Was Jesus a carpenter or a stone worker?

[7_Sorrows]

I attended a daily Mass on Monday before New Year’s Day and a priest mentioned a book he read by Fr. James Martin that said there really were not that many trees
where Jesus lived, so how could he be a carpenter?

The priest said Fr. James Martin theorized more likely Jesus was a stone worker.

I have to admit this was the first I had ever heard that possibly Jesus was
not a carpenter.

Is there any credence to this idea? Has anyone else heard this before?

 

[jrgmercado]

If I remember correctly from a show or book, the actual term used was closer to “builder” then carpenter.

 

[BartholomewB]

@7_Sorrows, the short answer is that the Greek word tekton usually means a carpenter but can also mean a construction worker. See if you can get hold of Batey’s book. It’s an eye-opener!

https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Forgot...28:forgotten+city&s=books&sr=1-1&unfiltered=1

 

[Ridgerunner]

Even in Israel there would be things made of wood; most notably furniture, but also some segments of buildings. One recalls that “Cedars of Lebanon” were used in building the new temple.

 

[7_Sorrows]

@7_Sorrows, the short answer is that the Greek word tekton usually means a carpenter but can also mean a construction worker. See if you can get hold of Batey’s book. It’s an eye-opener!

https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Forgot...28:forgotten+city&s=books&sr=1-1&unfiltered=1

I actually am going to a used bookstore this afternoon. Perhaps they might have a copy. Thanks for the info.