כִּשְׁרוֹן (kish.ron)
kish.ron
skill
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun kishron denotes a practical ability that leads to tangible results, encompassing both technical skill and successful outcome. It appears only twice in the Bible, both times within Ecclesiastes, where it describes the competence required for complex tasks.
In these contexts, the word highlights the value of expertise and the profit that comes from diligent work. The text contrasts this worldly measure of success with spiritual wisdom, suggesting that while skill is valuable, it does not guarantee ultimate meaning or lasting benefit apart from divine perspective.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kishron describes more than just raw talent; it points to the practical ability that yields tangible results. In Ecclesiastes, this term highlights the value of expertise and the satisfaction that comes from diligent work. It reminds us that our skills are gifts meant to be used with care and precision.
Yet the text also offers a gentle correction. While skill leads to achievement, it does not guarantee lasting meaning or peace. The author observes that even the most skilled worker may leave their results to someone else, reminding us that true security lies beyond our own competence. This perspective invites us to work faithfully without tying our worth solely to our output.
Ultimately, kishron encourages us to steward our abilities well while keeping our hearts anchored in God. We can take pride in doing things well, knowing that our ultimate value is found in being known by Him, not just in what we produce. This balance allows us to work with joy and rest in His provision.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ with/ skill1×
- [the] skill of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כִּשְׁר֣וֹן1×
- וּ/בְ/כִשְׁר֑וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
Ecclesiastes 2:21
For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, with knowledge, and with skillfulness; yet he shall leave it for his portion to a man who has not labored for it. This also is vanity and a great evil.
This verse highlights the tension between human effort and divine sovereignty, showing that skill alone cannot secure lasting ownership or peace.
-
Ecclesiastes 4:4
Then I saw all the labor and achievement that is the envy of a man’s neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
Here, the word connects labor to social competition, revealing how the pursuit of achievement can become a source of envy rather than joy.