Original Word: אָמָן
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: aman
Pronunciation: oh-MAHN
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-mawn')
KJV: cunning workman
NASB: artist
Word Origin: [from H539 (אָמַן - believe) (in the sense of training)]

1. an expert

cunning workman

From 'aman (in the sense of training); an expert -- cunning workman.

see HEBREW 'aman

Word Origin
from aman
Definition
a masterworkman, artist
NASB Translation
artist (1).

אָמָּן (omm¹n) noun masculine master-workman, artist Cant 7:2 (Mishna, Talmud אוּמָן, אוּמָנוּת handiwork, Syriac ᵑ6 Exodus 28:11, where = Hebrew חָרָשׁ & is likewise used of gems; Nabataean אמנא Vog⁹⁴, Assyrian mar umm'ni, Lyon^{Sargontexte 65}, compare Zim^{BP 12}; compare II. אָמוֺן).

Definition and Essence of the Term

אָמָן denotes a master artisan whose work is characterized by skillful precision, reliability, and aesthetic excellence. The term carries a nuance of steadiness and trustworthiness, suggesting craftsmanship so consistent that it can be relied upon without question.

Occurrence in Scripture

The noun appears a single time, in Song of Solomon 7:1. The rarity of the word highlights its weight; when the inspired writer reached for language that would evoke unrivaled artistry, this was the term chosen.

Contextual Usage in Song of Solomon

Song of Solomon 7:1 compares the curvature of the bride’s hips to “the work of a master.” The verse intertwines romantic imagery with the concept of meticulous design, implying that the beloved’s beauty is neither random nor superficial but the deliberate handiwork of a consummate craftsman. The Song celebrates marital love while simultaneously pointing to the divine artistry invested in human personhood (Genesis 1:27; Psalm 139:14).

Historical Background of Israelite Craftsmanship

Ancient Israel valued artisans highly, especially in sacred construction. Bezalel and Oholiab were “filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship” (Exodus 31:3). Solomon recruited skilled workers for the temple (2 Chronicles 2:14). These experts worked in stone, wood, textiles, and metal, reflecting both artistic gifting and covenantal obedience, since tabernacle and temple designs were transmitted directly by divine command (Exodus 25:9; 1 Chronicles 28:19).

Intertextual Parallels and Theological Themes

1. Divine Craftsmanship: Isaiah 64:8 calls the Lord “our potter,” while Ephesians 2:10 affirms, “For we are God’s workmanship.” The same concept undergirds אָמָן: creation—and re-creation in redemption—depends on God’s masterful design.
2. Faithful Skill: The root family that yields אָמָן is tied to faithfulness (compare “amen,” Nehemiah 8:6). The craftsman’s steady hand becomes a metaphor for steadfast character (Proverbs 22:29).
3. Wisdom and Art: The Hebrew Bible often couples חָכְמָה (wisdom) with craftsmanship (Exodus 28:3; 1 Kings 7:14). Art that honors the Lord is never merely technical; it springs from wisdom, righteousness, and the fear of God (Proverbs 9:10).

Christological Foreshadowing

Just as the finest artisan shapes raw materials into something glorious, so Christ fashions His people into a temple for God’s Spirit (1 Peter 2:5). The singularity of אָמָן in Scripture subtly anticipates the uniqueness of the true “master builder” (1 Corinthians 3:10-11). Every instance of godly craftsmanship in the Old Testament finds its ultimate fulfillment in the incarnate Son, whose life and atoning work display perfect skill, intentionality, and faithfulness.

Practical Ministry Implications

1. Vocational Excellence: Believers engaged in artistic or technical trades can see their labor as a sacred calling (Colossians 3:23-24). Excellence honors the Creator.
2. Discipleship: Pastors and mentors function as spiritual artisans, shaping lives through the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
3. Worship Spaces: Thoughtfully designed sanctuaries and liturgical art can serve as visual theology, instructing believers and exalting the Lord (Psalm 96:6).

Devotional Reflections

• Contemplate the meticulous care God invested in forming your life.
• Ask the Spirit to refine your skills so that your work bears the imprint of the Master’s hand.
• Celebrate human beauty and creativity as reflections of divine artistry, guarding against idolatry by directing all praise to the One who crafts every good and perfect gift (James 1:17).

אָמָּֽן׃ אמן׃ ’ām·mān ’āmmān amManInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts