Hand

Called by Galen “the instrument of instruments.” It is the symbol of human action (Ps. 9:16; Job 9:30; Isa. 1:15; 1 Tim. 2:8). Washing the hands was a symbol of innocence (Ps. 26:6; 73:13; Matt. 27:24), also of sanctification (1 Cor. 6:11; Isa. 51:16; Ps. 24:3, 4). In Ps. 77:2 the correct rendering is, as in the Revised Version, “My hand was stretched out,” etc., instead of, as in the Authorized Version, “My sore ran in the night,” etc. The right hand denoted the south, and the left the north (Job 23:9; 1 Sam. 23:19). To give the right hand was a pledge of fidelity (2 Kings 10:15; Ezra 10:19); also of submission to the victors (Ezek. 17:18; Jer. 50:15). The right hand was lifted up in taking an oath (Gen. 14:22, etc.). The hand is frequently mentioned, particularly the right hand, as a symbol of power and strength (Ps. 60:5; Isa. 28:2). To kiss the hand is an act of homage (1 Kings 19:18; Job 31:27), and to pour water on one’s hands is to serve him (2 Kings 3:11). The hand of God is the symbol of his power: its being upon one denotes favour (Ezra 7:6, 28; Isa. 1:25; Luke 1:66, etc.) or punishment (Ex. 9:3; Judg. 2:15; Acts 13:11, etc.). A position at the right hand was regarded as the chief place of honour and power (Ps. 45:9; 80:17; 110:1; Matt. 26:64).

HAND is a symbol of human action; "pure hands" are pure actions; "unjust hands" are deeds of injustice; "hands full of blood," actions stained with cruelty; and the like. Ps 24:4; Eze 23:37. It is likewise a term for the vengeance of God exercised upon any one, 1 Sam 5:6-7. "To pour water on any one's hands" was to serve him. So Elisha is said to have done for Elijah, 2 Kgs 3:11. "To wash one's hands" in public was a way of expressing innocency, Deut 21:6-7; Matt 27:24; "to kiss one's hand" is an act of adoration, Job 31:27; "to lift up one's hands" is to take an oath. Gen 14:22. Also it is a posture in blessing, Lev 9:22; also, to rebel, 2 Sam 20:21. "To stretch out the hand" is sometimes a gesture that denotes mercy, Isa 65:2; "to put it forth unto anything" is to steal, Ex 22:8, Ex 22:11. "To smite the hands together over the head" was a gesture of despairing grief. 2 Sam 13:19; Jer 2:37. Hand in general is the symbol of power and strength — the right hand particularly so. "To be on one's right hand" is to be in one's favor. The Hebrews, in reckoning the four quarters, faced the east; consequently to "the right hand" signified to the south, the southern quarter; "to the left hand" signified to the north, the northern quarter. Job 23:9; 1 Sam 23:19, see margin; 2 Sam 24:5. These are a few out of the many uses of the word hand. One more use will be given: "To lay the hands upon any one," or the imposition of hands, was at an early period "a part of the ceremonial observed on the appointment and consecration of persons to high and holy undertakings." In Num 27:18 we read that Moses was commanded to lay his hand upon Joshua. This act did not confer any new grace upon Joshua, but merely gave formal and public confirmation of Jehovah's choice, and confirmed and strengthened the spiritual gifts already bestowed. Comp. Deut 34:9. The phrase is not used in the N.T. in exactly the same sense. Acts 8:15-17; 1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6. The apostles confirmed the grace the convert had received, as in the case of Cornelius, Acts 10:44-48, and in other cases conferred spiritual gifts and qualifications.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. That part of the fore limb below the forearm or wrist in man and monkeys, and the corresponding part in many other animals; manus; paw. See Manus.

