Difference between revisions of "Hand"

<p> Symbol of skill, energy, and action. "Strength of hand." Also control. To "kiss the hand" expresses adoration (&nbsp;Job 31:27). "Fill one's hand" is consecrating him a priest (&nbsp;Exodus 28:41 margin, &nbsp;Judges 17:5; &nbsp;1 Kings 13:33). To "lift up the hand" is to swear (&nbsp;Genesis 14:22), the hand being raised in appeal to God above; also the attitude of benediction (&nbsp;Leviticus 9:22). To "give the hand" assures of faithfulness and friendship (&nbsp;2 Kings 10:15); also submission, "she hath given her hand," i.e. surrendered to her conqueror (&nbsp;Jeremiah 50:15; &nbsp;Lamentations 5:6). The hand of God is His eternal purpose and executive power (&nbsp;Acts 4:28; &nbsp;Acts 4:30); His providential bounty (&nbsp;Psalms 104:28); His firm hold preserving His saints (&nbsp;John 10:28-29; &nbsp;Deuteronomy 33:8). His "heavy hand," affliction (&nbsp;Psalms 38:2). </p> <p> God's "right hand" denotes His omnipotence. "The right hand," being more proficient than the left hand, is the place of honour (&nbsp;Psalms 110:1; &nbsp;Matthew 25:33), "the left" is the place of dishonour (&nbsp;Matthew 26:64). The Hebrew in reckoning the four quarters faced the E. So "in front" or "before them" was E.; "at the back," or "behind," W.; "the right hand," S.; "the left hand," N. The accuser in a trial stood "at the right hand" of the accused, so Satan at Joshua's right hand (&nbsp;Zechariah 3:1; &nbsp;Psalms 109:6); but the [[Advocate]] [[Messiah]] also is at the believer's "right hand," to defend his cause effectively (&nbsp;Psalms 16:8; &nbsp;Psalms 109:31); therefore Paul could say (&nbsp;Romans 8:31; &nbsp;Romans 8:33-34), "If God be for us, who can be against us? Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? </p> <p> It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." "The hand of the Lord on" the prophets is the Holy Spirit's extraordinary and powerful impulse, His felt impression inspiring them (&nbsp;1 Kings 18:46; &nbsp;2 Kings 3:15; &nbsp;Ezra 1:3; &nbsp;Ezra 3:14). His "good hand upon" His people means His gracious help (&nbsp;Nehemiah 2:8; &nbsp;Luke 1:66). "Laying on of hands" was usual in blessing; as the Lord Jesus blessing the infants (&nbsp;Mark 10:16), Jacob blessing Ephraim and [[Manasseh]] (&nbsp;Genesis 48:14); also in laying guilt and punishment upon persons accused (&nbsp;Deuteronomy 13:9; &nbsp;Deuteronomy 17:7); also in constituting magistrates, as Moses did in appointing Joshua his successor (&nbsp;Numbers 27:18); also setting apart the [[Levites]] (&nbsp;Numbers 8:10). </p> <p> Also the offerer put his hand upon the head of his burnt offering (&nbsp;Leviticus 1:4), thereby identifying himself with it, and making it his representative to bear typically the death which his sin deserved. Also in ordaining ministers (&nbsp;Acts 6:6; &nbsp;Acts 13:3; &nbsp;1 Timothy 4:14; &nbsp;2 Timothy 1:6). The impartation of the Spirit was connected with the symbolical laying on of hands; "Joshua was full of the spirit of wisdom, FOR Moses had laid his hands upon him" (&nbsp;Deuteronomy 34:9). The "gift" in Timothy was "BY (did,) the putting on of Paul's hands" as the chief instrument (&nbsp;2 Timothy 1:6), but "WITH (meta ) the laying on of the hands of the presbytery," implying accompaniment rather than direct instrumentality. </p> <p> Compare &nbsp;Acts 8:17; &nbsp;Acts 9:17; &nbsp;Acts 19:1-6; the apostles and others specially appointed by God had powers of miraculously conferring spiritual gifts and qualifications, such as have not been transmitted; so in confirming those already baptized. Bishops in confirming and ordaining now can only pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit to be bestowed on the candidates, not give it. </p>

