Wisdom of solomon 15:7 - For a potter, kneading soft earth, Laboriously mouldeth each several vessel for our service: Nay, out of the same clay does he fashion Both the vessels that minister to clean uses, and those of a contrary sort, All in like manner; But what shall be the use of each vessel of either sort, The craftsman himself is the judge.

Generated Verse: Wisdom of solomon 15:7

What does "Wisdom of solomon 15:7" mean?


This verse from Wisdom of Solomon 15:7 uses the analogy of a potter to explain God's creation and the issue of idolatry. Here's a breakdown of the meaning:

"For a potter, kneading soft earth, Laboriously mouldeth each several vessel for our service:" This describes the basic act of a potter. He works hard with clay to create different types of containers for human use.

"Nay, out of the same clay does he fashion Both the vessels that minister to clean uses, and those of a contrary sort, All in like manner;" This is the crucial point. The potter uses the same clay to make vessels for both clean and unclean purposes. Think of a jug for water versus a pot for waste. The process of making them is similar, but their ultimate use is very different.

"But what shall be the use of each vessel of either sort, The craftsman himself is the judge." The potter, the craftsman, decides what each vessel will be used for. He determines its purpose and function.

Therefore, the overarching meaning and connection to idolatry is this:

The author uses this analogy to criticize those who worship idols made by human hands.

The same craftsman (a human) uses the same material to make both useful tools and idols. The craftsman decides the purpose of each item. The absurdity of worshipping an object made and designated for a certain purpose by a human is the central point.

Here's a more detailed interpretation within the context of the Wisdom of Solomon:

God as the Potter: By extension, the Wisdom of Solomon argues that God is the ultimate "Potter." He creates all things, including humanity.

Humans as Vessels: Humans, like the clay vessels, are created by God for different purposes and roles.

Idolatry as Misguided Devotion: Idolatry is portrayed as a foolish and misguided act. The author suggests it's illogical to worship something created by humans out of the same materials used for everyday objects. It's like worshipping the chamber pot instead of the potter.

God's Sovereignty: The passage subtly emphasizes God's sovereignty. Just as the potter decides the fate of the clay, God is ultimately in control of the purpose and destiny of His creation.

In essence, the verse uses the simple image of a potter to highlight the foolishness of idolatry and to assert God's role as the creator and ultimate authority. It challenges the logic of worshipping something created by human hands when the same human determines its purpose.

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