Lexical Summary aristeros: Left, left hand, left side Original Word: ἀριστερός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance left hand. Apparently a comparative of the same as ariston; the left hand (as second-best) -- left (hand). see GREEK ariston NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origincptv. adjective akin to aristos (best) Definition better, euph. for left, on the left NASB Translation left (3), left hand (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 710: ἀριστερόςἀριστερός, ἀριστερά, ἀριστερόν, left: Matthew 6:3; Luke 23:33; (Mark 10:37 T Tr WH, on the plural cf. Winer's Grammar, § 27, 3); ὅπλα ἀριστερά i. e. carried in the left hand, defensive weapons, 2 Corinthians 6:7. (From Homer down.) Topical Lexicon Overview of New Testament Usage Strong’s Greek 710 marks four passages where the “left hand/side” is mentioned. Each reference functions in tandem with the right hand/side, highlighting contrast rather than standing alone. The instances fall into three settings: personal piety (Matthew 6:3), eschatological glory (Mark 10:37), the crucifixion narrative (Luke 23:33), and apostolic ministry (2 Corinthians 6:7). Contrast with the Right Hand Biblically, the right hand commonly signifies strength, favor, and priority, while the left hand completes the picture as the secondary coordinate side. The left is not inherently evil; it simply occupies the position opposite the place of highest honor. The four occurrences of G710 reinforce that complementary balance. Each verse pairs “left” with “right,” underscoring wholeness rather than elevating one to absolute moral superiority. Cultural and Historical Background First-century Jewish and Greco-Roman audiences considered the right hand the normal hand of dexterity and social preference. Seating on the right of a ruler conveyed preeminence; the left connoted the next seat of privilege. Everyday gestures, legal oaths, and military formations reflected this bias. The New Testament writers assume this shared cultural code to communicate spiritual truth efficiently. Theological Insights 1. Discreet Generosity (Matthew 6:3). “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing”. The imagery teaches secrecy in almsgiving. By picturing the donor’s own left hand as clueless, Jesus sets an impossibly high standard for hidden charity, directing disciples to seek the Father’s approval rather than human applause. 2. Degrees of Glory (Mark 10:37). James and John request seats at Jesus’ right and left. Their ambition reveals misunderstanding, not of position only, but of the pathway—suffering before glory. Jesus answers that those places are “prepared,” implying divine sovereignty over honor. Even the left-side seat, though lesser than the right, belongs within the realm of glory shared with Christ. 3. The Cross and Divine Irony (Luke 23:33). “They crucified Him there, along with the criminals, one on His right and the other on His left”. The regal language of seating now frames an execution scene, exposing the kingdom’s upside-down nature. The left-hand criminal, traditionally viewed as the impenitent thief, occupies a literal location that mirrors a heart posture toward the King. 4. Balanced Warfare (2 Corinthians 6:7). Paul lists ministry hardships and resources, concluding with “the weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left”. The pairing signifies comprehensive readiness—defensive and offensive, public and private, word and deed—everything undergirded by God’s power. Intertextual Links with the Old Testament While G710 itself does not appear in the Septuagint, the concept of left versus right pervades Scripture. Noteworthy parallels include: Practical and Ministry Applications • Giving: Believers guard their motives, allowing no part of themselves—even the metaphorical left hand—to claim credit. Doctrinal Relevance The recurring left-and-right pairing reaffirms God’s ordered universe, where distinctions exist without contradiction. Honor, judgment, and service derive meaning from their relation to Christ, the exalted Son at the Father’s right hand. The less-honored position still stands in proximity to glory; thus every believer—whether perceived as prominent or peripheral—shares in the victorious reign of Christ. Forms and Transliterations αριστερα αριστερά ἀριστερά αριστεράν αριστεράς αριστερόν αριστερων αριστερών ἀριστερῶν aristera aristerá aristeron aristerôn aristerōn aristerō̂nLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 6:3 Adj-NFSGRK: γνώτω ἡ ἀριστερά σου τί NAS: But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know KJV: not thy left hand know what INT: let know the left [hand] of you what Mark 10:37 Adj-GMP Luke 23:33 Adj-GMP 2 Corinthians 6:7 Adj-GMP Strong's Greek 710 |
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