<p> The word "hand" occurs about1046 times in the Bible. It is used in approximately20 different ways as types of various attitudes and actions. The [[Scriptures]] are too numerous for us to list them all, but we will seek to arrange them in groups in a way that will be helpful and profitable to the reader. The arrangement will not be an alphabetical one, but will rather be placed as the thoughts are found in the Scriptures. A typical Scripture reference will be used in each case. </p> <p> The hand represents human power. &nbsp;Genesis 9:2; &nbsp;Genesis 39:6. </p> <p> The hand represents divine power. &nbsp;Exodus 6:1; &nbsp;Exodus 13:3. </p> <p> The hand represents conquering power. &nbsp;Exodus 14:8; &nbsp;Numbers 33:3. </p> <p> The hand represents a position of service2Ki3:11. </p> <p> The hand when washed represents innocency. &nbsp;Deuteronomy 21:6; &nbsp;Matthew 27:24. </p> <p> The hand when kissed represents loving affection, or deceitfulness or hypocrisy. &nbsp;Job 31:27. </p> <p> The hand when it is the right hand sometimes represents honor and favor. &nbsp;Psalm 110:1; &nbsp;Romans 8:34. </p> <p> The hand when it is the right hand may indicate security and peace. &nbsp;Psalm 16:8; &nbsp;Psalm 109:31. </p> <p> The hand when it is given is a sign of friendship, confidence and trust2Ki10:15. </p> <p> The hand when it is lifted up may represent an act of supplication to GOD, and of dependence on GOD. &nbsp;Exodus 17:12; &nbsp;1 Timothy 2:8. </p> <p> The hand when [[Laid]] on, indicates the imparting of spiritual gifts on the part of a leader of GOD's people to one who is less able and less prominent. &nbsp;Acts 6:6; &nbsp;1 Timothy 4:14. This seems to have been done only by [[Apostles]] and those in authority. </p> <p> The hand when stretched out indicates that mercy is extended and offered. &nbsp;Proverbs 1:24; &nbsp;Romans 10:21. </p> <p> The hand when leaned upon is a type of confidence and familiarity2Ki7:2; &nbsp;2 Kings 5:18. </p> <p> The hand when it is GOD's hand may signify divine power. &nbsp;Acts 4:28; probably the Holy Spirit, &nbsp;Acts 8:18; divine retribution &nbsp;Judges 2:15; sovereign disposition &nbsp;Psalm 31:15; divine sufficiency &nbsp;Psalm 104:28; &nbsp;Psalm 145:16. </p> <p> The hand when it is man's hand may represent evil power; &nbsp;Exodus 18:9; personal possessions1Ki &nbsp;11:31; counselor agreement2Sa &nbsp;14:19; personal sufficiency &nbsp;Proverbs 3:27. </p> <p> &nbsp;Isaiah 49:16 (a) This shows the wonderful love and the constant care of GOD for those who have trusted their lives and their souls to Him. His wounded hands are ever before Him to remind Him of the children of GOD whom He has saved. The work which He does is always connected with His people. The engraving on those hands was done by the nails at Calvary. </p> <p> &nbsp;Isaiah 59:1 (a) This is a picture of the blessed, far-reaching power of GOD to save both the soul and the life of everyone who believes GOD. </p> <p> &nbsp;Isaiah 65:2 (a) Here is a figure of GOD's constant call to His enemies to come unto Him for salvation and restoration. </p> <p> &nbsp;Hebrews 10:31 (a) This figure reveals the terrible sufferings of that one who fails to kneel as a suppliant for mercy at the feet of the Lord JESUS. The terrible wrath of an angry GOD will fall upon him in judgment. </p>

<div> '''1: χείρ ''' (Strong'S #5495 — Noun [[Feminine]] — cheir — khire ) </div> <p> "the hand" (cp. Eng., "chiropody"), is used, besides its ordinary significance, (a) in the idiomatic phrases, "by the hand of," "at the hand of," etc., to signify "by the agency of," &nbsp;Acts 5:12; &nbsp;7:35; &nbsp;17:25; &nbsp;14:3; &nbsp;Galatians 3:19 (cp. &nbsp; Leviticus 26:46 ); &nbsp;Revelation 19:2; (b) metaphorically, for the power of God, e.g., &nbsp;Luke 1:66; &nbsp;23:46; &nbsp;John 10:28,29; &nbsp;Acts 11:21; &nbsp;13:11; &nbsp;Hebrews 1:10; &nbsp;2:7; &nbsp;10:31; (c) by metonymy, for power, e.g., &nbsp;Matthew 17:22; &nbsp;Luke 24:7; &nbsp;John 10:39; &nbsp;Acts 12:11 . </p>

