Hands are a repeated motif in the Bible, often symbolizing essential elements of human existence such as work, worship, blessing, and healing. The recurrence of hands in the scriptures essentially underscores their importance in our lives and shows the depth of the message that hands signify in biblical teachings.
What Do Hands Signify in the Bible?
Hands in the Bible symbolize power, strength, and control. They often represent humanity’s ability to influence, shape, and manipulate the world around them. For instance, the Bible narrates instances when hands are used to perform miracles, heal the sick, bless others, and enact justice. This imagery illustrates the divine authority and capability that is endowed upon human hands when utilized with righteous intent and purpose. The references to hands in the Bible extend beyond the physical, pointing towards spiritual and moral dimensions of human existence.
Why Are Hands Associated with Blessings and Prayers?
The Bible repeatedly uses the metaphor of hands in relation to blessings and prayers. The laying on of hands is a common ritual, symbolizing the transfer of blessings and divine power. In prayer, hands are often raised as a gesture of surrender, longing, and adoration towards God. This imagery of hands lifted in prayer depicts a state of openness, acceptance and profound respect for divine authority. The repeated emphasis on hands in blessings and prayer points to their role as conduits for spiritual expression and divine intercession.
Who Uses Hands for Healing in the Bible?
There are numerous accounts in the Bible where hands were used for healing. Many miraculous healings in the Bible were conducted through the laying on of hands, symbolizing the manifestation of divine power through human touch. The instances where hands come into play for healing indicate the therapeutic role of touch and its importance in deliverance and transformation. This signifies that hands can be used as tools for divine intervention, providing comfort and restoration to those in need.
Where are Hands Used for Praise in the Bible?
Worship and praise in the Bible often involve the use of hands. References to clapping hands in joy or raising hands in praise are common. Such instances of hands used in worship reflect spontaneous, heartfelt expressions of joy and reverence for God. They exemplify the vehicle through which our innermost feelings of gratitude and adoration are expressed towards the divine.
When do Hands Signify Judgment in the Bible?
The Bible also uses hands to signify judgment. For example, the works of one’s hands often symbolize their deeds and actions, which are subject to divine judgment. When hands are portrayed in negative actions like violence or bloodshed, they signify disobedience and sin, which eventually leads to divine retribution. This aspect of the biblical narrative reminds us of the moral implications of our actions and the importance of using our hands for righteousness.
Below is our full list of bible verses on hands (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Hands
Psalm 134:2
“2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD.”
Psalm 90:17
“17 And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.”
Related Themes: Favor Work Working Together Labor
Isaiah 49:16
“16 Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.”
Related Themes: Loneliness Rejection Identity
Isaiah 41:10
“10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Related Themes: Loneliness Frustration Hope Strength Healing
Isaiah 41:13
“13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.”
Related Themes: Anxiety And Depression Fear New Beginnings Worry
Job 17:9
“9 The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.”
Related Themes: Perseverance
Proverbs 31:31
“31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.”
Acts 11:21
“21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.”
Related Themes: Repentance
Isaiah 59:1
“1 Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:”
Related Themes: Complaining Sin
Luke 24:50
“50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.”
1 Timothy 4:14
“14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.”
Related Themes: Creativity Self-Esteem
Mark 10:16
“16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.”
Related Themes: Children
1 Timothy 2:8
“8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.”
Related Themes: Complaining Arguing Prayer Jewelry Doubt
Luke 4:40
“40 Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.”
Related Themes: Healing
Mark 16:18
“18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”
Mark 9:43
“43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:”
Matthew 15:2
“2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.”
Exodus 15:6
“6 Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.”
1 Timothy 5:22
“22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.”
Related Themes: Purity Impurity Ordination
Matthew 27:24
“24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.”
Psalm 45:9
“9 Kings’ daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.”
Related Themes: Gold
Leviticus 24:14
“14 Bring forth him that hath cursed without the camp; and let all that heard him lay their hands upon his head, and let all the congregation stone him.”
Isaiah 64:8
“8 But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.”
Related Themes: Creativity Identity
1 Kings 18:46
“46 And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.”
Leviticus 9:22
“22 And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace offerings.”
Psalm 73:23
“23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.”
Related Themes: Loneliness Guidance
Genesis 14:22
“22 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth,”
Related Themes: Earth
Matthew 19:13
“13 Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.”
Related Themes: Children
Psalm 110:1
“1 A Psalm of David. The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.”
Related Themes: Name Calling
