Art has the power to inspire, challenge, and communicate deep truths. The Bible contains examples of art in various forms, from the craftsmanship of the Tabernacle to the poetry of the Psalms. Scripture highlights the importance of creativity and the ways it can be used to glorify God and enrich our lives.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About competition
What Does The Bible Say About art
Exodus 31:1-5
“Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.”
This verse emphasizes that artistry and craftsmanship are part of God’s design for His people. It highlights the value of artistic creativity and the ability to use various materials and skills to create beautiful and meaningful works.
God’s empowerment of Bezalel with the Spirit of God shows that artistic abilities can be a spiritual gift and that art can be used to glorify God and enhance worship.
Psalm 33:3
“Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.”
This verse encourages the use of artistic expression, specifically music, to praise and worship God. It emphasizes the importance of skillful playing and singing, which demonstrates a dedication to excellence in artistic endeavors.
The combination of skill and joy in worshiping through music is a reminder that art can be a form of worship and a way to connect with God on a deeper level.
Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
The very first verse of the Bible establishes the importance of creativity and artistic expression. God, as the ultimate artist, created the entire universe and everything in it.
This verse reminds us that art is not just a human endeavor, but it is rooted in the very nature and character of God. It invites us to appreciate and participate in the creative process as a reflection of our Creator.
Exodus 35:30-35
“Then Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the Lord has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic crafts. And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahisamak, 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 weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers.”
Similar to Exodus 31:1-5, this verse emphasizes the selection of Bezalel and Oholiab by God for their artistic skills. It highlights the importance of artistic craftsmanship, teaching others, and the diversity of artistic talents.
God’s provision of skill and wisdom for creative work demonstrates His desire for His people to excel in various forms of artistry, fostering a community of skilled artists who contribute to the beauty and craftsmanship of sacred spaces and objects.
1 Chronicles 29:6-7
“Then the leaders of families, the officers of the tribes of Israel, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and the officials in charge of the king’s work gave willingly. They gave toward the work on the temple of God five thousand talents and ten thousand darics of gold, ten thousand talents of silver, eighteen thousand talents of bronze and a hundred thousand talents of iron.”
This verse showcases the generous contributions of the Israelites for the construction of the temple, which involved various forms of artistic craftsmanship using valuable materials like gold, silver, bronze, and iron.
It emphasizes the importance of artistic excellence and the value placed on creating sacred spaces and objects of beauty as an offering to God.
1 Chronicles 15:16
“David told the leaders of the Levites to appoint their fellow Levites as musicians to make a joyful sound with musical instruments: lyres, harps and cymbals.”
This verse highlights the appointment of skilled musicians to lead in worship and praise. It emphasizes the importance of music as an art form in spiritual gatherings and celebrations.
Artistic expression through music can evoke emotions, create an atmosphere of joy, and enhance the worship experience, bringing people closer to God.
1 Chronicles 25:1-3
“David, together with the commanders of the army, set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres, and cymbals.”
This verse highlights the integration of artistic expression with prophecy and ministry. It showcases the appointment of skilled musicians to prophesy and minister through their musical talents.
Artistic gifts and abilities can be used as a means of spiritual communication, conveying God’s messages and ministering to others.
2 Chronicles 34:12
“The workers labored faithfully. Over them to direct them were Jahath and Obadiah, Levites descended from Merari, and Zechariah and Meshullam, descended from Kohath. The Levites—all who were skilled in playing musical instruments.”
This verse highlights the importance of skilled artisans and craftsmen in the service of God. It mentions skilled Levites who were responsible for directing and overseeing the work of other workers.
It emphasizes that artistic skills and craftsmanship should be valued and utilized within the context of serving God and His purposes.
Psalm 150:3-5
“Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.”
This verse calls for the use of various musical instruments and forms of artistic expression to praise and worship God.
It encourages a holistic approach to worship, incorporating music, dance, and other artistic forms to express gratitude, adoration, and celebration of the Lord.
Psalm 98:4-6
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn—shout for joy before the Lord, the King.”
