter.” Well, there isn’t any reference in the Bible in which Jesus is called a carpenter. The only indication that that is possible is in Matthew 13:55 where Joseph is called a “tekton.” Now, you don’t need to look it up because it doesn’t say that much, but it just says that. Joseph is called, in the Greek, a “tekton.” You say, what does a tekton mean? Some lexicons say it means a carpenter; others say it means a mason, a bricklayer. I mean, I know it would shoot down a whole lot of tradition if it turns out when we get to heaven that Joseph was a bricklayer, but that’s very possible.

But, the word “tekton” means “any craftsman.” Any craftsman. Joseph was a craftsman. It may have been in wood, it may have been in the laying of bricks—that’s all we know. And we assume "carpenter" and we assume Jesus, therefore, living in his father’s house, would have followed the trade that his father knew well, and I think we would rightly assume that.

[NOTE: In Mark 6:3 some Bibles translate the passage, "Isn't this the carpenter?" referring to Jesus.  However, what was said above is still true: It would be a better translation to call Him a "craftsman" since the word "tekton" means "any craftsman."].

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur’s Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
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