<p> (יָד,yd, the [[Open]] palm; כִּ, kaph, the [[Hollow]] of the partly-closed hand; Greek χείρ; יָמַין, ''Yanin','' the [[Right]] hand, δεξιά; שְׂמוֹל, ''Semel', The Left'' hand, ἀριστερά, εὐώνυμον), the principal organ of feeling, rightly denominated by [[Galen]] the instrument of instruments since this member is wonderfully adapted to the purposes for which it was designed, and serves to illustrate the wisdom and providence of the great [[Creator]] ''(The Hand, Its Mechanism And Vital Endowments, As Evincing Design,'' by Sir [[Charles]] Bell). [[Considering]] the multiplex efficacy of the human hand, the control which it has given mail, the conquest over the external world which it has enabled him to achieve, and the pleasing and useful revolutions and improvements which it has brought about, we are not surprised to read the glowing eulogy in which Cicero ''(De Nat. Deor.'' 2, 60) has indulged on the subject, nor to find how important is the part which the hand performs in the records of divine revelation. The hand itself serves to distinguish man from other terrestrial beings. Of the two hands, the right has a preference derived from natural endowment. — (See [[Lefthanded]]). </p> <p> Hands are the symbols of human action; pure hands are pure actions; unjust hands are deeds of injustice; hands full of blood, actions stained with cruelty, and the alike (&nbsp;Psalms 90:17; &nbsp;Job 9:30; &nbsp;1 Timothy 2:8; &nbsp;Isaiah 1:15). Washing of the hands was the symbol of innocence (&nbsp;Psalms 26:6; &nbsp;Psalms 73:13). Of this Pilate furnishes an example (&nbsp;Matthew 27:24). It was the custom of the Jews to wash their hands before and after meat (see &nbsp;Mark 7:3; &nbsp;Matthew 6:2; &nbsp;Luke 11:38). Washing of hands was a symbol of ''Expiation,'' as might be shown by numerous references; and of ''Sanctification,'' as appears from several passages (&nbsp;1 Corinthians 6:11; &nbsp;Isaiah 1:16; &nbsp;Psalms 24:3-4). (See Washing Of Hands). Paul, in &nbsp;1 Timothy 2:8, says, "I will therefore that men pray everywhere, ''Lifting Up Holy Hands,"'' etc. (see &nbsp;Job 11:13-14). The elevation or extension of the right hand was also the ancient method of voting in popular assemblies, as indicated by the Greek term χειροτονέω (&nbsp;Acts 14:23; &nbsp;2 Corinthians 8:19). In &nbsp;Psalms 77:2, for "sore," the margin of our version has "hand;" and the correct sense is, "My hands in the night were spread out, and ceased not." To smite the hands together over the head was a gesture of despairing grief (&nbsp;2 Samuel 13:19; &nbsp;Jeremiah 2:37). The expression in &nbsp;Jeremiah 2:37, "Thy hands upon thy head," may be explained by the act of [[Tamar]] in laying her hand on her head as a sign of her degradation and sorrow (&nbsp;2 Samuel 13:19). The expression "Though hand join in hand" in &nbsp;Proverbs 11:21, is simply "hand to hand," and signifies through all ages and generations, ever: "through all generations the wicked shall not go unpunished." </p> <p> To the right hand signified to the south, the southern quarter, as the left hand signified the north (&nbsp;Job 23:9; &nbsp;1 Samuel 23:19; &nbsp;2 Samuel 24:5). The term hand is sometimes used for a monument, a trophy of victory (&nbsp;1 Samuel 15:12); a sepulchral monument, "Absalom's Place," literally Absalom's Hand (&nbsp;2 Samuel 18:18; see Erdmann, ''Monunentum Absalomi,'' Helmst. 