2. That which resembles, or to some extent performs the office of, a human hand; as:

3. A limb of certain animals, as the foot of a hawk, or any one of the four extremities of a monkey.

4. An index or pointer on a dial; as, the hour or minute hand of a clock.

5. A measure equal to a hand's breadth, -- four inches; a palm. Chiefly used in measuring the height of horses.

6. Side; part; direction, either right or left. On this hand and that hand, were hangings. Ex. xxxviii. 15. The Protestants were then on the winning hand. Milton.

7. Power of performance; means of execution; ability; skill; dexterity. He had a great mind to try his hand at a Spectator. Addison.

8. Actual performance; deed; act; workmanship; agency; hence, manner of performance. To change the hand in carrying on the war. Clarendon. Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by my hand. Judges vi. 36.

9. An agent; a servant, or laborer; a workman, trained or competent for special service or duty; a performer more or less skillful; as, a deck hand; a farm hand; an old hand at speaking. A dictionary containing a natural history requires too many hands, as well as too much time, ever to be hoped for. Locke. I was always reckoned a lively hand at a simile. Hazlitt.

10. Handwriting; style of penmanship; as, a good, bad or running hand. Hence, a signature. I say she never did invent this letter; This is a man's invention and his hand. Shak. Some writs require a judge's hand. Burril.

11. Personal possession; ownership; hence, control; direction; management; -- usually in the plural. "Receiving in hand one year's tribute." Knolles. Albinus . . . found means to keep in his hands the goverment of Britain. Milton.

12. Agency in transmission from one person to another; as, to buy at first hand, that is, from the producer, or when new; at second hand, that is, when no longer in the producer's hand, or when not new.

13. Rate; price. [Obs.] "Business is bought at a dear hand, where there is small dispatch." Bacon.

14. That which is, or may be, held in a hand at once; as:

15. The small part of a gunstock near the lock, which is grasped by the hand in taking aim.

16. To be engaged upon or occupied with. -- To have one's hands full, to have in hand al that one can do, or more than can be done conveniently; to be pressed with labor or engagements; to be surrounded with difficulties. -- To have, or get, the (higher) upper hand, to have, or get, the better of another person or thing. -- To his hand, To my hand, etc., in readiness; already prepared. "The work is made to his hands." Locke. -- To hold hand, to compete successfully or on even conditions. [Obs.] Shak. -- To lay hands on, to seize; to assault. -- To lend a hand, to give assistance. -- To lift, or put forth, the hand against, to attack; to oppose; to kill. -- To live from hand to mouth, to obtain food and other necessaries as want compels, without previous provision. -- To make one's hand, to gain advantage or profit. -- To put the hand unto, to steal. Ex. xxii. 8.-- To put the last, or finishing, hand to, to make the last corrections in; to complete; to perfect. -- To set the hand to, to engage in; to undertake. That the Lord thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to. Deut. xxiii. 20. -- To stand one in hand, to concern or affect one. -- To strike hands, to make a contract, or to become surety for another's debt or good behavior. -- To take in hand. (a) To attempt or undertake. (b) To seize and deal with; as, he took him in hand. -- To wash the hands of, to disclaim or renounce interest in, or responsibility for, a person or action; as, to wash one's hands of a business. Matt. xxvii. 24. -- Under the hand of, authenticated by the handwriting or signature of; as, the deed is executed under the hand and seal of the owner.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. To give, pass, or transmit with the hand; as, he handed them the letter.

2. To lead, guide, or assist with the hand; to conduct; as, to hand a lady into a carriage.

3. To manage; as, I hand my oar. [Obs.] Prior.

4. To seize; to lay hands on. [Obs.] Shak.

5. To pledge by the hand; to handfast. [R.]

6. To furl; -- said of a sail. Totten. To hand down, to transmit in succession, as from father to son, or from predecessor to successor; as, fables are handed down from age to age; to forward to the proper officer (the decision of a higher court); as, the Clerk of the Court of Appeals handed down its decision. -- To hand over, to yield control of; to surrender; to deliver up.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

To coöperate. [Obs.] Massinger.