[Greek] χείρ (cheir): hand, person, power, authority, be in control of, direction, by the hand of, at the hand of; Mt.8:3, Lk.15:22, Mk.16:18, Act. 7:50, Lk.1:66, Act.12:11, 1Thess.4:11, 1Cor.4:12, Eph.4:28, Act.20:34, Mt.4:6, Mk.9:31, Lk.23:46, Rom.10:21, Act.11:21
Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam (1511-1512): God’s right hand reaches out to Adam
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term, pertaining to the hand, determines movement, actions, power, and greetings. Expressions such as “to take something in hand,” “to be at work on it,” and “have at hand,” refer to acts performed by the hand. According to Aristotle, the hand is the organ par excellence by which man manifests practical reason. In Euripides’ play Orestes, the character Orestes seeks to avenge the death of his father Agamemnon at her mother’s hands (actions). Aesculapius, the god of medicine and healing, heals by touching the sick with his right hand (and through dreams). When a thing is in one’s hand, control is exercised over it. Interestingly, in the Michelangelo’s painting Creation of Adam, God extends out His right hand to Adam.
Old Testament: Man uses his hand in his acts, giving and receiving, handshaking, blessing, praying, and washing (cleanliness rituals). The right hand, attaining greater value than the left, indicates a stronger blessing and a place of honor. Filling with the hands also denotes investiture with an office. The hand of God is illustrated by God’s activity in creation and work. The hand of God also is indicated by a victory over an enemy. The laying on of hands bestows the institution (or replacement) of a person holding an office of authority. The laying of hands also often provides the means to heal the sick. Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace (Exo.9:8). Better is a handful of quietness (Eccl.4:6). Who has cupped in his hand the waters of the sea (Isa.40:12). No hand shall touch him (Exo.19:13). Israel put out his right hand and touched the head of Ephraim (Gen.48:14). I will lay My hand on Egypt (Exo.7:4). Take your throne at my right hand (Psa.110:1). Jehonadab gave him his hand (2Kgs.10:15). To the heavens I raise my hand and swear (Deut.32:40).
New Testament: Again, there are many references to the hand in the New Testament. Usually the hand provides the instrument through which man fulfills his will. Handing over illustrates an exercise of authority (power) over others. Jesus is handed over to the Jewish authorities. The Father’s authority is at the right hand. The hand of God (intervening and protecting) continues in the New Testament. Jesus uses His hand to heal the sick in the miracle stories. Hands are also used in blessing. The laying on of hands provides the authority for the commissioning (replacement) of an office of authority and ordinations.
Scripture:
“He stretched out His hand, touched him and said, ‘I will do it. Be made clean.’ His leprosy was cleansed immediately.” Mt. 8:3
Jesus uses His hand to heal the leper. His hand was the instrument for healing.
“Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commend My Spirit’; and when He had said this He breathed His last breath.” Lk.23:46
“All who heard these things took them to heart, saying ‘What, then, will this child be?’ For surely the hand of Lord was with him.” Lk. 1:66
God is being given human qualities. God’s providence plays apart in John’s birth.
Early Church: St. Hippolytus (170-235 AD) was one of the most important theologians in the Christian Church in Rome. In his Apostolic Tradition, written in 215 AD, he provided important information about the hierarchical organization of the Church. St. Hippolytus was a disciple of Irenaeus (130-202 AD), who was a disciple of Polycarp (69-155 AD), who was a disciple of the Apostle John. This letter states, “Then one of the bishops present shall impose his hand on the one who is being ordained bishop, saying…Pour forth now that power which comes from you, from your Spirit, which you gave to your Beloved Son Jesus Christ and which He bestowed upon His holy Apostles, who established in every place the Church of your sanctification.”
Conclusion:
Chiropractor, chiropractic
A chiropractor is essentially one, in his practice (praxis), who uses his hands to adjust (manipulate) the vertebrae and muscles in order to relieve pain or tightness of the patient.
Since early times, it is not surprising that there have been many references and uses regarding the right hand. For a long time, the right hand was highly favored. The right hand was used for greetings and sealing agreements (contracts). One’s right hand indicated the preferred location (direction). The Greeks, facing south, would see birds on their right as a positive sign. On the other hand, the Romans, facing north, would also see birds on their right as a positive sign. It is also interesting (but not surprising) to note that important actions (healing, greeting, bestowing authority, and anointing) were carried out by the right hand.
The Old Testament culture further develops the idea of the right hand as the location of honor. The hand of God is developed to illustrate God’s intervention (help) in the affairs of man. The laying on of hands is important in bestowing blessing, offering sacrifices, and instituting offices of authority. This idea continues in the New Testament culture.
The hand is further illustrated as a source of power (authority) in holding a person in custody. The right hand of God further becomes God’s source (place) of authority. The hand becomes important in Jesus’ healing ministry. The laying on of hands later develops into two sacraments: anointing of the sick and holy orders.
Catholic perspective: The bishops are the successors of the Apostles. A bishop can claim that he was appointed by a earlier bishop who was appointed by an still earlier bishop, who was appointed by a much earlier bishop…etc. The starting point of these appointments can be ultimately traced back to the Apostles. It is also interesting to note that Hippolytus, Irenaeus, Polycarp, and the Apostle John are linked together by discipleship. In addition, Hippolytus, Irenaeus, and Polycarp were also bishops.
WARNING — USELESS WORDS ALERT —
Chiromancy: Fortunetelling or divination by inspection of a person’s hands.
Chiromancer: A person (mantis) who provides fortunetelling by the inspection of a person’s hands. (Smoke not included.)
(For those who need pointless information on hand.)