1740). So in &nbsp;Isaiah 56:5, "to them will I give a place within my walls — a monument (or portion) and a name" (Gesenius, ''Thesaur. Heb.'' p. 568). </p> <p> To give the right hand was a pledge of fidelity, and was considered as confirming a promise or bargain (&nbsp;2 Kings 10:15; &nbsp;Ezra 10:19); spoken of the vanquished giving their hands as a pledge of submission and fidelity to the victors (&nbsp;Ezekiel 17:18; Jeremiah 1, 15; &nbsp;Lamentations 5:6); so to strike hands as a pledge of suretiship (&nbsp;Proverbs 17:18; &nbsp;Proverbs 22:26; &nbsp;2 Chronicles 30:8, margin). The right hand was lifted up in swearing or taking an oath (&nbsp;Genesis 14:22; &nbsp;Deuteronomy 32:40; &nbsp;Ezekiel 20:28; &nbsp;Psalms 144:11; &nbsp;Isaiah 62:8); similar is the Arabic oath, "By the right hand of Allah." (See Taylor's ''Fragments,'' No. 278.) </p> <p> Hand in general is the symbol of power and strength, and the right hand more particularly so. To hold by the right hand is the symbol of protection and favor (&nbsp;Psalms 18:35). To stand or be at one's right hand is to aid or assist any one (&nbsp;Psalms 16:8; &nbsp;Psalms 109:31; &nbsp;Psalms 110:5; &nbsp;Psalms 121:5); so also "man of thy right hand," i.e. whom thou sustainest, aidest (&nbsp;Psalms 80:17); "my hand is with any one," i.e. I aid him, am on his side (&nbsp;1 Samuel 22:17; &nbsp;2 Samuel 23:12; &nbsp;2 Kings 23:19); and to take or hold the right hand, i.e. to sustain, to aid (&nbsp;Psalms 73:23; &nbsp;Isaiah 41:13; &nbsp;Isaiah 45:1). So the right hand of fellowship (&nbsp;Galatians 2:9) signifies a communication of the same power and authority. To lean upon the hand of another is a mark of familiarity and superiority (&nbsp;2 Kings 5:18; &nbsp;2 Kings 7:17). To give the hand, as to a master, is the token of submission and future obedience. Thus, in 2 Chronicles 30:8, the words in the original, "Give the hand unto the Lord," signify, [[Yield]] yourselves unto the Lord. The like phrase is used in &nbsp;Psalms 68:31; &nbsp;Lamentations 5:6. "Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress, so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God"(&nbsp;Psalms 123:2), which refers to the watchful readiness of a servant to obey the least sign of command (Kitto's [[Daily]] Bible Illust. ad loc.). To kiss the hand is an act of homage (&nbsp;1 Kings 19:18; &nbsp;Job 31:27). To pour water on any one's hands signifies to serve him (&nbsp;2 Kings 3:11). To "seal up the hand"(&nbsp;Job 37:7) is to place one in charge of any special business, for which he will be held accountable. [[Marks]] in the hands or wrists were the tokens of servitude, the heathens being wont to imprint marks upon the hands of servants, and on such as devoted themselves to some false deity. Thus in. &nbsp;Zechariah 13:6, the man, when challenged for the scars visible on his hands, would deny that they had proceeded from an idolatrous cause, and pretend that they were the effects of the wounds he had given himself for the loss of his friends. The right hand stretched out is the symbol of immediate exertion of power (&nbsp;Exodus 15:12); sometimes the exercise of mercy (&nbsp;Isaiah 65:2; &nbsp;Proverbs 1:24). </p> <p> The hand of God is spoken of as the instrument of power, and to it is ascribed that which strictly belongs to God himself (&nbsp;Job 27:11; &nbsp;Psalms 31:16; &nbsp;Psalms 95:4; &nbsp;Isaiah 62:3; &nbsp;Proverbs 21:1; &nbsp;Acts 4:28; &nbsp;1 Peter 5:6). So the hand of the Lord being upon or with any one denotes divine aid or favor (&nbsp;Ezra 7:6; &nbsp;Ezra 7:28; &nbsp;Ezra 8:18; &nbsp;Ezra 8:22; &nbsp;Ezra 8:13; &nbsp;Nehemiah 2:8; &nbsp;Isaiah 1:25; &nbsp;Luke 1:66; &nbsp;Acts 11:21); further, the hand of the Lord is upon or against thee, denotes punishment (&nbsp;Exodus 9:3; &nbsp;Deuteronomy 2:15; &nbsp;Judges 2:15; &nbsp;1 Samuel 7:13; &nbsp;1 Samuel 12:15; &nbsp;Ezekiel 