Topical Encyclopedia The term "hand-part" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, the concept of the hand and its parts is significant throughout Scripture. The hand is often used symbolically to represent power, action, and possession. In biblical times, the hand was a primary tool for work, communication, and ritual, and its parts played various roles in the cultural and religious practices of the Israelites.Symbolism and Usage 1. Power and Authority: The hand, particularly the right hand, is frequently associated with power and authority. In Exodus 15:6, the hand of God is depicted as a symbol of strength: "Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power; Your right hand, O LORD, has shattered the enemy." The right hand is often seen as a place of honor and authority, as in Psalm 110:1: "The LORD said to my Lord: 'Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.'" 2. Blessing and Consecration: The laying on of hands was a common practice for blessing and consecration. In Genesis 48:14, Jacob crosses his hands to bless Ephraim and Manasseh, indicating the transfer of blessing and inheritance: "But Israel stretched out his right hand and put it on Ephraim’s head, though he was the younger, and crossing his arms, he put his left hand on Manasseh’s head, though Manasseh was the firstborn." 3. Covenant and Oath: The hand was used in making covenants and oaths. In Genesis 24:2-3, Abraham instructs his servant to place his hand under Abraham's thigh as a sign of swearing an oath: "So Abraham instructed the chief servant of his household, who managed all he owned, 'Place your hand under my thigh, and I will have you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am dwelling.'" 4. Judgment and Punishment: The hand is also associated with judgment and punishment. In Deuteronomy 25:11-12, a specific law is given regarding the use of the hand in a dispute: "If two men are fighting, and the wife of one comes to rescue her husband from the assailant, and she reaches out and seizes him by his private parts, you are to cut off her hand. You must show her no pity." 5. Healing and Miracles: In the New Testament, the hands of Jesus and the apostles are often instruments of healing and miracles. In Mark 6:5, it is recorded: "So He could not perform any miracles there, except to lay His hands on a few of the sick and heal them." The laying on of hands continued as a practice in the early church for healing and impartation of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17). Cultural and Religious Practices The hand and its parts were integral to various cultural and religious practices in ancient Israel. The use of the hand in offerings, sacrifices, and rituals underscored its importance in worship and daily life. The hand was also a means of communication, as gestures and signs conveyed messages and intentions. In summary, while the specific term "hand-part" is not used in the Bible, the hand and its parts are deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, symbolizing power, blessing, covenant, judgment, and healing. The hand serves as a powerful metaphor for God's interaction with humanity and the human response to the divine. Concordance Hand-part (1 Occurrence)Judges 3:22 Thesaurus Hand-part (1 Occurrence)Hand-part. Hand-mirrors, Hand-part. Handpikes . Multi-Version Concordance Hand-part (1 Occurrence). Judges 3:22 And ... /h/hand-part.htm - 6k Stomach (40 Occurrences) Joined (146 Occurrences) Handpikes (1 Occurrence) Hand-mirrors (1 Occurrence) Resources What is the right hand of fellowship (Galatians 2:9)? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I see the hand of God moving in my life? | GotQuestions.org What is the “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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