The idea of Jesus being a carpenter comes from the Greek word 'tekton', which appears in Mark 6:3 and is often translated as 'carpenter' in English. However, 'builder' is a more accurate translation. The term 'tekton' is linked to construction, with wood being relevant only as a material used in building. There is another Greek word for 'carpenter' ('xylourgós').

Scholars theorize that Jesus and his family worked as day laborers in Sepphoris (the 'Ornament of Galilee') near Nazareth (4-6 km) that was undergoing major construction during Jesus' youth. Herod Antipas transformed Sepphoris into a cosmopolitan hub, blending Jewish traditions with Hellenistic influences. This created a demand for builders and craftsmen. Nazareth, while big enough for a synagogue, was a small village of a few hundred people that would not have provided enough work for a family of builders.

Formal rabbinic education was typically reserved for elite families, while Jewish boys learned scripture and religious teachings in local synagogues. But Jesus might easily have absorbed richer knowledge through community discussions at the larger synagogues and more vibrant atmosphere of Sepphoris. He might even learned some Greek as a professional necessity.

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