This verse emphasizes the exuberant and joyful use of music and singing in worship. It encourages praising God with various instruments and voices, expressing heartfelt adoration and celebration.
Artistic expression, particularly through music, has the power to uplift spirits, bring delight, and create an atmosphere of worship and praise.
Psalm 150:6
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.”
This verse presents a universal call for all creation to engage in praise and worship of the Lord. It emphasizes that every form of artistic expression, including music, should be used to glorify God.
It invites us to recognize that art can be a powerful tool for connecting with God and expressing our devotion to Him.
Psalm 149:3
“Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp.”
This verse encourages the use of dance and music as forms of artistic expression in worship. It celebrates the freedom to engage our bodies and voices in joyful praise.
The combination of dancing, music, and praise brings an element of physicality to worship, engaging both body and spirit in glorifying God.
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
This verse reminds us that we are God’s masterpiece, His work of art, created with purpose and intentionality. It suggests that our lives and actions can be seen as works of art, reflecting God’s creative design.
Our artistic expressions, whether in the form of visual arts, music, or other creative endeavors, can be avenues through which we manifest God’s handiwork and bring glory to His name.
1 Peter 4:10-11
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of using the gifts and talents we have received to serve others and bring glory to God.
Artistic abilities can be seen as gifts from God, and we are called to steward them faithfully, using them to bless others and point them towards God’s grace and goodness.
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
This verse calls us to do everything, including our artistic endeavors, in the name of the Lord Jesus. It reminds us to approach our creative pursuits with a mindset of gratitude and a desire to honor God.
When we create art with the intention of glorifying God and expressing His truth and beauty, our artistic expressions become acts of worship.
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
This verse encourages us to approach our artistic endeavors with diligence, passion, and wholeheartedness. It reminds us that our ultimate audience is God, and we should strive to give our best efforts as an offering to Him.
It speaks to the value of excellence and dedicating our artistic pursuits as acts of service to God.
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
This verse invites us to find stillness and contemplate the greatness of God. It reminds us that artistry, including visual arts, can be a means of quiet reflection and experiencing God’s presence.
Art has the power to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and create space for encountering the divine.
Psalm 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
This verse acknowledges the wonder and beauty of God’s creation, including ourselves as His handiwork. It encourages gratitude for our own uniqueness and the diversity of artistic expressions.
Art can be a celebration of the beauty and intricacy of creation, reflecting the creativity and genius of the Creator.
Psalm 23:1-2
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.”
This verse paints a peaceful image of God’s provision and guidance. It suggests that art can provide solace and refreshment to our souls, much like finding solace in nature’s beauty.
Engaging with various forms of art can create a calming and restorative atmosphere, allowing us to experience God’s peace and stillness in our hearts.
Psalm 111:2
“Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them.”
This verse acknowledges the greatness and splendor of God’s works. It calls us to take delight in and contemplate the beauty of His creation, including artistic expressions.
By immersing ourselves in art and reflecting on its profound impact, we can better appreciate the depth and beauty of God’s creativity.
Proverbs 16:3
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
This verse reminds us to submit our artistic pursuits to the Lord, seeking His guidance and blessing. It encourages us to align our creative endeavors with God’s purposes and trust in His guidance.
When we surrender our art to God, we open ourselves to His inspiration, guidance, and the unfolding of His plans in our creative journey.
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
This verse speaks of finding strength and renewal in the Lord. It suggests that art can be a source of inspiration, healing, and rejuvenation.
Through engaging in artistic expression, we can find solace, regain strength, and be reminded of God’s sustaining presence.
Ecclesiastes 3:11
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
This verse acknowledges God’s sovereign plan and timing for all things. It reminds us that artistic expression can capture glimpses of eternity and reflect the beauty and mystery of God’s creation.
Art has the power to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and create a sense of wonder as we contemplate the divine through artistic mediums.
John 1:1
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
This verse speaks to the power of words and language as powerful forms of artistic expression. It emphasizes that Jesus, as the Word made flesh, embodies the creative power and expression of God.
Through writing, poetry, and spoken word, we can engage in artistic forms that capture the essence of God’s truth and beauty.