What does the right hand signify in the Bible?

Answer 1

The use of the phrase "right hand" in the King James Version of The Bible may refer to several things depending upon the context in which it is used.

# The right hand is a place of distinction and favor(Genesis 48:13-19) as opposed to that of judgment or punishment (Matthew 25:33) # The right hand is a place of wisdom as opposed to foolishness (Ecclesiastes 10:2) # The right hand signifies the direction of the south and the left hand the north when facing the sun (1 Samuel 23:19,24; 2 Samuel 24:5) # The right hand is a place of honor (1 Kings 2:19; Psalm 45:9); because of this, it is raised in swearing (Galatians 2:9) # The relation of the right hand in hand-to-hand combat is especially important as it is of greater value when holding a weaponand, thus, would be more important to protect (Psalm 16:8; 73:23; 109:31; 110:5; 121:5); would be the hand more targeted by the enemy (Job 30:12; Psalm 109:6; Zechariah 3:1); and, since it would be the most vulnerable with the shield being held in the left hand, would also be the place of greater danger and honor. Giving the right hand after a battle symbolized submission to the victor (Ezekiel 17:18; Jeremiah 50:15) # The right hand is the place of power and strength (Psalm 60:5; 63:8; 108:6; 118:15,16; 110:1; Isaiah 28:2; Matthew 22:44; Matthew 20:21,23) # When mentioned together with the left hand, it denotes close association or intimacy (Mark 10:37)

(Easton's Bible Dictionary and International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)