Bible Dictionary
HEWER
A hewer was a worker who cut wood or stone. Such labor was often assigned to servants or, in the case of the Gibeonites, imposed as a menial duty.
Definition
A hewer is a worker who cuts or gathers wood, or cuts stone. The term may therefore describe a wood-worker, wood-gatherer, or stonecutter.
Biblical Usage
Joshua assigned the Gibeonites to hew wood and draw water after their deception. Other passages mention hewers of wood and hewers of stone in connection with labor for building or service.
Historical Background
Gathering wood, like drawing water, was a menial task for which special servants could be assigned. The Gibeonites received this duty as punishment for their trickery, though Israel’s oath prevented their destruction.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>hu'-er (choTebh): Applies especially to a wood-worker or wood-gatherer (compare Arabic chattab, "a woodman") (Jos 9:21,23,17; 2Ch 2:10; Jer 46:22). Gathering wood, like drawing water, was a menial task. Special servants were assigned to the work (De 29:11). Joshua set the Gibeonites to hewing wood and drawing water as a punishment for their trickery, whereas were it not for the oath which the Israelites had sworn, the Gibeonites would probably have been killed.</p><p>See DRAWER OF WATER.</p><p>chatsbh, from the root "to cut" or "to carve," applies to hewers of stone in 1Ki 5:15; 2Ki 12:12; 1Ch 22:15; 2Ch 2:18.</p><p>James A. Patch</p>