1188. dexios

Lexical Summary

dexios: Right (as in right hand or right side)

Original Word: δεξιός
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: dexios
Pronunciation: deh-xee-os'
Phonetic Spelling: (dex-ee-os')
KJV: right (hand, side)
NASB: right hand, right, right-hand
Word Origin: [from G1209 (δέχομαι - receive)]

1. the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

right hand or side.

From dechomai; the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes) -- right (hand, side).

see GREEK dechomai

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
perhaps a prim. word
Definition
the right hand or side
NASB Translation
right (22), right hand (31), right-hand (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1188: δεξιός

δεξιός, δεξιά, δεξιόν (from δέχομαι, future δέξομαι, or from δέκω, which is akin to δείκνυμι; properly, of that hand which is accustomed to take told of as well as to point out; just as ἄξιος comes from ἄξω, future of ἄγω; (cf. Curtius, §§ 11, 266)), the right: Matthew 5:29, 39; Luke 22:50; John 18:10; Revelation 10:2; ἡ δεξιά χείρ, Matthew 5:30; Luke 6:6; Acts 3:7; Revelation 1:16; Revelation 13:16; and (with χείρ omitted) ἡ δεξιά (like ἡ ἀριστερά), Matthew 6:3; Matthew 27:29; Revelation 1:20; Revelation 2:1; Revelation 5:7; ἐπί τήν δεξιάν (on the right hand i. e.) at the right side, Revelation 5:1 (but others take it more closely, in the right hand; cf. Revelation 5:7 and Revelation 20:1); διδόναι τήν δεξιάν or τάς δεξιᾶς, to pledge either a mutual friendship, or a compact, by joining the right hands: Galatians 2:9 (1 Macc. 6:58 1 Macc. 11:50, 62, 66 1 Macc. 13:50; 2 Macc. 11:26 2Macc. 12:11 2Macc. 13:22; cf. Gesenius, Thesaurus ii., pp. 566 and 599; and in secular authors as Xenophon, an. 1, 6, 6; 2, 5, 3; Josephus, Antiquities 18, 9, 3 δεξιάν τέ καί πίστιν διδόναι τίνι); God is said to have done something τῇ δεξιά αὐτοῦ with his right hand i. e., according to Hebrew idiom, by his own power (cf. Winer's Grammar, 214 (201)): Acts 2:33; Acts 5:31; τά ὅπλα τά δεξιά, arms carried in the right hand and used for attack, as the sword, the spear, καί ἀριστερά those carried in the left hand, for the purpose of defense, as the shield: 2 Corinthians 6:7; τά δεξιά μέρη τοῦ πλοίου, John 21:6. τά δεξιά the right side (Winer's Grammar, 176 (166)): Mark 16:5; ἐκ δεξιῶν τίνος on one's right hand (Latinadalicuiusdextram), Matthew 25:33; Matthew 27:38; Mark 15:27; Luke 1:11; Luke 23:33; εἶναι, Acts 2:25 (from Psalm 15:8 (), he is at my right hand, namely, as a leader, to sustain me). As in this expression the Greeks use the preposition ἐκ, so the Hebrews sometimes use מִן (מִימִין from i. e. at the right, פְּ מֵאֵצֶל from i. e. at the side of anyone) and the Romansab (sedereadextraalicuis,proximumesseabaliquo), because they define the position of one standing or sitting next another by proceeding from the one next to whom he is said to stand or sit (cf. Winer's Grammar, 367 (344)). καθίσαι ἐκ δεξιῶν καί ἐξ εὐωνύμων τίνος βασιλέως, to occupy the places of honor nearest the king, Matthew 20:21, 23; Mark 10:37, 40; (יָשַׁב פְּ לִימִין, 1 Kings 2:19; Psalm 44:10 ()). Hence, after Psalm 109:1 () as applied to the Messiah (Matthew 22:44; Mark 12:36; Luke 20:42), Christ is said to have ascended καθῆσθαι or καθίσαι ἐκ δεξιῶν (at or on the right hand) of God, Matthew 26:64; Mark 14:62; Mark 16:19; Luke 22:69; Acts 2:34; Hebrews 1:13; εἶναι or καθίσαι ἐν δεξιά τοῦ Θεοῦ, Romans 8:34; Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 8:1; Hebrews 10:12; Hebrews 12:2 — to indicate that he has become a partner in God's universal government (cf. Knapp, De J. Chr. ad dextram dei sedente, in his Scripts var. arg., p. 41ff; (Stuart, Commentary on Hebrews, excurs. iv.)). That these expressions are to be understood in this figurative sense, and not of a fixed and definite place in the highest heavens (as Chr. From Fritzsche in Nov. Opuscc. acad., p. 209ff tries to prove, after the orthodox theologians of the reformed church), will be questioned by no one who carefully considers Revelation 3:21. Christ is once spoken of as ἑστώς ἐκ δεξιῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ, as though in indignation at his adversaries (according to others, to welcome his martyred servant) he had risen from his heavenly throne, Acts 7:55f.

