τέχνη
téchnē
G5078 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
The ability to produce or accomplish something through acquired skill, craftsmanship, or technical know-how; mastery in a craft or profession. In broader usage, refers to any practical skill, technique, or specialized art including both manual and intellectual endeavors, particularly those learned through study and practice. Includes the attainment and application of skill in manual trades, the fine arts, or any area requiring expertise.
Semantic Range
skill, craft, trade, artistry, practical knowledge, occupation, technique, technical expertise, learned profession, specialized craftmanship
Root / Etymology
From the Greek root τέχνη, related to the stem of τίκτω (to beget, give birth to) but its etymology is not directly traceable; association with 'production' or 'bringing forth' may be thematic but the precise etymological development is uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, τέχνη denoted practical skill, craft, or art in both manual and intellectual pursuits (e.g., the skill of a carpenter, sculptor, physician, or rhetorician). It was distinct from ἐπιστήμη ('scientific knowledge') in philosophical discourse, with τέχνη emphasizing practical, learned skill as opposed to theoretical understanding. In the Hellenistic and Roman periods, τέχνη retained this range, often referring to skilled trades, technical expertise, or artistic production. In the New Testament (e.g., Acts 18:3), it describes occupation or craft, often a manual trade (such as tentmaking). Septuagint usage is limited but aligns with the sense of craft or skill. English translations typically render τέχνη as 'art', 'craft', or 'occupation', though the breadth of the Greek term—encompassing both manual and intellectual arts—is often broader than the usual English sense. The term informs later words like 'technique' and 'technology'. In ancient contexts, τέχνη could apply to any field where specialized skill, training, and artistry were required, without the strict division between arts and crafts seen in modern English.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the base of τίκτω; art (as productive), i.e. (specially), a trade, or (generally) skill:--art, craft, occupation.
Root Family
τέχνη (téchnē) — skill, art, craft, technique
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5078-02 |
τέχνης | technes | N GEN F SG |
by art | of craft | 1 |
G5078-01 |
τέχνῃ | techne | N DAT F SG |
trade | to skill | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5078-02 |
Acts 17:29 | τέχνης | technes | N GEN F SG |
by art | of craft |
G5078-01 |
Acts 18:3 | τέχνῃ | techne | N DAT F SG |
trade | to skill |