The Master Workman in Proverbs 8

The Hebrew phrase often rendered “like a master workman” in Proverbs 8:30 is problematic for translators. There is only a single Hebrew word, amon, behind this common four-word translation, but because its derivation and meaning is so complicated, it is often rendered with these four English words.

The word amon could be translated as a noun meaning “artisan,” or “workman.” This assumes that the word derives from the Akkadian word ummanu. If this is correct, Wisdom in Proverbs 8 would be God’s co-Creator in some capacity. But this is problematic since the Akkadian ummanu cannot clearly account for the Hebrew word’s spelling and form. A parallel verse, Proverbs 3:19, more clearly shows Wisdom as the instrument of creation. It might be argued that the two verses are inconsistent with each other, because being God’s instrument of creation is not the same thing as being a co-Creator. But if Wisdom is cast as a sentient entity, being an instrument would logically involve active participation in creation.

It could also be that the Hebrew amon derives from the Aramaic word ummane, meaning “sage” or “expert.” Aramaic has a closer relation to Hebrew than Akkadian. While the interpretation would be the same as the Akkadian connection, the difference is that the action would be rooted in observation rather than physical work—“sages” observe creation to learn; they don’t physically work to learn, per se.

Another interpretation of the word amon is that it is a Hebrew participle (an action-based noun) meaning “instructor.” This relates the word to another rare but possible verb in Hebrew. This would mean that Wisdom is instructing God, or that there is mutual activity between God and Wisdom. Neither interpretation entails God being less than Wisdom, since it, too, finds its origin in Him.

It’s also possible that amon could be read as an infinitive verbal form and be translated “constantly,” or “faithfully.” This is the least likely interpretation because it requires linking it with a Hebrew verb that doesn’t exist elsewhere and so requires a new construction. Any of the first three options could be adopted and still adhere to the view that Wisdom is an uncreated co-Creator in concert with the New Testament view of Christ—meaning that the wisdom is Christ.

Michael S. Heiser