Atrophy of the hand, while not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, can be understood within the broader context of physical ailments and divine healing as depicted in the Scriptures. The Bible often addresses physical infirmities, emphasizing both the human condition and the power of God to heal and restore.

Biblical Context of Physical Ailments

In biblical times, physical ailments were often seen as manifestations of spiritual or moral conditions, though not exclusively so. The Bible records numerous instances where individuals suffered from various physical disabilities, and these were opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and compassion. For example, in the New Testament, Jesus frequently healed those with physical impairments, showcasing His divine authority and fulfilling the messianic prophecies.

Healing Miracles of Jesus

The Gospels provide several accounts of Jesus healing individuals with physical disabilities, which can be seen as analogous to conditions like atrophy of the hand. In Matthew 12:10-13 , Jesus heals a man with a withered hand:

"And a man with a withered hand was there. In order to accuse Jesus, they asked Him, 'Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?' He replied, 'If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.' Then He said to the man, 'Stretch out your hand.' So he stretched it out, and it was restored to full use, just like the other."

This passage highlights Jesus' authority over physical ailments and His willingness to heal, even when it challenged societal norms. The healing of the withered hand serves as a testament to the belief that God cares for the physical well-being of individuals and has the power to restore what is broken.

Old Testament References

While the Old Testament does not specifically mention atrophy of the hand, it does address physical impairments and God's concern for those who suffer. In Exodus 4:6-7 , God demonstrates His power to Moses through a miraculous sign involving Moses' hand:

"Furthermore, the LORD said to him, 'Put your hand inside your cloak.' So Moses put his hand inside his cloak, and when he took it out, his hand was leprous, like snow. 'Now put your hand back inside your cloak,' said the LORD. So Moses put his hand back inside his cloak, and when he took it out, it was restored, like the rest of his skin."

This passage illustrates God's sovereignty over physical conditions and His ability to heal and restore. It also serves as a reminder of God's presence and power in the lives of His people.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, physical ailments, including conditions like atrophy of the hand, are often seen as part of the fallen human condition. However, the Bible consistently affirms that God is both aware of and compassionate toward human suffering. The healing miracles of Jesus are not only acts of compassion but also signs of the coming Kingdom of God, where there will be no more pain or suffering.

The Bible encourages believers to seek God's intervention through prayer and faith, trusting in His ultimate plan and purpose. James 5:14-15 advises:

"Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick. The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven."

This passage underscores the importance of community, prayer, and faith in seeking healing and restoration from God.Matthew 12:10-13
And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.
Nave's Topical Index

Synopsis. --Account to be Made of the Law of Atrophy through ...
... 38] To what extent the law of atrophy has begun ... The supernatural, on the other hand,
if there be any such thing, is not supposed to manifest itself through the ...
/.../whiton/miracles and supernatural religion/vii synopsis account to be made.htm

The Spirit of Power
... with liberal hand, and it will spring up, 'some thirty, some sixty, some an
hundredfold.' Use increases strength in all regions, and unused organs atrophy and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the spirit of power.htm

The Necessity for Praying Men
... the Holy Spirit dwells, for the Holy Spirit and prayer go hand-in-hand. ... fearful symptom
of approaching death than non-praying men are of spiritual atrophy. ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/iii the necessity for praying.htm

Semi-Parasitism.
... law that an unused organ must suffer a slow but inevitable atrophy, the creature ...
Every normal crustacean, on the other hand, has the abdominal region of the ...
/.../drummond/natural law in the spiritual world/semi-parasitism.htm

Costly and Fatal Help
... He had the gods of Damascus and of other lands on one hand, he had the ... it has cost
him the suppression, the atrophy by disuse, of many capacities in his soul ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/costly and fatal help.htm

The Secret of Power
... But, on the other hand, we have to confess that the success has been slow and ... a heart
that hungers for love, and a reason which pines in atrophy without light. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the secret of power.htm

Degeneration
... Or, lastly, if it is his soul, it must inevitably atrophy, drop off in ruin ... a capacity
sentenced to death by disease, which droops as a withered hand by the ...
/.../drummond/natural law in the spiritual world/degeneration.htm

Parasitism.
... degeneration"the loss of functions, the decay of organs, the atrophy of the ... the sacred
institution itself is being violated by the attack of an impious hand. ...
/.../drummond/natural law in the spiritual world/parasitism.htm

Growth in Grace
... Many Christians are like a body in an atrophy, which does not thrive. ... This is a sad
presage that grace is on the declining hand; and thou art in a deep ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/9 growth in grace.htm

An Address to the Man who is Down
... The hand of creation is done working at it. ... savage tempers and the savage laziness,
the impulse, the function which makes these things, will wither"atrophy. ...
/.../stones rolled away and other addresses to young men/ii an address to the.htm

What does it mean that we should not let our left hand know what our right hand is doing (Matthew 6:3 4)? | GotQuestions.org

How can I see the hand of God moving in my life? | GotQuestions.org

Why does Scripture emphasize the right hand of God? | GotQuestions.org

Hand: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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