While it is not exactly a primary source of information on tools and construction, it is interesting to note that there are a number of specific and notable hand tools in the Bible. Most references to the tools are almost entirely incidental. While there are a great number of translations of the Bible—all are sourced from the same early manuscripts. As a result, most English translations use the same words for all of our references. For the sake of simplicity, we limited our research to the English Standard Version (ESV), but you will find the same language and words in the King James Version as well (KJV). We tried to give a list of those tools mentioned along with how they are used in the scriptures.
Cutting Hand Tools in the Bible
It is interesting to note that while not referencing a specific tool, the word ‘tool’ appears about 8 times in the Bible. Almost all the instances have to do with a craftsman and his tools as they pertain to his specific trade. Specifically referenced are [en]graving tools, iron tools, cutting tools, wooden tools, and stone tools. (Exodus 20:25, Exodus 32:4, Numbers 35:17-18, Deuteronomy 27:5, Joshua 8:31, 1 Kings 6:7, Isaiah 44:12) This list is by no means complete, but for the sake of our countdown, check out the following biblical hand tools:
The Axe
The word Axe appears 11 times in the Bible. Almost all instances of the Axe (or ax) had to do with either cutting down trees or shaping wood. There is one mention where it seems that the axe head is affixed to a handle of sorts and there is an issue with the head coming off. In another verse, it mentions that the axe is made of iron. There are also a few instances where an axe is specifically used as a weapon—as in a battle axe. (Deuteronomy 19:5, Deuteronomy 20:19, Judges 9:48, 1 Samuel 13:20, 1 Kings 6:7, 2 Kings 6:5, Isaiah 10:15, Matthew 3:10, Luke 3:9)
“Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
– Matthew 3:10, Luke 3:9
The Plow
The word ‘plow’ (or a form of it as a noun or verb) appears around 32 times throughout the Bible. We can’t include them all here, but we can give you a taste. It would seem the idea of lawn and garden has been around since the early days (and why not, since God first made man and told him to tend a garden). Of course, the plow in biblical times would have been powered by some sort of animal (typically an ox). The ox would pull the plow through the ground to turn it over (making a furrow). (Deuteronomy 22:10, Job 4:8, Proverbs 20:4, Isaiah 28:24, Jeremiah 51:20, Hosea 10:11, Amos 6:12, Luke 9:62 1 Corinthians 9:10)
Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
– Luke 9:62
Measuring Hand Tools in the Bible
The Reed (Rod)
While the word ‘reed’ appears many times as a plant, we searched for its use when referring to a type of measuring tool. The reed measured both distances and could be used as a straight edge. This is one of the more common hand tools in the Bible—the best tape measure they had at the time. The word ‘reed’ appears as a measuring tool about 18 times between Genesis and Revelation. (Ezekiel 40:3-8, Ezekiel 41:8, Ezekiel 42:16-19, Revelation 11:1, Revelation 21:15-16).
He measured the east side with the measuring reed, 500 cubits by the measuring reed all around. He measured the north side, 500 cubits by the measuring reed all around. He measured the south side, 500 cubits by the measuring reed. Then he turned to the west side and measured, 500 cubits by the measuring reed.
– Ezekiel 42:16-19
And the one who spoke with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city and its gates and walls. The city lies foursquare, its length the same as its width. And he measured the city with his rod, 12,000 stadia. Its length and width and height are equal.
– Revelation 21:15-16
Other Tools in the Bible
The Hammer (interchangeable with Mallet)
We found it no surprise to find the hammer all over the Bible. Possibly our favorite hand tool in the bible, it appears 7 times specifically in noun form. This broad term referred to a tool that could also be called a mallet in certain situations. From the verses that mention the hammer, it was evident it was used for working stone, beating metals, wood-carving, and also driving nails and tent pins. (Judges 4:21; Judges 5:26, 1 Kings 6:7; Isaiah 41:7; Jeremiah 23:29 & Jeremiah 50:23)
“Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?”
– Jeremiah 23:29
Anvil
You can’t have a hammer without an anvil—and least not when looking for hand tools in the bible. Or so we thought. We actually only found the word “anvil” once in the ESV bible. The root word, however occurs at least 11 times and signifies a “beat” or “occurrence”. The word almost seems to represent the steady hammering itself that occurs on these tools. (Isaiah 41:7)
“The craftsman strengthens the goldsmith,
– Isaiah 41:7
and he who smooths with the hammer him who strikes the anvil,
saying of the soldering, “It is good”;
and they strengthen it with nails so that it cannot be moved.”
File (as a verb to Sharpen)
The verb ‘sharpen’ (as in ‘to file’) appears once in the bible in the book of 1 Samuel 13:20-21. According to this verse it was used specifically for sharpening tools like axes, plowshares, and other agricultural tools that required an edge in preparation for battle.
But every one of the Israelites went down to the Philistines to sharpen his plowshare, his mattock, his axe, or his sickle, and the charge was two-thirds of a shekel for the plowshares and for the mattocks, and a third of a shekel for sharpening the axes and for setting the goads.
– 1 Samuel 13:20-21
Can You Find More Hand Tools in the Bible?
We found all sorts of references to hand tools in the Bible. We’re certain you can find even more than us if you look hard enough. And why not? If God made us in His image, then we must have gotten our love of tools from Him!
Plus, I’ve seen a lot of his handiwork—He’s quite the master craftsman, you know.
Further Reading for Daring Adventurers
- A whimsical look at what exactly the Bible is
- Why you can know the Bible is accurate
- This is a great video on the Story of the Bible
