Bible Occupations Trivia Quiz

Answer: Vineyard owner

The story of Naboth appears in 1 Kings 21:1-16. His vineyard is close to the palace of King Ahab who wants to acquire it to turn it into a herb garden. Naboth refuses, as it is his inheritance and against the law of Moses to sell it. When Ahab's wife, Jezebel, learns of this she forges letters in the king's name, with false accusations of blasphemy against Naboth which lead to him being stoned to death.

Jezebel pays for her wickedness, with her body being left to be eaten by dogs, and her name has passed into common usage to describe an evil or conniving woman.

Answer: Vineyard owner

Noah's story is well known, of course, with his building of the ark and survival of the great flood a part of western culture. After the flood, Genesis 9 tells how he settled down to cultivate a vineyard and became the first drunken man in the Bible after partaking of his produce.

The consequence of this is that the descendants of his youngest son, Ham, who shows disrespect for his naked and drunk father are cursed by Noah. The sufferings of the Canaanites are the result of this event.

Answer: Hunter

Jacob and his older brother, Esau, are the sons of Isaac, probably best known for the story of how Jacob became his father's heir by tricking Isaac into giving his his blessing, believing him to be Esau. In Genesis 25:27, the twins are described in these words: 'And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents'.

Other translations substitute the word 'skilful' for 'cunning'. Esau's skills as a hunter endeared him to his father, but his mother favoured Jacob.

Answer: Hunter

The first reference to Nimrod appears in Genesis chapter 10, verses 8-12, where he is described as 'a mighty hunter before the Lord'. He is described as the son of Cush, making his a descendant of Noah. He is described as a king of Mesopotamia, with some researchers believing him to be responsible for the building of the Tower of Babel. His name is also mentioned in Micah 5:6 and 1 Chronicles, which repeats the description from Genesis.

Scholars have found no links to any historical figure but the name of Nimrod has been used in literature and music and in many other applications.

Answer: Farmer

Most of Cain's story is told in Genesis, chapter four. He is the first born son to Adam and Eve, with Abel his younger brother. Abel is described as 'a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground'. Each brother brought a sacrifice to God, but Abel's was held in higher esteem than that of Cain, leading to murder. Cain is mentioned in Hebrews, John and Jude, with a reminder of his wickedness.

Answer: Farmer

The story of Gideon appears in Judges chapters 6-8. In his first appearance, he is described as threshing wheat, indicating that he was a farmer. This was being done in secret to avoid the attentions of the occupying army of Midianites. Gideon is visited by an angel who tells him he is a 'man of valour', chosen by God to rid the land of the invaders and to lead the people back to worship of the one true God. From being a farmer, he becomes a successful military leader and judge of Israel.

Answer: Soldier

The story of Cornelius appears in Acts, chapter 10. Cornelius is described as a god-fearing Roman centurion, who receives a visit from an angel, telling him to send for Simon Peter, one of the apostles of Jesus. Peter himself had seen a vision, leading him to agree to a meeting with Cornelius even though Jews should not meet with those not of the same faith. Cornelius and many of his followers converted to Christianity, thanks to Peter's words. Cornelius is cited as being the first Gentile convert.

Answer: Soldier

Primarily appearing in 2 Samuel, Uriah is the unfortunate soldier whose wife, Bathsheba, caught the eye of King David. Since Bathsheba was pregnant with David's child, and Uriah refused to sleep with her while on duty, David arranged for Uriah to be killed in battle. David then married Bathsheba, but the child he fathered with her died shortly after his birth, as a punishment from God. Bathsheba later gave birth to one of the most famous kings in the Bible - Solomon.

Answer: Tax Collector

Zacchaeus appears in Chapter 19 in the Gospel of Luke. Although the KJV version describes him as a publican, this means someone in public office, with his role being the collection of taxes. Jesus was visiting Jericho and Zacchaeus, being short of stature, decided to climb a tree to get a better view of him. Jesus called him down saying, 'make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house'. Zacchaeus not only acquiesced but promised to give half of his wealth to the poor.

As with Matthew, Jesus is making the point that he needs to convert sinners, not the already devout believers.

Answer: Tax Collector

The apostle Matthew first appears in the Bible in the Gospel which bears his name, chapter 9, verse 9. Jesus sees him 'sitting at the receipt of custom' and calls Matthew to follow Him. The Pharisees, in verse 11, are shocked to see Jesus surrounded by sinners, such as Matthew, who has collected taxes for the Roman occupiers. Jesus takes the opportunity to tell them that His purpose is to call 'sinners to repentance'. Matthew certainly redeemed himself as an apostle and is mentioned in three of the four Gospels (excluding John) and in Acts.