Builder

Greek Word Pronunciation: day-me-or-GOS
Strong’s Number: 1217
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 1321
Key Verse: “… city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God” -- Hebrews 11:10

Two verses in the New Testament refer to God as a “builder.”

In Hebrews 3:3-4, “the builder of all things is God,” the word for “builder” is kataskeuazo. This is a verb meaning “to prepare, establish, make ready, construct.” In this passage, it reads literally “the one having built all things is God.” [This verb is also found in Matthew 11:10, “My messenger ... will prepare your way“; in Luke 1:17, “make ready a people prepared for the Lord”; in Hebrews 9:2 and 6, the reference is to a tabernacle being prepared; and in Hebrews 11:7 and 1 Peter 3:20, regarding the preparation and construction of Noah's ark.]

Christ is the Maker of the Old Testament Tabernacle. Moses was a minister in the house, he was instrumental under Christ in governing and edifying the house, but Christ is the Maker of all things, for He is God. Christ was the Planner and Builder of the Tabernacle. The building includes all the preparations of providence and grace needed to furnish it with “living stones” and fitting “servants.” Thus, Christ as the Founder, Establisher, and Instrumental Creator, is greater than the house so established.

In HEBREWS 11:10 (NASB), Abraham “was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” [Note: The first word, architect, is teknitace, from which we get our word “technician” (NKJV translates builder). It literally means “craftsman,” and is used so in Acts 19:24 and 38. It views God as moulding and fashioning the materials He wills into existence. The second word, builder, is our key word, demiourgos (NKJV translates maker). It is used only here in the New Testament. It is a compound word, comprised of the words “people” and “work,” thus meaning “one who works for the people.”] As the first word expresses His manifold wisdom, the infinite variety and beauty of His handiwork, so the second emphasizes the power of the Divine Creator. As the first brings out the artistic side of creation, so the second is recognized as the Maker of all things. God is represented as the Maker of all the heavenly inhabitants, and the planner of their citizenship in that heavenly country.