Topical Lexicon

Literal and Symbolic Dimensions

The term δεξιός and its declined forms commonly denote the “right hand” or “right side.” In everyday Greco-Roman culture the right hand was associated with skill, favor, and strength, assumptions reflected in Scripture. Thus when Jesus speaks of the “right eye” and “right hand” in Matthew 5:29-30, He chooses the culturally valued side to underscore the severity of sin: even what seems most precious must be surrendered if it causes stumbling.

Position of Honor and Authority

The right hand was the place of highest distinction beside a ruler’s throne. Psalm 110:1—repeated in Matthew 22:44; Mark 12:36; Luke 20:42; Acts 2:34; Hebrews 1:13—sets the pattern: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” In first-century Jewish understanding, this text promised Messiah’s exaltation. New Testament writers explicitly apply it to the resurrected Jesus. Each citation of δεξιών in these passages confirms both Jesus’ divine enthronement and the Father’s vindication of the Son.

Christ Exalted at the Right Hand

After His ascension Jesus is consistently portrayed “at the right hand of God.”
• Acts 2:33 records Peter’s Pentecost sermon: “Exalted, therefore, to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit …”
• Acts 7:55-56 describes Stephen, “full of the Holy Spirit,” seeing “Jesus standing at the right hand of God.”
• Romans 8:34, Ephesians 1:20, Colossians 3:1, Hebrews 1:3; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2, and 1 Peter 3:22 expand the theme. Hebrews 1:3 states: “After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” Sitting signals the completion of His atoning work; the right hand signals unrivaled sovereignty.

Judgment and Salvation: Sheep and Goats

Matthew 25:31-46 places the redeemed nations at the King’s “right hand” and the condemned at His left. Verse 34: “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.’” The right hand therefore symbolizes acceptance and blessing, a motif consistent with Old Testament benedictions such as Genesis 48:14-20 where Jacob purposefully crosses his right hand over Ephraim.

Requests for Privilege

In Matthew 20:21-23 and Mark 10:37-40 James and John request seats “at Your right and at Your left.” Jesus answers that such honors belong to those “for whom they have been prepared by My Father.” The episodes reveal how early disciples understood δεξιός as supreme privilege, and also how Christ re-defines greatness as sacrificial service (Mark 10:42-45).

Human Interaction and Ministry Practice

The right hand functions as a sign of fellowship and covenant. Galatians 2:9: “James, Cephas, and John … gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship.” Likewise Acts 3:7 shows Peter taking a lame man “by the right hand” to lift him up, dramatizing restorative power. Paul speaks of weapons “of righteousness in the right hand and in the left” (2 Corinthians 6:7), stressing the believer’s readiness for spiritual warfare on all fronts.

