A Closer Look at the Biblical Concept of poiema

What Does 'poiema' Mean?

Building on this foundation, Ephesians 2:10 offers the most theologically significant use of *poiema* in Scripture. The term literally means 'work of art' or 'crafted work,' derived from *poiein* ('to make'), and in Ephesians 2:10 emphasizes God’s intentional, redemptive shaping of believers. This contrasts with *ergon* ('work' in a general sense), as *poiema* implies aesthetic care and divine purpose. Ephesians 2:10 declares believers are 'God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,' framing salvation as a masterwork designed for a specific end. This distinction highlights the uniqueness of God’s creative labor in the lives of His people.

Poiema in Ephesians 2:10

In Ephesians 2:10, the term *poiema* underscores the transformative work of God in the lives of believers.

Ephesians 2:10 declares, 'For we are His workmanship (poiema), created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them' (ESV). This passage positions believers as God’s intentional artistic creation, shaped by His grace and oriented toward a specific redemptive purpose. The language of *poiema* here contrasts with human self-making or moral achievement, emphasizing divine authorship in salvation. By framing believers as God’s masterpiece, the verse links their new identity to Christ’s atoning work, which both renews their nature and directs their lives toward God’s preordained mission.

This theological framework says salvation is both deliverance from sin and incorporation into God’s grand narrative of restoration. As *poiema*, believers embody the tangible expression of God’s redemptive power and wisdom.

The concept challenges reductionist views of human identity, affirming that believers are crafted for a purpose that transcends temporal existence. This artistic metaphor invites further reflection on the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in the Christian life.

Poiema in Other Biblical Contexts

While Ephesians 2:10 is the most theologically prominent use of *poiema*, the term appears in other New Testament contexts that deepen its significance.

Colossians 1:16 offers a critical parallel: 'For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things were created through Him and for Him' (ESV). Here, *poiema* (translated as 'created things') underscores Christ’s role as the divine artisan who crafts all existence with intentional purpose. This use links *poiema* to the broader biblical theme of God’s creative sovereignty, which Ephesians 2:10 reorients toward the redemptive context of the believer’s new creation.

These passages show a theological progression: Christ is the agent of cosmic creation (*poiema* in Colossians) and the architect of spiritual renewal (*poiema* in Ephesians). Both contexts emphasize that God’s creative work is not random but oriented toward a divine purpose - whether in the cosmos or in individual lives. This interplay invites reflection on how Christ’s lordship over creation informs His authority to re-create, framing *poiema* as a unifying concept across Scripture’s narrative of redemption.

Putting 'poiema' into Practice

Recognizing believers as God’s 'poiema' reshapes both self-understanding and daily living.

Ephesians 2:10 - 'For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works' - invites believers to see themselves as intentionally crafted for a divine purpose. This transforms self-perception by anchoring identity in God’s redemptive artistry rather than human achievement. Practically, it calls for aligning daily choices with the 'good works' God prepared, living as expressions of His creative intent. By embracing this calling, believers walk in the rhythm of their Maker’s design, reflecting His glory through purposeful obedience.

Going Deeper

To deepen your understanding of *poiema*, explore scholarly resources that examine its use in Greek biblical manuscripts.

Consult lexicons like *BDAG* or commentaries by scholars such as Gordon Fee for nuanced insights. Engaging with original Greek texts through interlinear Bibles or digital tools like Logos can further illuminate its theological significance.