Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, hands are frequently mentioned as instruments of work and labor, symbolizing human effort, diligence, and the execution of tasks. The hands are depicted as vital tools through which individuals fulfill their God-given responsibilities and contribute to their communities and families.Biblical References: 1. Genesis 3:19 : "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground, because out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return." This verse highlights the necessity of labor and the use of one's hands to cultivate the earth and provide sustenance. It underscores the post-Fall reality where work becomes a central aspect of human life. 2. Proverbs 31:13, 19 : "She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands... She stretches out her hands to the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers." The virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 is portrayed as industrious, using her hands to create and provide for her household. Her hands are a symbol of her diligence and resourcefulness. 3. Ecclesiastes 9:10 : "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom." This exhortation encourages wholehearted effort in all endeavors, emphasizing the importance of using one's hands to their fullest potential during one's lifetime. 4. Nehemiah 4:6 : "So we rebuilt the wall until all of it was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work." The rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall under Nehemiah's leadership illustrates collective labor and the power of dedicated hands working together for a common purpose. 5. Acts 20:34 : "You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions." The Apostle Paul, in his farewell to the Ephesian elders, emphasizes his self-sufficiency and the use of his hands in tent-making to support his ministry, setting an example of hard work and integrity. Theological Implications: The use of hands in work is not merely a physical act but carries spiritual significance. It reflects obedience to God's command to steward the earth and utilize one's talents and abilities for His glory. The diligent use of hands in labor is seen as a form of worship and service to God, aligning with the biblical principle that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). Moreover, the hands' involvement in work is a testament to the value of human effort and the dignity of labor. It serves as a reminder that all work, when done unto the Lord, holds intrinsic value and purpose. The biblical narrative consistently affirms the role of hands in fulfilling God's mandate for humanity to be fruitful and multiply, to fill the earth and subdue it (Genesis 1:28). In summary, the operations of the hands in the context of work are a recurring theme in Scripture, illustrating the importance of labor, the virtue of diligence, and the spiritual dimension of human effort. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 31:19She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Thessalonians 4:11 Library On a Piece of Chalk. A Lecture to Working Men. The New Temple and Its Worship The Holy Spirit in Relation to Prophecy. ... John ii. 4 Benares as a Mission Sphere. Marcus, My Son Touching a Special Sort of Internal Prayer Prescribed by Antonio ... The Fruits of Grace God a Refuge for Us The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit Resources When Jesus was nailed to the cross, did the nails go through His hands or His wrists? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon? | GotQuestions.org Is “idle hands are the devil's workshop” a biblical statement? | 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) |