Eschatological Imagery in Revelation

John’s Apocalypse employs δεξιός to portray Christ’s active rule:
• Revelation 1:16—“In His right hand He held seven stars.”
• Revelation 1:17—He lays “His right hand” on John, imparting assurance.
• Revelation 2:1—Jesus walks among the lampstands while holding their angels “in His right hand,” indicating protective lordship over the churches.
• Revelation 5:1, 7—The scroll of final destiny rests in the “right hand of Him who sat on the throne,” and the Lamb receives it, signaling His worthiness to execute God’s purposes.
• Revelation 13:16 contrasts this blessing by marking unbelievers’ “right hands” with the beast’s brand, a grim counterfeit of divine ownership.

Practical Implications for Believers

1. Worship: Recognizing Christ’s session at God’s right hand fuels confidence in His completed redemption and present intercession.
2. Discipleship: The call to severe self-denial (Matthew 5:29-30) reminds believers that allegiance to Christ surpasses even culturally valued strengths.
3. Fellowship: Extending the “right hand” remains an enduring symbol of unity in gospel partnership (Galatians 2:9).
4. Hope: The righteous at the King’s right hand (Matthew 25:33-34) anticipate inheritance, motivating holy living in the present age.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 1188 encapsulates themes of favor, authority, fellowship, and eschatological destiny. Whether depicting Jesus exalted beside the Father, distinguishing the blessed from the condemned, or describing acts of healing and partnership, the “right hand” communicates God’s sovereign grace and the believer’s secure place under the Lordship of Christ.

Forms and Transliterations

δεξια δεξιά δεξιὰ δεξιᾷ δεξία δεξιαν δεξιάν δεξιὰν δεξιας δεξιάς δεξιὰς δεξιᾶς δεξιοις δεξιοίς δεξιοῖς δεξιον δεξιόν δεξιὸν δεξιος δεξιός δεξιὸς δεξιού δεξιώ δεξιων δεξιών δεξιῶν dexia dexiá dexià dexiā̂i dexian dexiàn dexias dexiàs dexiâs dexiois dexioîs dexion dexión dexiòn dexiôn dexiōn dexiō̂n dexios dexiòs

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 5:29 Adj-NMS
GRK: σου ὁ δεξιὸς σκανδαλίζει σε
NAS: If your right eye makes you stumble,
KJV: if thy right eye offend
INT: of you right cause to stumble you

Matthew 5:30 Adj-NFS
GRK: εἰ ἡ δεξιά σου χεὶρ
NAS: If your right hand makes you stumble,
KJV: if thy right hand offend
INT: if the right of you hand

Matthew 5:39 Adj-AFS
GRK: εἰς τὴν δεξιὰν σιαγόνα σου
NAS: slaps you on your right cheek,
KJV: on thy right cheek, turn
INT: on the right cheek of you

Matthew 6:3 Adj-NFS
GRK: ποιεῖ ἡ δεξιά σου
NAS: know what your right hand is doing,
KJV: what thy right hand doeth:
INT: does the right hand of you

Matthew 20:21 Adj-GMP
GRK: εἷς ἐκ δεξιῶν σου καὶ
NAS: one on Your right and one
KJV: on thy right hand, and the other
INT: one on [the] right hand of you and

Matthew 20:23 Adj-GMP
GRK: καθίσαι ἐκ δεξιῶν μου καὶ
NAS: but to sit on My right and on [My] left,
KJV: on my right hand, and on
INT: to sit on [the] right hand of me and

Matthew 22:44 Adj-GMP
GRK: Κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου ἕως
NAS: SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, UNTIL
KJV: on my right hand, till I make
INT: Sit on [the] right hand of me until

Matthew 25:33 Adj-GMP
GRK: πρόβατα ἐκ δεξιῶν αὐτοῦ τὰ
NAS: the sheep on His right, and the goats
KJV: on his right hand, but the goats
INT: [the] sheep on [the] right hand of him

Matthew 25:34 Adj-GMP
GRK: τοῖς ἐκ δεξιῶν αὐτοῦ Δεῦτε
NAS: to those on His right, 'Come,
KJV: his right hand, Come,
INT: to those on [the] right hand of him Come