13:9; &nbsp;Amos 1:8; &nbsp;Acts 13:11). In &nbsp;Job 33:7, ''"My Hand'' shall not be heavy upon thee," the original term is אֶכֶ, ''Ekeph;'' and the passage signifies "my [[Dignity]] shall not weigh heavy upon thee"(Gesenius, s.v.). The hand of God upon a prophet signifies the immediate operation of his Holy Spirit on the soul or body of the prophet, as in &nbsp;1 Kings 18:46; &nbsp;2 Kings 3:15; &nbsp;Ezekiel 1:3; &nbsp;Ezekiel 3:22; &nbsp;Ezekiel 8:1. As the ''Hand,'' so also ''The Finger'' of God denotes his power or Spirit (see &nbsp;Luke 11:20, and comp. &nbsp;Matthew 12:28). Thus our [[Savior]] cast out devils or daemons by his bare command, whereas the Jews cast them out only by the invocation of the name of God. So in &nbsp;Exodus 8:19, the [[Finger Of God]] is a work which none but God could perform. (See [[Arm]]). </p> <p> The hands of the high priest were laid on the head of the scape-goat when the sins of the people were publicly confessed (&nbsp;Leviticus 16:21). Witnesses laid their hands oil the head of the accused person, as it were to signify that they charged upon him the guilt of his blood and freed themselves from it (&nbsp;Deuteronomy 13:9; &nbsp;Deuteronomy 17:7). The Hebrews, when presenting their sin-offerings at the tabernacle, confessed their sins while they laid their hands upon the victim (&nbsp;Leviticus 1:4). To "fill one's hands," is to take possession of the priesthood, to perform the functions of that office; because in this ceremony those parts of the victim which were to be offered were put into the hand of the new-made priest (&nbsp;Judges 17:5; &nbsp;Judges 17:12; &nbsp;Leviticus 16:32; &nbsp;1 Kings 13:33). Jacob laid his hands on Ephraim and Manasseh when he gave them his last blessing (&nbsp;Genesis 48:14). The high priest stretched out his hands to the people as often as he recited the solemn form of blessing (&nbsp;Leviticus 9:22). Our Savior laid his hands upon the children that were presented to him and blessed them (&nbsp;Mark 10:16). (See Tiemeroth, [[De]] χειροθεσίᾷ, χειρολογιᾷ, Erford. 1754.) </p> <p> Imposition of hands formed at an early period a part of the ceremonial observed on the appointment and consecration of persons to high and holy undertakings. In &nbsp;Numbers 27:19, Jehovah is represented as thus speaking to Moses, "Take thee Joshua, the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him, and set him before [[Eleazar]] the priest, and before all the congregation, and give him a charge in their sight," etc.: where it is obvious that the laying on of hands did neither originate nor communicate divine gifts; for Joshua had "the spirit" before he received imposition of hands; but it was merely an instrumental sign for marking him out individually, and setting him apart; in sight of the congregation, to his arduous work. [[Similar]] appears to be the import of the observance in the primitive Church of Christ (&nbsp;Acts 8:15-17; &nbsp;1 Timothy 4:14; &nbsp;2 Timothy 1:6). A corruption of this doctrine was that the laying on of hands gave of itself divine powers, and on this account Simon, the magician (&nbsp;Acts 8:18), offered money, saying, "Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands he may receive the Holy Ghost," intending probably to carry on a gainful trade by communicating the gift to others. (See [[Imposition Of Hands]]). </p> <p> The phrase "sitting at the right hand of God," as applied to the Savior, is derived from the fact that with earthly princes a position on the right hand of the throne was accounted the chief place of honor, dignity, and power: "upon thy right hand did stand the queen"(&nbsp;Psalms 45:9; comp. &nbsp;1 Kings 2:19; &nbsp;Psalms 80:17). The immediate passage out of which sprang the phraseology