[Greek] δεξιός (dexios), [Latin] dexter: right, the right hand, of the right, belonging to the right, correct, a place of honor (authority), skillful, do secretly; Eph.1:20, 1 Pet.3:22, Col.3:1, Heb.1:3, Heb.12:2, Mt. 25:31, Act. 2:33-34, Act. 5:31, Mt. 22:4, Act. 7:56, Rom. 8:34, Mt.6:3, Mk.16:19, Gal. 2:9, Mt. 20:23, Mt.10:40, Heb. 8:1, Mt. 6:3
Jacques-Louis David’s Oath of the Horatii (1784): Three brothers salute toward three swords held by their father
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: Since ancient times, there has been a deep cultural bias for the right and the right hand. The majority of the population is right-handed. This term attains the meaning of what is favorable or honorable. The right side is the place of honor in sitting or walking. Oaths, agreements, and alliances were concluded with the giving of the right hands. Ornithomancy was a form of reading omens (divination) and observing bird flight patterns. The Greeks, facing northward, would see birds on their right as a favorable omen. In the Odyssey an eagle flying to the right was interpreted as the coming of Odysseus.
Old Testament: This term takes on the sense of right, right direction, south (right side when facing east), righteousness, a place of honor or authority, and the right hand of God (divine power). This Greek term is related to the Hebrew yamin. East was considered forward in ancient Israel. When facing east, the south was on the right. Yemen derives its name from being on the southern Arabian peninsula. Benjamin (Benyamin) means “son of my right hand.” The Lord’s right hand strikes with power (Psa. 117:15). You who deliver with your right arm those who seek refuge from their foes (Psa.16:7). Bathsheba, the king’s mother, sat at Solomon’s right (3 Kgs. 2:19). Take your throne at my right hand, while I may your enemies your footstool (Psa. 109:1). Long life is in her right hand, in her left are riches and honor (Prov.3:16). Thou will depart to the right hand (Gen.13:9). Israel stretched out his right hand (Gen.48:14). David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the plain on the south of Jeshimon (1 Sam.23:34).
New Testament: This term takes on the sense of right, a place of honor, Jesus’ authority, and the right hand. Jesus will divide man in the great judgment. The right hand is the place of honor, righteousness and salvation for His sheep. In contrast, the left side is set aside for the goats. This term is used to express the place of authority for Jesus and the Father. Christ will ascend at the right hand of the Father. Jesus rightfully claims His Davidic Sonship and Messiahship.
Scripture:
“But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” Mt. 6:3
This is an idiomatic expression about not letting others know about the good that one does. The right hand is also seen as the good hand.
“The Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven and took His seat at the right hand of God.” Mk.16:19
The right hand indicates Jesus position of authority. One sits on the right is given a position of honor.
“And when they recognized the grace bestowed upon me, James and Kephas and John who were reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas their right hands in partnership, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.” Gal. 2:9
Right hands were given to seal an oath or partnership.
Turning the other cheek:
What is a common perception of turning the other cheek? This does not mean becoming a complete doormat in allowing to be attacked by an aggressor. “Ok. You slapped me on my right cheek. Why don’t also you slap me on my left cheek.”
How did the Roman soldiers view the Jews? The Jews were considered as second class citizens. Soldiers tended to be right-handed. When Romans struck an “inferior” person, they would give a back-handed slap on that person’s right cheek.
How did the Roman soldiers strike someone considered their equal? The soldier would punch that person’s left cheek with his fist.
What does turning the other cheek accomplish? The Jewish person forces his Roman attacker to treat him as an equal. Jesus wants the Jews to stand up and demand respect. This action is intended to activate the soldier’s conscience
Conclusion:
Dexterity, dexterous
Since ancient times, it looks like that being right-handed was highly favored. It is interesting to note that the Latin term for left is sinistra (sinister). It was also very important to complete oaths, agreements, and alliances with right hands. Perhaps it is also not surprising that right also means correct.
I think we all can identify God with “rightness.” It was even important that aspects of God would be described with human qualities. The right hand of God indicates authority and power. I suppose that it would make sense that the right hand would be considered the good hand. In Jn. 21:6 Jesus even instructed the Apostles to cast their net on the right side of the boat.
In addition to forgoing violence, turning the other cheek seems to be a shrewd and effective means to challenge the aggressor’s attitudes and conscience. This method becomes a peaceful means to force that person to see his victim on an equal basis.