Topical Bible: Hand: Place of Honor

◄ Hand: Place of Honor ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, the "hand" often symbolizes power, authority, and honor. The right hand, in particular, is frequently associated with a place of honor and strength. This symbolism is deeply rooted in the cultural and historical contexts of the Bible, where the right hand is considered a position of favor and distinction.

Right Hand as a Symbol of Honor

The right hand is repeatedly depicted as a place of honor in the Scriptures. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, sitting at the right hand of a king or ruler was a position of high status and privilege. This cultural understanding is reflected in various biblical passages.

In the Psalms, the right hand of God is portrayed as a source of salvation and power. Psalm 16:11 states, "You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand." Here, the right hand signifies a place of eternal joy and divine favor.

Jesus at the Right Hand of God

The New Testament frequently refers to Jesus Christ being seated at the right hand of God, emphasizing His exalted status and authority. This imagery is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and a testament to Christ's divine kingship. In Mark 16:19, it is recorded, "After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God."

The Apostle Paul also highlights this position of honor in Ephesians 1:20-21, where he writes, "He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come."

The Right Hand in Judgment and Salvation

The right hand is not only a symbol of honor but also of judgment and salvation. In Matthew 25:33-34, during the parable of the sheep and the goats, Jesus describes the final judgment: "He will place the sheep on His right and the goats on His left. 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.'"

This passage illustrates the right hand as a place of blessing and acceptance, contrasting with the left hand, which represents rejection and judgment.

Cultural and Theological Implications

The emphasis on the right hand as a place of honor has significant cultural and theological implications. It underscores the importance of divine favor and the ultimate authority of God. The right hand's association with power and honor is a recurring theme that reinforces the sovereignty of God and the exalted position of Christ.

In summary, the biblical concept of the hand, particularly the right hand, as a place of honor, is a profound symbol of authority, favor, and divine blessing. It reflects the cultural values of the biblical world and carries deep theological significance in the narrative of Scripture.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 45:9
Kings' daughters were among your honorable women: on your right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.
Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 80:17
Let your hand be on the man of your right hand, on the son of man whom you made strong for yourself.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Conclusion of Our Lord's Discourse. Parables of virgins and ...
... the goats on the left. [The right hand is always represented as the place
of honor and preferment. The Jews in their traditions ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxv conclusion of our lords.htm

John the Beloved
... mother, coveting with them the place of honor in this kingdom for her sons, asked,
"Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on Thy right hand, and the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 53 john the beloved.htm

"Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother. "
... teach himself and his child to the honor of God ... and would serve God in some other
place, which has ... On the other hand, parents cannot earn eternal punishment in ...
/.../luther/a treatise on good works/thou shalt honor thy father.htm

The Law of the New Kingdom
... the twelve the special promise of positions of high honor in His ... she coveted for
them the most honored place in the ... may sit, the one on Thy right hand, and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 60 the law of.htm

A Word for the Persecuted
... like an advanced guard, to whom the place of danger is the place of honor: only
let ... from Australia, which I prize more than any that have come to hand for a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/a word for the persecuted.htm

Papal Tombs.
... his body, and buried it in the nearest cemetery at hand,"that of ... perhaps from the
eleventh or twelfth century, in which the place of honor was given to a ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter v papal tombs.htm

John i. 11
... aversion to them for this; we even honor them the ... presence, who holdeth and graspeth
all things in His hand? He exchanged not one place for another; how should ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily x john i 11.htm

The Scope of the Apocalypse is Indicated by Its Place in the ...
... 3) the Pit is called "his own place." Here the ... to the Emperor stamped either upon
the hand or forehead ... which shall be visited upon those who honor the Beast. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the scope of the apocalypse.htm

John ii. 4
... And in the next place, He did it to honor His mother ... to the rivers if at any time
they were defiled, but might have the means of purification at hand. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxii john ii 4.htm

Rom. I. 26, 27
... through the things which are seen, have been led as by the hand to the ... except in
bathing) nor to keep youths, giving the free this place of honor, or rather ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily iv rom i 26.htm