employed by Jesus may be found in &nbsp;Psalms 110:1 : "Jehovah said unto my Lord, sit thou at my right hand until I make thine enemies thy footstool." Accordingly the Savior declares before [[Caiaphas]] (&nbsp;Matthew 26:64; &nbsp;Mark 14:62), "Ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven;"where the meaning obviously is that the Jews of that day should have manifest proof that Jesus held the most eminent place in the divine favor, and that his present humiliation would be succeeded by glory, majesty, and power (&nbsp;Luke 24:26; &nbsp;1 Timothy 3:16). So when it is said (&nbsp;Mark 16:19; &nbsp;Romans 8:34; &nbsp;Colossians 3:1; &nbsp;1 Peter 3:22; &nbsp;Hebrews 1:3; &nbsp;Hebrews 8:1) that Jesus "sits at the right hand of God," "at the right hand of the [[Majesty]] on high," we are obviously to understand the assertion to be that, as his Father, so he worketh always (&nbsp;John 5:17) for the advancement of the kingdom of heaven, and the salvation of the world. </p> <p> In &nbsp;Colossians 2:13-14, "the law of commandments contained in ordinances"(&nbsp;Ephesians 2:15) is designated "the [[Handwriting]] of ordinances that was against us," which Jesus blotted out, and took away, nailing it to his cross; phraseology which indicates the abolition, on the part of the Savior, of the [[Mosaic]] law (Wolfius, ''Curce Philolog. In N.T. 3,'' 16). </p>

<p> ( יד , <i> ''''' yādh ''''' </i> , "hand"; כּף , <i> ''''' kaph ''''' </i> , "the hollow hand," "palm"; ימין , <i> ''''' yāmı̄n ''''' </i> , "the right hand"; שׂמאל , <i> ''''' semō'l ''''' </i> , "the left hand"; χείρ , <i> ''''' cheı́r ''''' </i> , "hand"; δεξιά , <i> ''''' dexiá ''''' </i> , "the right hand"; ἀριστερά , <i> ''''' aristerá ''''' </i> , "the left hand" (only &nbsp; Luke 23:33; &nbsp;2 Corinthians 6:7 ), or euphemistically (for evil omens come from the left hand; compare Latin <i> sinister </i> , German <i> linkisch </i> , etc.); εὐώνυμος , <i> '''''euō̇numos''''' </i> , literally, "having a good name"): The Hebrew words are used in a large variety of idiomatic expressions, part of which have passed into the Greek (through the Sepuagint) and into modern European languages (through the translations of the Bible; see <i> Oxford Hebrew Lexicon </i> , under the word " <i> '''''yādh''''' </i> "). We group what has to be said about the word under the following heads: </p> 1. The Human Hand: Various Uses <p> The human hand (considered physically) and, anthropopathically, the hand of God (&nbsp;Genesis 3:22; &nbsp;Psalm 145:16 ): The hand included the wrist, as will be seen from all passages in which bracelets are mentioned as ornaments of the hand, e.g. &nbsp;Genesis 24:22 , &nbsp;Genesis 24:30 , &nbsp;Genesis 24:47; &nbsp;Ezekiel 16:11; &nbsp;Ezekiel 23:42 , or where the Bible speaks of fetters on the hands (&nbsp;Judges 15:14 , etc.). On the other hand, it cannot seem strange that occasionally the expression "hand" may be used for a part, e.g. the fingers, as in &nbsp;Genesis 41:42 , etc.. According to the <i> lex talionis </i> , justice demanded "hand for hand" (&nbsp;Exodus 21:24; &nbsp;Deuteronomy 19:21 ). We enumerate the following phrases without claiming to present a complete list: "To fill the hand" (&nbsp;Exodus 32:29 m; &nbsp; 1 Chronicles 29:5 margin) means to consecrate, evidently from the filling of hands with sacrificial portions for the altar. Compare also &nbsp; Leviticus 7:37; &nbsp;Leviticus 8:22 , &nbsp;Leviticus 8:28 , &nbsp;Leviticus 8:29 , &nbsp;Leviticus 8:31 , &nbsp;Leviticus 8:33 , where the sacrifice, the ram, the basket of consecration are mentioned. "To put or set the hand unto" (&nbsp;Deuteronomy 15:10; &nbsp;Deuteronomy 23:20; &nbsp;Deuteronomy 28:8 , &nbsp;Deuteronomy 28:20 ), to commence to do; "to put