ποίημα (poiēma)
poiēma
workmanship
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun poiēma refers to something that has been made or created, carrying the sense of a finished work or piece of craftsmanship. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in Paul’s letters, where it describes human beings as the specific output of divine activity. The word emphasizes the result of the creative process rather than the act itself.
In Romans 1:20, Paul uses it to describe the visible world as God’s handiwork, which reveals His invisible attributes. Later, in Ephesians 2:10, he applies the term to believers, calling them God’s poiēma. Here the word underscores that Christians are not accidents but intentional creations designed for good works.
Its root connects to the verb poieō, meaning to make or do. By using this specific noun, the text shifts focus from the labor of creation to the value of the created object. It suggests that believers are a crafted work, possessing inherent worth and purpose because of their Maker.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word poiēma describes something made by a skilled hand, like a piece of fine craftsmanship or art. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in letters written by Paul. He uses it to describe the visible world as God’s handiwork, showing that creation reveals His power and nature.
More personally, Paul calls believers God’s poiēma in Ephesians 2:10. This means you are not an accident but a deliberate creation. You have inherent worth because your Maker designed you with purpose. This truth offers comfort when you feel overlooked or uncertain about your place in the world.
Understanding this word helps you see your life as intentional. God did not just create you; He formed you for good works that He prepared in advance. Your value comes from who made you, not what you achieve. Rest in the knowledge that you are a finished work of divine love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- workmanship1×
- things made1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ποίημα1×
- ποιήμασιν1×
Key Verses
-
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.
This verse applies poiēma directly to believers, emphasizing that they are intentional creations designed for specific good works prepared by God.
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Romans 1:20
For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity, that they may be without excuse.
Here the word describes the visible world as God's handiwork, serving as evidence of His invisible power and divinity to all people.