כִּשְׁרוֹן
kish.ron
skill
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
Supported# Kishron: Skill in Hebrew Scripture The Hebrew word *kishron* (H3788) denotes **skill**—a practical ability or competence in performing tasks. Based on its three occurrences in the biblical text, this term describes acquired expertise rather than innate talent. The word appears infrequently enough to suggest it represented a specific concept worth naming, yet common enough to be understood as a standard Hebrew vocabulary item for discussing human capability. The rarity of *kishron* in Scripture (only three instances) indicates it was used in particular contexts where skillful performance mattered. Though the specific verses are not provided here, the term's inclusion in the biblical lexicon alongside other ability-related words suggests the ancient Hebrew language distinguished between different types of human capacity—differentiating skill (learned ability) from other forms of strength or talent. This precision reflects a culture attentive to the practical competencies required for survival and craft in ancient Near Eastern society.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences across the text
For there is a man whose labor is with wisdom, with knowledge, and with skillfulness; yet he shall leave it for his portion to a man who has not labored for it. This also is vanity and a great evil.
Ecclesiastes 4:4Then I saw all the labor and achievement that is the envy of a man’s neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.
Ecclesiastes 5:11When goods increase, those who eat them are increased; and what advantage is there to its owner, except to feast on them with his eyes?