Hey there! Here’s our chronological list of hands mentioned in the Bible, along with related themes and symbols. Keep scrolling to explore what each reference means in its biblical context.
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This list is not exhaustive due to the sheer number of times hands appear in the Bible. We have selected entries that carry significant symbolic meaning. Did we miss a major one? Drop us a line to let us know!
Genesis
Genesis 3:22:
“…He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.”
Explanation: After Adam and Eve disobeyed, God prevents them from taking from the Tree of Life. “Reach out his hand” symbolizes the act of taking, grasping for something that is now forbidden. It represents the consequences of sin and the loss of access to eternal life in its original, unfallen state. The hand here represents human agency and the attempt to seize something beyond their permitted reach.
Genesis 48:13-14:
“…And Joseph took both of them… and brought them near him. But Israel reached out his right hand and put it on Ephraim’s head, though he was the younger, and crossing his arms, he put his left hand on Manasseh’s head…”
Explanation: Jacob (Israel) intentionally places his right hand, traditionally the hand of greater blessing, on the younger grandson, Ephraim. This symbolizes the bestowal of blessing and favor, and the surprising reversal of expected order. The hands represent the transfer of patriarchal authority and the prophetic declaration of future prominence.
Exodus
Exodus 9:3:
“…the hand of the Lord will bring a terrible plague on your livestock in the field…”
Explanation: “The hand of the Lord” is a common phrase in Exodus, often associated with powerful acts of judgment or deliverance. Here, it represents God’s direct intervention and power to bring about plagues as a consequence of Pharaoh’s disobedience. The hand symbolizes divine power and authority, acting in judgment.
Exodus 15:6:
“Your right hand, Lord, was majestic in power. Your right hand, Lord, shattered the enemy.”
Explanation: This verse, part of the Song of Moses after the crossing of the Red Sea, celebrates God’s victory over the Egyptians. “Your right hand” is a metaphor for God’s strength, power, and ability to save His people. The right hand, specifically, often represents strength and favor.
Exodus 17:11-12:
“As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning… when Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.”
Explanation: Moses’ raised hands symbolize intercession and dependence on God. As long as his hands were raised (in a posture of prayer and reliance), Israel prevailed in battle. This highlights the importance of prayer and the power of God working through human instruments. The hands represent both human effort (prayer) and God’s power being channeled through that effort. Aaron and Hur holding up Moses’ hands represents spiritual support and unity in prayer.
Exodus 31:3-5 (and related passages about Bezalel):
“…and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.”
Explanation: God gifts Bezalel with skills for building the Tabernacle. “Skills” often involve the hands, representing the ability to create and build according to God’s design. The hands are instruments of divinely inspired artistry and craftsmanship.
Deuteronomy
Deuteronomy 15:7-8:
“…do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather, be openhanded…”
Explanation: The phrase “openhanded” implies the use of hands in giving. An “open hand” is a symbol of generosity and willingness to share, contrasting with a “tightfisted” (closed hand) attitude of selfishness.
Deuteronomy 21:6-7:
“…all the elders of the town nearest the body shall wash their hands over the heifer whose neck was broken… Then they shall declare: ‘Our hands did not shed this blood, nor did our eyes see it done.'”
Explanation: This ritual, performed in the case of an unsolved murder, symbolizes the declaration of innocence. Washing hands represents cleansing from guilt and responsibility. It’s a public declaration that they are not complicit in the crime.
1 Samuel
1 Samuel 5:6:
“The Lord’s hand was heavy on the people of Ashdod and its vicinity; he brought devastation on them and afflicted them with tumors.”
Explanation: After the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant, God afflicted them with plagues. “The Lord’s hand was heavy” signifies God’s judgment and displeasure. The hand represents divine power bringing about consequences for disrespecting God’s holiness.
2 Samuel
2 Samuel 24:14:
“…Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great; but do not let me fall into human hands.”
Explanation: David, after sinning by taking a census, is given a choice of punishments. He chooses to “fall into the hands of the Lord,” acknowledging God’s mercy even in judgment. This contrasts God’s merciful nature with the potential cruelty of human enemies. The “hands” represent the source of judgment and the nature of the one who wields power.
Ezra
Ezra 7:9:
“…And on the first day of the fifth month he arrived in Jerusalem, for the gracious hand of his God was on him.”
Explanation: This verse describes Ezra’s return to Jerusalem. “The gracious hand of his God” signifies God’s favor, protection, and guidance. It highlights God’s active involvement in ensuring the success of Ezra’s journey and mission. The hand represents divine providence and blessing.
Nehemiah
Nehemiah 2:8:
“…And because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests.”
Explanation: Similar to Ezra 7:9, Nehemiah attributes his success in obtaining the king’s permission to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls to “the gracious hand of my God.” This emphasizes God’s influence and favor in moving the king’s heart. The hand represents divine intervention and the securing of favor.
Job
Job 1:11:
“But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.”
Explanation: Satan challenges God, suggesting that Job’s piety is based on his prosperity. “Stretch out your hand” is a challenge for God to inflict harm, implying that suffering would cause Job to abandon his faith. The hand, in this case, is associated with the power to inflict harm and test faith.
Job 2:5:
“But now stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face.”
Explanation: This is a continuation of the first challenge, now calling for harm to Job’s physical body.
Psalms
Psalm 8:6:
“You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet.”
