ἀχειροποίητος

not made by hand, not handmade

Definition

The adjective ἀχειροποίητος means 'not made by hand' or 'not handmade.' It is used in the New Testament to describe things that are of divine, rather than human, origin or craftsmanship. In Mark 14:58, it refers to a spiritual temple 'not made with hands,' contrasting with the physical Jerusalem temple. In 2 Corinthians 5:1, it describes the believer's eternal, heavenly dwelling from God, as opposed to our earthly body. In Colossians 2:11, it metaphorically describes the spiritual circumcision performed by Christ, which is not a physical, human act.

Biblical Usage

This word is used three times in the New Testament, always to create a sharp contrast between human effort and divine action. In Mark 14:58, it appears in a charge against Jesus about destroying and rebuilding the temple. In 2 Corinthians 5:1, Paul uses it to contrast our mortal body with our future, immortal resurrection body from God. In Colossians 2:11, it describes the true, spiritual reality of Christian circumcision in Christ, as opposed to the physical Jewish rite. The pattern is consistently theological, emphasizing God's superior, spiritual work.

Etymology

Derived from the alpha-privative ἀ- (a-, meaning 'not' or 'without') combined with the adjective χειροποίητος (cheiropoiētos, G5499), which means 'made by hand.' Χειροποίητος itself comes from χείρ (cheir, 'hand') and ποιέω (poieō, 'to make' or 'to do'). Thus, ἀχειροποίητος literally means 'not hand-made,' denoting something created by non-human, typically divine, agency.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it underscores the biblical theme of divine versus human agency. It highlights that salvation, sanctification, and ultimate reality are God's work, not human achievement. In Mark 14:58 and 2 Corinthians 5:1, it points to the spiritual, eternal nature of God's kingdom and the believer's hope. In Colossians 2:11, it reinforces that true spiritual transformation comes from Christ alone, not ritual observance. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by clarifying the New Testament's contrast between the physical, temporary order and the spiritual, eternal one established by God.

In the Greco-Roman and Jewish world, temples, dwellings, and religious rites were tangible, human-constructed realities. The concept of something 'not made with hands' would challenge this material understanding, pointing to a spiritual realm and divine workmanship that transcends human capability and religious tradition. It subverts the cultural value placed on physical craftsmanship and ritual performance.

χειροποίητος (cheiropoiētos, G5499) — The direct antonym, meaning 'made by hand,' used for human-made things like idols or the earthly temple (e.g., Mark 14:58, Acts 7:48).

Word Details

Scripture References