Lexical Summary acheiropoiétos: Not made by human hands Original Word: ἀχειροποίητος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance not made with hands. From a (as a negative particle) and cheiropoietos; unmanufactured, i.e. Inartificial -- made without (not made with) hands. see GREEK a see GREEK cheiropoietos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and cheiropoiétos Definition not made by hands NASB Translation made with hands (1), made without hands (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 886: ἀχειροποίητοςἀχειροποίητος, ἀχειροποίητον (χειροποίητος, which see), not made with hands: Mark 14:58; 2 Corinthians 5:1; Colossians 2:11 (where cf. Lightfoot). (Found neither in secular authors nor in the Sept. (Winer's Grammar, § 34, 3).) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek number 886 designates that which originates directly from God rather than from human craftsmanship. Each New Testament use underscores a decisive contrast between earthly, temporary structures or rituals and the lasting, heavenly realities inaugurated by Jesus Christ. Scriptural Occurrences and Context “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with hands, and in three days I will build another that is not made with hands.’” At His trial, Jesus is falsely quoted yet the substance of the charge reveals His claim: the true sanctuary would be raised by divine power through His resurrection. The expression dismisses dependence on masonry and priestly systems, presenting His own risen body—and by extension the Church—as the authentic dwelling place of God. “In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands.” Paul applies the adjective to the believer’s heart transformation, contrasting it with Abrahamic ritual. Physical circumcision had pointed forward to a deeper work accomplished by Christ’s death and resurrection. The verse situates Christian identity in a spiritual act that mortifies the flesh and unites the believer with Christ’s fullness. “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.” The apostle anticipates bodily mortality by picturing the current body as a collapsible tent. Assurance rests on the promise of a permanent, glorified body crafted by God, guaranteeing continuity of personal existence and fellowship with the Lord beyond death. Old Testament Background Old Covenant worship revolved around tabernacle and temple “made with hands” (Exodus 25–40; 1 Kings 6). Even Solomon conceded, “Heaven and highest heaven cannot contain You” (1 Kings 8:27). Prophetic strands anticipated a greater reality: Jeremiah 31:31–34 foretold a heart-written law, and Daniel 2:34 envisioned a stone “cut out without hands,” inaugurating an everlasting kingdom. These trajectories prepare the way for the New Testament’s acheiropoiētos motif. Theological Themes Divine Initiative Each occurrence stresses salvation as God’s unilateral act. Whether in regeneration, resurrection, or ecclesiology, the human contribution is rendered impotent, highlighting grace. Superiority of the New Covenant Physical symbols—temple stones, surgical rites—are honored as preparatory but now surpassed. Acheiropoiētos language reinforces Hebrews’ argument that Christ’s ministry is “more excellent.” Continuity and Transformation The term does not repudiate material creation but affirms its eventual renewal. The resurrection body remains bodily, though wonderfully refashioned by God. Christological Significance Jesus embodies the true temple; His corporeal resurrection validates the title “not made with hands.” He also performs the spiritual circumcision that cleanses hearts, and He pledges glorified bodies to His people. The attribute therefore converges on His person and work, exalting Him as both architect and cornerstone of God’s dwelling among humanity. Eschatological Hope Believers await a future condition untouched by decay. Acheiropoiētos guarantees permanence: worship that cannot be toppled, covenant membership that cannot be annulled, and bodies that cannot perish. Practical and Ministry Implications Worship Priorities Congregations steward buildings but do not idolize them. Fellowship, truth, and holiness—not architecture—constitute the Church’s essence. Spiritual Formation Discipleship targets the heart. Programs and ceremonies are useful only as conduits for Christ to perform His inward, “not-made-with-hands” circumcision. Pastoral Comfort Funeral ministry draws on 2 Corinthians 5:1, assuring saints that bodily death is a gateway to a divinely fashioned habitation. Mission and Evangelism The Gospel invites people beyond ritual reliance into living union with the risen Lord, offering an identity and destiny made by God Himself. Historical Reception in the Church Early apologists contrasted Christian worship with pagan temples. Reformers employed the concept to critique sacramentalism divorced from faith. Modern missionary movements, often meeting in homes or storefronts, have found special resonance in the promise that God’s true sanctuary is His people. Summary Strong’s 886 threads through Scripture to proclaim that the decisive realities of redemption—temple, covenant sign, resurrection body—are God’s handiwork alone. This assurance liberates the Church from dependence on human structures, anchors hope in an imperishable future, and calls every believer to yield to the Spirit’s inward craftsmanship. Forms and Transliterations αχειροποιητον αχειροποίητον ἀχειροποίητον αχειροποιητω αχειροποιήτω ἀχειροποιήτῳ acheiropoieto acheiropoiētō acheiropoiḗtoi acheiropoiḗtōi acheiropoieton acheiropoiēton acheiropoíeton acheiropoíētonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 14:58 Adj-AMSGRK: ἡμερῶν ἄλλον ἀχειροποίητον οἰκοδομήσω NAS: another made without hands.' KJV: another made without hands. INT: days another not made with hands I will build 2 Corinthians 5:1 Adj-AFS Colossians 2:11 Adj-DFS Strong's Greek 886 |