Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the right hand holds significant symbolic meaning, often representing power, authority, and blessing. This symbolism is deeply rooted in the cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East, where the right hand was typically associated with strength and skill.Symbol of Power and Authority The right hand is frequently depicted as a symbol of divine power and authority. In Exodus 15:6, the song of Moses celebrates God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, proclaiming, "Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power; Your right hand, O LORD, has shattered the enemy." Here, the right hand of God is portrayed as an instrument of victory and might, emphasizing His supreme authority over creation and His ability to protect and deliver His people. Similarly, in Psalm 110:1, the right hand is associated with a position of honor and authority: "The LORD said to my Lord: 'Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.'" This verse is often interpreted as a messianic prophecy, indicating the exaltation of Christ to a place of power and dominion at the right hand of God. Symbol of Blessing and Favor The right hand is also a symbol of blessing and favor. In Genesis 48:14, Jacob intentionally crosses his hands to place his right hand on Ephraim, the younger of Joseph's sons, signifying the greater blessing: "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, although Manasseh was the firstborn." This act underscores the right hand's association with the bestowal of blessing and the conferring of favor. Symbol of Skill and Righteousness The right hand is often linked to skill and righteousness. In Psalm 144:1, David praises God for equipping him for battle: "Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle." The right hand, in this context, is emblematic of the skill and strength necessary for victory, granted by God. Furthermore, the right hand is associated with righteousness and justice. In Psalm 48:10, the psalmist declares, "Like Your name, O God, Your praise reaches to the ends of the earth; Your right hand is full of righteousness." This verse highlights the moral and ethical dimensions of the right hand, symbolizing God's just and righteous nature. Christ at the Right Hand of God In the New Testament, the right hand continues to hold profound theological significance, particularly in relation to Jesus Christ. In Mark 16:19, after His resurrection, Jesus is described as being taken up into heaven and sitting at the right hand of God: "After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God." This imagery conveys Christ's exalted status and His role as the mediator between God and humanity. The Apostle Paul also emphasizes this position in Romans 8:34, stating, "Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us." The right hand, in this context, signifies Christ's authority and His ongoing intercessory work on behalf of believers. In summary, the right hand in biblical texts is a multifaceted symbol representing power, authority, blessing, skill, righteousness, and the exalted position of Christ. Its recurring presence throughout Scripture underscores its importance in conveying theological truths and divine attributes. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 3:7And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Men and Mannerisms God who Appeared to Moses is Distinguished from God the Father. That in that virtue in which Regulus Excels Cato, Christians are ... Account Given, by Gregory the Theologian, of Apolinarius and ... Gods, those which were Confessedly Elevated to the Divine ... In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God ... Approbations On the Words, and Rose Again from the Dead on the Third Day, and ... To Bishop Iren??us. Weak Hands and Feeble Knees Resources Did Jesus mean we should literally pluck out our eyes and cut off our hands in Matthew 5:29-30 and 18:8-9? | GotQuestions.orgThe Hands and Feet of Jesus ' and the Mouth! | GotQuestions.org How could the laws of God be written on doorframes, gates, and foreheads? | 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) |
    |