While it's not exactly the primary source of information on tools and construction, it's worth noting that there are many specific and noteworthy hand tools in the Bible. Most references to these tools are almost entirely accidental. Although there are a large number of translations of the Bible, all of them come from the same early manuscripts. Therefore, most English translations use the same words for all our references. For simplicity, we have limited our research to the English Standard Version (ESV), but you will find the same language and words in the King James Version (KJV). We have attempted to list these tools mentioned and how they are used in scripture.
Interestingly, the word "tool" occurs about 8 times in the Bible, although no specific tool is mentioned. Almost all examples are concerned with the craftsman and his tools as they relate to his particular trade. Specifically mentioned are [en] carving tools, iron tools, cutting tools, wood tools, and stone tools. (Exodus 20:25, Exodus 32:4, Numbers 35:17-18, Deuteronomy 27:5, Joshua 8:31, 1 Kings 6:7, Isaiah Joshua 44:12) This list is by no means complete, but for our countdown, check out these biblical hand tools:
ax
The word ax occurs 11 times in the Bible. Almost all instances of an ax (or hatchet) have to do with felling trees or shaping wood. It was mentioned that the ax seems to be attached to some kind of handle, but there is a problem with the head coming off. In another verse it is mentioned that the ax is made of iron. There are also cases where axes were used exclusively as weapons – such as battle axes. (Deuteronomy 19:5, Deuteronomy 20:19, Judges 9:48, 1 Samuel 13:20, 1 Kings 6:7, 2 Kings 6:5, Isaiah 10 :15, Matthew 3:10, Luke 3:9)
"Even now, the ax is at the root of the tree. Therefore every tree that bears no good fruit is hewn down and thrown into the fire."
– Matthew 3:10, Luke 3:9
plow
The word "plow" (or a form of it as a noun or a verb) occurs about 32 times throughout the Bible. We can't include them all here, but we can let you taste them. The concept of lawns and gardens seems to have existed very early (and why not, since God first created man and told him to tend a garden). Of course, the plow in biblical times was powered by some kind of animal, usually a bull. The ox will pull the plow from the ground and turn it over (make a furrow). (Deuteronomy 22:10, Job 4:8, Proverbs 20:4, Isaiah 28:24, Jeremiah 51:20, Hosea 10:11, Amos 6: 12. Luke 9:62 1 Corinthians 9:10)
Jesus said to him, "Anyone who puts his hand on the plow and looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God."
– Luke 9:62
reed (rod)
Although the term "reed" appears several times as a plant, we searched for its usage in reference to a measuring tool. The reed measures two distances and can be used as a ruler. This was one of the most common hand tools in the Bible – the best tape measure of its time. Between Genesis and Revelation, the word "reed" appears about 18 times as a measuring tool. (Ezekiel 40:3-8, Ezekiel 41:8, Ezekiel 42:16-19, Revelation 11:1, Revelation 21:15-16).
He measured the east side with his rod , and it was five hundred cubits in circumference. He measured the north side with a measuring reed, and its circumference was five hundred cubits. He measured the south side five hundred cubits with a measuring reed. Then he turned to the west, and measured five hundred cubits with a rod.
– Ezekiel 42:16-19
The man who spoke to me took a golden measuring stick and measured the city, its gates, and its walls. The city is square, and its length and width are equal. He measured the city with his rod, twelve thousand feet. Its length, width and height are equal.
– Revelation 21:15-16
Hammer (interchangeable with mallet)
We find it not surprising that hammers are found throughout the Bible. Probably our favorite hand tool in the Bible, it appears 7 times as a noun. This broad term refers to a tool, which in some cases may also be called a mallet. From the scriptures that mention the hammer, it can be seen that it was used for working stone, striking metal, carving wood, and driving nails and pins. (Judges 4:21; Judges 5:26, 1 Kings 6:7; Isaiah 41:7; Jeremiah 23:29 and Jeremiah 50:23)
"Is not my word like fire and a hammer that breaks rocks in pieces?" Said the LORD.
– Jeremiah 23:29
anvil
No hammer without an anvil – especially when looking for hand tools in the bible. Or so we thought. We actually only find the word "anvil" once in the ESV bible. However, the root occurs at least 11 times, meaning "beat" or "appear". Almost the word seems to represent the steady hammering itself that happens on these tools. (Isaiah 41:7)
" A craftsman is stronger than a goldsmith,
A man who grinds an anvil with a hammer ,
says soldering, "fine";
They reinforced it with nails so that it could not move. "– Isaiah 41:7
file (as a verb to sharpen)
The verb "to sharpen" (as in "to file") occurs once in the Bible, in 1 Samuel 13:20-21. According to this verse, it was specifically used to sharpen axes, plowshares, and other agricultural implements that needed to be sharp for use in battle.
Each of the Israelites went down to the Philistines to sharpen their plowshares, pickaxes, axes, or sickles. The cost of plowshares and pickaxes was two-thirds of a shekel, and one third one. For sharpening axes and setting stimuli.
– 1 Samuel 13:20-21
We find various references to hand tools in the Bible. If you try hard enough, we're sure you'll find more than we can. So why not? If God created us in his image, then we must have gotten our love of tools from him!
Plus, I've seen a lot of his handiwork – he's a master craftsman, you know.
Further reading for the intrepid adventurer
- A whimsical look at what the Bible really is
- Why You Can Know the Bible Is Accurate
- This is a great video about bible stories