Mason
Easton’s Bible Dictionary (1897) · International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915)
THE DICTIONARY — Easton’s Bible Dictionary (1897)
an artificer in stone. The Tyrians seem to have been specially skilled in architecture (1 Kings 5:17, 18; 2 Samuel 5:11). This art the Hebrews no doubt learned in Egypt (Exodus 1:11, 14), where ruins of temples and palaces fill the traveller with wonder at the present day.
THE FULL ARTICLE — from the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915), general editor James Orr — public domain, printed whole.
ma'-s'n: The translation of 4 Hebrew words:
(1) charash 'ebhen, "graver of stone" (2Sa 5:11);
(2) (3) gadhar (2Ki 12:12), charash qur (1Ch 14:1), "maker of a wall (or hedge)";
(4) chatsabh, "a hewer or digger (of stones)" (1Ch 22:2; Ezr 3:7).
Lebanon still supplies the greater number of skilled masons to Palestine and Syria (see 2Sa 5:11), those of Shweir being in special repute.
See CRAFTS, II, 8; also ARCHITECTURE; BUILDING; GEBAL; HOUSE.