Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the hand was not only a vital part of the human body but also a symbol of power, action, and possession. The deprivation of hands, particularly in the context of criminal punishment, is a theme that appears in various forms throughout the Scriptures. This practice reflects the severity of certain transgressions and the societal need to maintain order and justice.Symbolism of the Hand The hand is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of strength and capability. It represents the ability to work, create, and execute one's will. In the Old Testament, the hand of God is often depicted as a source of power and deliverance, as seen in Exodus 15:6 : "Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power; Your right hand, O LORD, has shattered the enemy." Punishment and Justice The concept of justice in biblical law often involved physical punishment, which could include the deprivation of hands. This was seen as a means to prevent further wrongdoing and to serve as a deterrent to others. While the Bible does not explicitly mandate the removal of hands for specific crimes, the principle of "an eye for an eye" (Exodus 21:24) suggests a form of retributive justice that could extend to the loss of a hand for certain offenses. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near East, the removal of hands was a known punishment for thieves and other criminals. This practice was not unique to Israel but was common among various cultures as a means to visibly mark and incapacitate offenders. The loss of a hand would significantly impact a person's ability to work and provide for themselves, thus serving as a severe consequence for their actions. Biblical References and Interpretations While the Bible does not provide explicit examples of individuals being deprived of their hands as punishment, the metaphorical use of the hand in Scripture underscores its importance. For instance, in Matthew 5:30 , Jesus teaches, "And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell." This hyperbolic statement emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the lengths to which one should go to avoid it. Moral and Ethical Considerations From a moral and ethical standpoint, the deprivation of hands as a form of punishment raises questions about the balance between justice and mercy. The New Testament, particularly through the teachings of Jesus, shifts the focus from retributive justice to forgiveness and redemption. This is evident in passages such as John 8:7 , where Jesus challenges those without sin to cast the first stone, highlighting the importance of compassion and self-reflection in the administration of justice. In summary, while the physical deprivation of hands is not explicitly detailed in biblical law, the symbolic and cultural significance of the hand in Scripture provides insight into the ancient understanding of justice and punishment. The Bible's teachings encourage a balance between justice and mercy, reflecting the character of God as both just and compassionate. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 25:12Then you shall cut off her hand, your eye shall not pity her. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 4:12 Library The Criminal and his Relation to Society. The Secular Clergy Significance of Compulsory Service. Letters to Olympias. A Further Thanksgiving to God for the Change in the Late ... Job's Faith and Expectation The Martyrdom of Stephen. Of the Commissioners Hellebichus Commander of the Troops, and ... Patmos Matt. Iii. 13 Resources Should we raise our hands/clap our hands during worship? | GotQuestions.orgLaying on of hands - what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus say, “Into your hands I commit my spirit,” on the cross? | GotQuestions.org Hands: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Bloody The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Ensnaring to Themselves The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Mischievous The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Slothful The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Violent The Hands were Lifted up in Blessing The Hands were Lifted up in Praise The Hands were Lifted up in Prayer The Hands were Lifted up in Taking an Oath The Hands were Washed in Token of Innocency The Hands were Washed: After Touching an Unclean Person The Hands were Washed: Before Eating The Hands: (Cutting off) of Extreme Self-Denial The Hands: (Lifted up Against Another) of Rebellion The Hands: (Opened) Liberality The Hands: (Shut) Illiberality The Hands: Clapped Together in Joy The Hands: Criminals often: Bound By The Hands: Criminals often: Deprived of The Hands: Criminals often: Hung By The Hands: Criminals often: Mutilated In The Hands: Custom of Domestics Pouring Water Upon, Alluded To The Hands: Distinguished as The Left The Hands: Distinguished as The Right The Hands: Imposition of, a First Principle of the Doctrine of Christ The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Blessing The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Conferring Civil Power The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Imparting the Gifts of the Holy Spirit The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Ordaining Ministers The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Setting Apart the Levites The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Transferring Guilt of Sacrifices The Hands: Kissed in Idolatrous Worship The Hands: Many Alike Expert With Both The Hands: Many had More Command of the Left The Hands: Necessary Members of the Body The Hands: Often Spread out in Prayer The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Feeling The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Holding The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Making Signs The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Striking The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Taking The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Working The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Writing The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Fingers The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Palm The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Thumb The Hands: Placed Under the Thigh of a Person to Whom an Oath Was Made The Hands: Right Hand of Strength and Power The Hands: Right Hand: (Full of Bribes) of Corruption The Hands: Right Hand: (Full of Falsehood) of Deceitfulness The Hands: Right Hand: (Holding By) of Support The Hands: Right Hand: (Standing At) Protection The Hands: Right Hand: (Withdrawn) Support Withheld The Hands: Saints Blessed in the Work of The Hands: Servants Directed by Movements of The Hands: should be Employed in Acts of Benevolence The Hands: should be Employed in God's Service The Hands: should be Employed: Industriously The Hands: Smitten Together in Extreme Anger The Hands: Stretched out in Derision The Hands: Suretiship Entered Into by Striking The Hands: The Jews Carried a Staff In, when Walking The Hands: The Right Hand of Healed Leper Touched With Blood of his Sacrifice The Hands: The Right Hand of Healed Leper Touched With Oil The Hands: The Right Hand of Priests Touched With Blood of Consecration-Ram The Hands: The Right Hand used in Embracing The Hands: The Right Hand: Given in Token of Friendship The Hands: The Right Hand: Place of Honor The Hands: The Right Hand: Place of Power The Hands: The Right Hand: Signet Worn On The Hands: The Right Hand: Sworn By The Hands: The Right Hand: The Accuser Stood At, of the Accused The Hands: The Wicked Recompensed for the Work of The Hands: Treaties Made by Joining Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
    |