Explanation: This psalm speaks of humanity’s dominion over creation, given by God. “The works of your hands” refers to God’s creation. The hands symbolize God as the Creator, and the act of creating.
Psalm 28:2:
“Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.”
Explanation: “Lifting up hands” is a posture of prayer, symbolizing supplication, surrender, and seeking God’s help. It’s a physical expression of dependence on God.
Psalm 63:4:
“I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.”
Explanation: Similar to Psalm 28:2, “lifting up hands” here represents praise and worship. It’s a physical expression of adoration and reverence for God.
Psalm 73:23:
“Yet I am always with you; you hold me by your right hand.”
Explanation: The image is reassurance for the Psalmist. God holding the Psalmist’s right hand symbolizes support, guidance, and a close relationship.
Psalm 139:5:
“You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.”
Explanation: This verse describes God’s intimate knowledge and constant presence. “Lay your hand upon me” symbolizes God’s protection, guidance, and close relationship with the individual. It’s a comforting image of God’s care and oversight.
Psalm 143:6:
“I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land.”
Explanation: A posture of prayer, supplication, and a humble expression of dependence on God.
Isaiah
Isaiah 1:15:
“When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood!”
Explanation: This verse shows God rejecting hypocritical and outward worship. The outstretched hands in prayer, normally a sign of supplication, are contrasted with “hands full of blood,” symbolizing the people’s unjust and violent actions. God refuses their prayers because their worship is insincere, lacking genuine repentance and a life reflecting His righteousness.
Isaiah 2:8:
“Their land is full of idols; they bow down to the work of their hands, to what their fingers have made.”
Explanation: This condemns the worship of idols, which are “the work of their [human] hands.” This emphasizes the folly of worshipping something created by humans rather than the Creator. The hands represent human effort in creating something false and powerless.
Isaiah 41:13:
“For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”
Explanation: God “taking hold of your right hand” is a powerful image of support, protection, and guidance. It signifies God’s personal involvement and reassurance in times of fear or difficulty. The hand represents strength and companionship.
Isaiah 49:16:
“See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.”
Explanation: This powerful image depicts God’s enduring love and remembrance of His people. “Engraved you on the palms of my hands” symbolizes a permanent, unbreakable connection. It shows that God will never forget or forsake His people.
Isaiah 65:2:
“All day long I have held out my hands to an obstinate people, who walk in ways not good, pursuing their own imaginations—”
Explanation: “Held out my hands” represents God’s patient invitation and offer of relationship to a rebellious people. It symbolizes His persistent desire for them to turn to Him, despite their rejection.
Habakkuk
Habakkuk 3:4:
“His splendor was like the sunrise; rays flashed from his hand, where his power was hidden.”
Explanation: This poetic description of God emphasizes His power and glory. “Rays flashed from his hand” symbolizes the outward manifestation of God’s hidden power. The hand is the source of divine power and action.
Matthew
Matthew 19:13:
“Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them.”
Explanation: “Place his hands on them” signifies blessing and prayer. It was a common practice to lay hands on someone to impart a blessing or spiritual gift. Jesus’ action shows His love and care for children.
Matthew 27:24:
“When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood,’ he said. ‘It is your responsibility!'”
Explanation: Pilate’s washing of his hands is a symbolic act intended to absolve himself of responsibility for Jesus’ crucifixion. However, it’s a hollow gesture, as he had the authority to prevent it. This highlights the misuse of the symbol – attempting to cleanse oneself of guilt without genuine repentance or action.
Mark
Mark 5:23:
“…Please come and put your hand on her so that she will be healed and live.”
Explanation: Jairus, a synagogue leader, believes that Jesus can heal his daughter by laying His hands on her. The touch of Jesus’ hand represents the transfer of healing power. This highlights faith in Jesus’ ability to heal through physical touch.
Mark 6:5:
“He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.”
Explanation: This verse, describing Jesus’ visit to His hometown of Nazareth, highlights the crucial role of faith in experiencing God’s power. Jesus “could not do any miracles” not because He lacked power, but because the people’s familiarity and unbelief created an atmosphere that hindered His work. He was ‘limited’, not in ability, but by their lack of receptivity. The exception – healing a few sick people through the laying on of hands – shows that Jesus still extended compassion where there was even a small measure of faith or openness. The verse underscores that while God can act sovereignly, He often chooses to work in response to faith. Unbelief can hinder the manifestation of His power, not by actually limiting what God can do (which is impossible), but by us closing off the avenue through which He chooses to operate.
Luke
Luke 4:40:
“At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them.”
Explanation: This emphasizes Jesus’ compassion and power to heal a multitude of people. The physical act of “laying his hands” is the means by which God chose to impart His healing, demonstrating His divine authority.
Luke 24:50:
“When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them.”
Explanation: Before ascending to heaven, Jesus “lifted up his hands and blessed” His disciples. This is a priestly act, signifying the bestowal of God’s favor and grace upon them. The raised hands are a gesture of blessing and commissioning.
Acts
Acts 6:6:
“They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.”
Explanation: The laying on of hands here signifies the commissioning and setting apart of the seven men chosen to serve the needs of the early church. It represents the transfer of authority and the impartation of the Holy Spirit for ministry.
Acts 9:17:
“Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.'”
Explanation: Ananias lays hands on Saul (who would become Paul) to restore his sight and fill him with the Holy Spirit. This demonstrates the power of God working through human agency. The hands are often – but not always – a means through which God’s healing and spiritual transformation take place, according to His sovereign will.