Matthew 26:64 Adj-GMP
GRK: καθήμενον ἐκ δεξιῶν τῆς δυνάμεως
NAS: SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER,
KJV: on the right hand of power,
INT: sitting at [the] right hand of Power

Matthew 27:29 Adj-DFS
GRK: ἐν τῇ δεξιᾷ αὐτοῦ καὶ
NAS: and a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down
KJV: his right hand: and
INT: in the right hand of him and

Matthew 27:38 Adj-GMP
GRK: εἷς ἐκ δεξιῶν καὶ εἷς
NAS: with Him, one on the right and one
KJV: one on the right hand, and another
INT: one at [the] right hand and one

Mark 10:37 Adj-GMP
GRK: σου ἐκ δεξιῶν καὶ εἷς
NAS: one on Your right and one
KJV: on thy right hand, and the other
INT: of [us] at your right hand and one

Mark 10:40 Adj-GMP
GRK: καθίσαι ἐκ δεξιῶν μου ἢ
NAS: But to sit on My right or
KJV: on my right hand and on
INT: [the] to sit at [the] right hand of me or

Mark 12:36 Adj-GMP
GRK: Κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου ἕως
NAS: SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, UNTIL
KJV: on my right hand, till I make
INT: Sit at right hand of me until

Mark 14:62 Adj-GMP
GRK: ἀνθρώπου ἐκ δεξιῶν καθήμενον τῆς
NAS: SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER,
KJV: on the right hand of power,
INT: of man at [the] right hand sitting of the

Mark 15:27 Adj-GMP
GRK: ἕνα ἐκ δεξιῶν καὶ ἕνα
NAS: with Him, one on His right and one
KJV: on his right hand, and
INT: one at [the] right hand and one

Mark 16:5 Adj-DNP
GRK: ἐν τοῖς δεξιοῖς περιβεβλημένον στολὴν
NAS: sitting at the right, wearing
KJV: on the right side, clothed
INT: on the right clothed with a robe

Mark 16:19 Adj-GMP
GRK: ἐκάθισεν ἐκ δεξιῶν τοῦ θεοῦ
NAS: and sat down at the right hand of God.
KJV: sat on the right hand of God.
INT: sat at [the] right hand of God

Luke 1:11 Adj-GMP
GRK: ἑστὼς ἐκ δεξιῶν τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου
NAS: to him, standing to the right of the altar
KJV: on the right side of the altar
INT: standing at [the] right of the altar

Luke 6:6 Adj-NFS
GRK: αὐτοῦ ἡ δεξιὰ ἦν ξηρά
NAS: there whose right hand was withered.
KJV: a man whose right hand was
INT: of him the right was withered

Luke 20:42 Adj-GMP
GRK: Κάθου ἐκ δεξιῶν μου
NAS: TO MY LORD, SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND,
KJV: on my right hand,
INT: Sit at [the] right hand of me

Luke 22:50 Adj-ANS
GRK: αὐτοῦ τὸ δεξιόν
NAS: and cut off his right ear.
KJV: cut off his right ear.
INT: his right

Luke 22:69 Adj-GMP
GRK: καθήμενος ἐκ δεξιῶν τῆς δυνάμεως
NAS: WILL BE SEATED AT THE RIGHT HAND of the power
KJV: on the right hand of the power
INT: sitting at [the] right hand of the power

Luke 23:33 Adj-GMP
GRK: μὲν ἐκ δεξιῶν ὃν δὲ
NAS: one on the right and the other
KJV: one on the right hand, and the other
INT: indeed on [the] right one moreover

Strong's Greek 1188
54 Occurrences

δεξιά — 17 Occ.
δεξιὰν — 4 Occ.
δεξιᾶς — 5 Occ.
δεξιῶν — 23 Occ.
δεξιοῖς — 1 Occ.
δεξιόν — 3 Occ.
δεξιὸς — 1 Occ.