Imagination and skill used in the expression of visual or performing arts. Human creativity has its source in God, but may be used either to his honour or dishonour.
God's creativity
Isaiah 64:8 See also Job 38:1–41; Psalm 139:13–16; Ecclesiastes 3:11; Isaiah 45:7–12, Isaiah 45:18; Ephesians 2:10 Redemption may be described in terms of re-creation.
But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand.
God is the source of human creativity
Exodus 35:30–35 See also Exodus 31:1–6, Exodus 36:1–2
Then Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every artistic craft. And the LORD has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and as weavers — as artistic designers of every kind of craft.[’’]
Creativity for its own sake
Creativity used in the service of God
Building the tabernacle and temple
Exodus 36:8 See also 1 Chronicles 22:15–16; 2 Chronicles 2:5–7, 2 Chronicles 2:13–14
All the skilled craftsmen among the workmen made the ten curtains for the tabernacle. They were made of finely spun linen, as well as blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim skillfully worked into them.
Music and dancing
Psalm 149:3 See also 1 Chronicles 6:31–32, 1 Chronicles 25:1–7; Psalm 92:1–3, Psalm 98:5, Psalm 144:9
Let them praise His name with dancing, and make music to Him with tambourine and harp.
The abuse of human creativity
Habakkuk 2:18 Human creativity, like all of God's gifts, can be abused by sinful human beings, and used to dishonour him rather than serve him. See also Deuteronomy 27:15; 2 Kings 19:18; Isaiah 40:19–20, Isaiah 44:10–13; Acts 19:23–26
What use is an idol, that a craftsman should carve it — or an image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.