forth the hand" (&nbsp;Genesis 3:22; &nbsp;Genesis 8:9 ); "to stretch out the hand" (&nbsp;Ezekiel 25:13 , &nbsp;Ezekiel 25:16; &nbsp;Zephaniah 2:13 ); "to shake or wag the hand upon" (&nbsp;Isaiah 10:32; &nbsp;Zephaniah 2:15; &nbsp;Zechariah 2:9 ), to defy. "To lay the hand upon the head" (&nbsp;2 Samuel 13:19 ) is an expression of sadness and mourning, as we see from [[Egyptian]] representations of scenes of mourning. Both in joy and in anger hands are "smitten together" (&nbsp;Numbers 24:10 ), and people "clap their hands" at a person or over a person in spiteful triumph (&nbsp;Job 27:23; &nbsp;Lamentations 2:15; &nbsp;Nahum 3:19 ). "To put one's life into one's hand" is to risk one's life (&nbsp;1 Samuel 19:5; &nbsp;1 Samuel 28:21 ). "To lay hands upon" is used in the sense of blessing (&nbsp;Matthew 19:13 ), or is symbolical in the act of miraculous healing (&nbsp;Matthew 9:18; &nbsp;Mark 8:23; &nbsp;Acts 28:8 ), or an emblem of the gift of the Holy Spirit and His endowments (&nbsp;Acts 8:17-19; &nbsp;Acts 13:3; &nbsp;1 Timothy 4:14; &nbsp;2 Timothy 1:6 ); but it also designates the infliction of cruelty and punishment (&nbsp;Genesis 37:22; &nbsp;Leviticus 24:14 ), the imposition of responsibility (&nbsp;Numbers 8:10; &nbsp;Deuteronomy 34:9 ). Thus also the sins of the people were symbolically transferred upon the goat which was to be sent into the wilderness (&nbsp;Leviticus 16:21 ). This act, rabbinical writings declare, was not so much a laying on of hands, as a vigorous pressing. "Lifting up the hand" was a gesture accompanying an oath (&nbsp;Deuteronomy 32:40 ) or a blessing pronounced over a multitude (&nbsp;Leviticus 9:22; &nbsp;Luke 24:50 ), a prayer (&nbsp;Psalm 119:48 ). "To put the hands to the mouth" is indicative of (compulsory) silence (&nbsp;Job 21:5; &nbsp;Job 40:4; &nbsp;Proverbs 30:32; &nbsp;Micah 7:16 ). To "slack one's hand" is synonymous with negligence and neglect (&nbsp;Joshua 10:6 ), and "to hide or bury the hand in the dish" is descriptive of the slothful, who is tired even at meals (&nbsp;Proverbs 19:24; &nbsp;Proverbs 26:15 ). </p> 2. The Hand as Power <p> The hand in the sense of power and authority: (compare [[Assyrian]] <i> ''''' ı̂du ''''' </i> , "strength"); &nbsp; Joshua 8:20 margin, "They had no hands (the Revised Version (British and American) "power") to flee this way or that way"; &nbsp; Judges 1:35 , "The hand of the house of Joseph prevailed"; &nbsp;Psalm 76:5 , "None of the men of might have found their hands"; &nbsp;Psalm 89:48 margin, "shall deliver his soul from the hand (the Revised Version (British and American) "power") of Sheol"; &nbsp; 2 Kings 3:15 , "The hand of [[Yahweh]] came upon him"; &nbsp;Exodus 14:31 margin, "Israel saw the great hand (the Revised Version (British and American) "work") which Yahweh did upon the Egyptians"; &nbsp; Deuteronomy 34:12 , "in all the mighty hand ... which Moses wrought in the sight of all Israel." </p> 3. The Hand for the Person <p> The hand used ( <i> pars pro toto </i> ) for the person: "His hand shall be against every man" (&nbsp; Genesis 16:12 ). "Slay the priests of Yahweh; because their hand also is with David" (&nbsp;1 Samuel 22:17 ). "Jonathan went to David into the wood and strengthened his hand in God" (&nbsp;1 Samuel 23:16 ). In this sense penalty is exacted "from the hand" or "at the hand" of the transgressor (&nbsp;Genesis 9:5; &nbsp;Ezekiel 33:8 ). </p> 4. Hand, Meaning Side <p> The hand in the sense of side: "All the side (Hebrew "hand") of the river Jabbok" (&nbsp;Deuteronomy 2:37 ); "by the wayside" (Hebrew "by the hand of the way," &nbsp;1 Samuel 4:13 ). The manuscripts have here the error יך , <i> '''''yakh''''' </i> , for יד , <i> '''''yādh''''' </i> ; compare the Hebrew of &nbsp;Psalm 140:5 (6) ( ליד־מעגּל , <i> '''''leyādh ma‛gāl''''' </i> ); "On the side (Hebrew "hand") of their oppressors there was power" (&nbsp;Ecclesiastes 4:1 ); "I was by the side (Hebrew "hand") of the great river" (&nbsp;Daniel 10:4 ). </p> 5. English Idiom <p> [[Mention]] must also be made here of the English idiom, "at hand," frequently found in our versions of the Scriptures. In Hebrew and Greek there is no reference to the word "hand," but words designating nearness of time or place are used. The usual word in Hebrew is קרב , <i> ''''' ḳārabh ''''' </i> , "to be near," and קרוב , <i> ''''' ḳārōbh ''''' </i> , "near"; in Greek ἐγγύς , <i> ''''' eggús ''''' </i> , "near," and the verb ἐγγίζω , <i> ''''' eggı́zō ''''' </i> , "to come near." Rarely other words are used, as ἐνέστηκεν , <i> ''''' enéstē̄ken ''''' </i> , "has come," the English Revised Version "is now present" (&nbsp; 2 Thessalonians 2:2 ), and ἐφεστηκεν , <i> '''''ephéstēken''''' </i> , "is come" (&nbsp;2 Timothy 4:6 ). </p> <p> Frequently the words refer to the "day" or "coming of the Lord"; still it must not be forgotten that it may often refer to the nearness of God in a local sense, as in &nbsp;Jeremiah 23:23 , "Am I a God at hand, saith Yahweh, and not a God afar off?" and probably in &nbsp;Philippians 4:5 , "The Lord is at hand," though many, perhaps most, commentators regard the expression as a version of the [[Aramaic]] <i> '''''marán athá''''' </i> (&nbsp;1 Corinthians 16:22 ). Passages such as &nbsp;Psalm 31:20; &nbsp;Psalm 119:151; &nbsp;Matthew 28:20 would, however, speak for an interpretation which lays the ictus on the abiding presence of the Lord with the believer. </p> <p> [[Note]] . - T he ancients made a careful distinction of the respective values of the two hands. This is perhaps best seen from &nbsp;Genesis 48:13-19 , where the imposition of the hands of aged Israel upon the heads of Joseph's sons seems unfair to their father, because the left hand is being placed upon the elder, the right hand upon the younger son. The very word <i> '''''euōnumos''''' </i> proves the same from the Greek point of view. This word is a euphemistic synonym of <i> '''''aristera''''' </i> , and is used to avoid the unlucky omen the common word may have for the person spoken to. Thus the goats, i.e. the godless, are placed at the left hand of the great Judge, while the righteous appear at His right (&nbsp;Matthew 25:33 ). We read in &nbsp;Ecclesiastes 10:2 , "A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left," i.e. is inclined to evil. As the Jews orientated themselves by looking toward the rising of the sun (Latin <i> oriens </i> , the east), the left hand represented the north, and the right hand the south (&nbsp;1 Samuel 23:19 , &nbsp;1 Samuel 23:24; &nbsp;2 Samuel 24:5 ). The right hand was considered the more honorable (&nbsp;1 Kings 2:19; &nbsp;Psalm 45:9 ); therefore it was given in attestation of a contract, a federation or fellowship (&nbsp;Galatians 2:9 ). It is the more valuable in battle; a friend or protector will therefore take his place at the right to guard it (&nbsp;Psalm 16:8; &nbsp;Psalm 73:23; &nbsp;Psalm 109:31; &nbsp;Psalm 110:5; &nbsp;Psalm 121:5 ), but the enemy will, for the same reason, try to assail it (&nbsp;Job 30:12; &nbsp;Psalm 109:6; &nbsp;Zechariah 3:1 ). It was also the unprotected side, because the shield was carried on the left arm: hence, the point of danger and honor. The right hand is also the side of power and strength (&nbsp;Psalm 60:5; &nbsp;Psalm 63:8; &nbsp;Psalm 108:6; &nbsp;Psalm 118:15 , &nbsp;Psalm 118:16; &nbsp;Psalm 110:1; &nbsp;Matthew 22:44; &nbsp;Matthew 20:21 , &nbsp;Matthew 20:23 ). Both hands are mentioned together in the sense of close proximity, intimate association, in &nbsp;Mark 10:37 . </p>