Topical Encyclopedia The hands are a vital part of the human body, serving as instruments of action, communication, and worship. In the Bible, hands are frequently mentioned both literally and metaphorically, symbolizing power, authority, and blessing. The hands are essential for work, creativity, and service, reflecting the divine image in which humanity was created.Creation and Function In the creation narrative, God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed life into him (Genesis 2:7). The hands, as part of the human body, were designed for work and stewardship over creation. Genesis 2:15 states, "The LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." Here, the hands are implied as tools for cultivating and maintaining the garden, highlighting their role in fulfilling God's mandate. Symbol of Power and Authority Hands often symbolize power and authority in the Scriptures. In Exodus 15:6, Moses sings, "Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power; Your right hand, O LORD, shatters the enemy." The right hand, in particular, is associated with strength and victory. Similarly, in Psalm 110:1, the LORD says to David's Lord, "Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet," indicating a position of honor and authority. Instruments of Blessing and Healing The laying on of hands is a significant biblical practice for imparting blessing, healing, and the Holy Spirit. In Genesis 48:14, Jacob crosses his hands to bless Ephraim and Manasseh, signifying the transmission of blessing and favor. In the New Testament, Jesus frequently uses His hands to heal the sick and perform miracles. Mark 6:5 records, "So He could not perform any miracles there, except to lay His hands on a few of the sick and heal them." Expressions of Worship and Prayer Hands are also used in expressions of worship and prayer. Psalm 63:4 declares, "So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift my hands." Lifting hands in prayer and worship is a gesture of surrender, adoration, and supplication. In 1 Timothy 2:8, Paul instructs, "Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension." Metaphorical Usage The Bible uses hands metaphorically to describe human actions and intentions. Clean hands symbolize innocence and purity, as seen in Psalm 24:3-4: "Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart." Conversely, hands stained with blood or sin represent guilt and wrongdoing (Isaiah 1:15). The Body of Christ In the New Testament, the Church is described as the body of Christ, with each member having a unique role. 1 Corinthians 12:14-21 emphasizes the importance of every part, including the hands: "The body is not one part, but many... If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?" This passage underscores the necessity of hands as part of the body, contributing to the function and unity of the Church. Conclusion The hands, as necessary members of the body, are integral to the biblical narrative and Christian life. They serve as instruments of work, symbols of power, channels of blessing, and expressions of worship. Through the hands, believers are called to serve God and others, reflecting the love and grace of Christ in the world. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 12:21And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library On Mutual Subjection {1} --(First Printed in 1744) 1 Cor. xii. 21 The Rule Given About not Seeking One's Own Gain is Established... Jod. Epistle Xliii. To Eulogius and Anastasius, Bishops. Members of Christ Israel and the Nations. On the Different Functions of Modesty. ... Whether the Parts to be Anointed are Suitably Assigned? Whether Generation Should have Taken Place Even in Paradise had ... 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) |
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