What Does ‘Wrought’ Signify in the Bible- Decoding Its Rich Symbolism and Spiritual Significance
What does wrought mean in the Bible? This question often arises when readers come across the term in various scriptural passages. Wrought, derived from the Old English word “wyrcean,” typically refers to the act of fashioning, crafting, or working something. In the context of the Bible, the term can carry a range of meanings, from the creation of the world to the crafting of everyday objects and the shaping of spiritual truths. Understanding the nuances of wrought in the Bible can provide deeper insight into the texts and their intended messages. In this article, we will explore the various meanings of wrought in the Bible and how it reflects the divine craftsmanship evident throughout the scriptures.
The first instance of wrought in the Bible appears in Genesis 1:7, where it describes the creation of the heavens and the earth. “And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.” Here, wrought signifies the divine act of shaping and forming the world from chaos, highlighting the power and purpose behind creation.
In Exodus 31:2-5, wrought takes on a different meaning as it relates to the craftsmanship of the Tabernacle. “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to devise cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in cutting of stones for setting, and in carving of wood, to work in all manner of workmanship. And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and I have put wisdom in the hearts of all the wise men, that they may make all that I have commanded thee.” In this passage, wrought denotes the meticulous and artistic workmanship required to construct the Tabernacle, reflecting the importance of craftsmanship in the service of God.
In Psalms 103:19-20, wrought takes on a spiritual connotation. “The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” Here, wrought signifies the divine shaping and refining of the soul, emphasizing the transformative power of God’s work in the lives of believers.
In the New Testament, wrought continues to carry various meanings. In Matthew 13:33, wrought refers to the parable of the sower, where the Word of God is likened to a seed that is sown and takes root in different types of soil. “He that heareth the word, and understandeth it, and doth not wrought the same, is like a sower that sowed seed by the way side; for the devil cometh, and taketh away the word out of his heart, lest he should believe and be saved.” In this context, wrought signifies the act of applying and acting upon the Word of God.
In conclusion, what does wrought mean in the Bible? The term carries a range of meanings, from the divine act of creation to the crafting of objects and the shaping of spiritual truths. Understanding the various nuances of wrought in the Bible can deepen our appreciation for the power and purpose behind the divine craftsmanship evident throughout the scriptures.
