ποίημα

a thing made

Definition

The Greek word ποίημα (poiēma) fundamentally means 'a thing that is made' or 'a work produced.' In the New Testament, it carries the sense of a crafted creation, specifically referring to God's handiwork. In Romans 1:20, it describes the created world itself—the 'things that have been made'—which reveal God's eternal power and divine nature. In Ephesians 2:10, the meaning shifts to a personal application, where believers are described as God's 'workmanship,' created in Christ Jesus for good works. Thus, it encompasses both the general creation and the specific, purposeful creation of redeemed people.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, both times by the Apostle Paul. In Romans 1:20, it is used in the plural to refer to the physical universe as God's creation, serving as evidence for His existence. In Ephesians 2:10, it is used in the singular to describe individual Christians as God's masterpiece or crafted work, emphasizing purpose and intentionality. The pattern shows a movement from the general creation to the specific new creation in Christ.

Etymology

Derived from the verb ποιέω (poieō, G4160), meaning 'to make' or 'to do.' The suffix -μα (-ma) indicates the result of the action, so ποίημα literally means 'that which is made' or 'the thing done.' It is a cognate of the more common word ἔργον (ergon, G2041), which also means 'work,' but ποίημα emphasizes the product or artifact resulting from the act of making.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights God as the master craftsman. In Romans 1:20, it underpins the doctrine of general revelation, where creation itself testifies to God. In Ephesians 2:10, it is central to the doctrine of salvation and sanctification, portraying believers not as self-made but as God's artistic masterpiece, created anew in Christ for a life of good works. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by emphasizing divine intentionality and craftsmanship in both the cosmos and the Christian life.

In the Greco-Roman world, the term could refer to any crafted object, from poetry to pottery. When applied by Paul to God's activity, it elevates the concept, attributing ultimate skill and purpose to the divine Creator, contrasting with human-made idols or artifacts. The personal application in Ephesians would have resonated in a culture familiar with the idea of a skilled artisan producing a valuable work.

ἔργον (ergon, G2041) — A broader term for 'work' or 'deed,' focusing more on the action or task, whereas ποίημα focuses on the finished product. κτίσις (ktisis, G2937) — Means 'creation' or 'creature,' often referring to the act of creating or the created order itself, while ποίημα is the specific thing made.

Word Details

Scripture References