King James Bible Dictionary

Called by Galen "the instrument of instruments." It is the symbol of human action (Psalms 9:16; Job 9:30; Isaiah 1:15; 1 Timothy 2:8). Washing the hands was a symbol of innocence (Psalms 26:6; 73:13; Matthew 27:24), also of sanctification (1 Corinthians 6:11; Isaiah 51:16; Psalms 24:3, 4). In Psalms 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 Samuel 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 (Ezekiel 17:18; Jeremiah 50:15). The right hand was lifted up in taking an oath (Genesis 14:22, etc.). The hand is frequently mentioned, particularly the right hand, as a symbol of power and strength (Psalms 60:5; Isaiah 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; Isaiah 1:25; Luke 1:66, etc.) or punishment (Exodus 9:3; Judges 2:15; Acts 13:11, etc.). A position at the right hand was regarded as the chief place of honour and power (Psalms 45:9; 80:17; 110:1; Matthew 26:64).

Imposition of hands:

General references
Hebrews 6:2

In consecration
Genesis 48:14; Exodus 29:10; Exodus 29:15; Exodus 29:19; Leviticus 1:4; Leviticus 3:2; Leviticus 3:8; Leviticus 3:13; Leviticus 4:15; Leviticus 4:24; Leviticus 4:33; Leviticus 16:21

In ordaining:

The Levites
Numbers 8:10-11

Joshua
Numbers 27:18-23; Deuteronomy 34:9

Timothy
1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6

In healing
Mark 6:5; Mark 7:32; Mark 16:18; Luke 4:40; Acts 19:6; Acts 19:11

In blessing children
Matthew 19:13; Mark 10:16

In solemnizing testimony
Leviticus 24:14

Lifted up:

In benediction
Leviticus 9:22; Luke 24:50

In prayer
Prayer; Worship, Attitudes in

Ceremonial washing of

General references
Matthew 15:2; Mark 7:2-5
Ablution; Clean

Symbolic of righteousness
Job 17:9

Washing of, a symbol of innocency
Deuteronomy 21:6; Matthew 27:24

Clasping of, in token:

Of contract
Ezra 10:19; Proverbs 6:1; Proverbs 17:18; Lamentations 5:6; Ezekiel 17:18

Of friendship
2 Kings 10:15; Job 17:3

Right hand:

Lifted up in swearing
Genesis 14:22; Psalms 106:26; Isaiah 62:8

Symbol of power
Isaiah 23:11; Isaiah 41:10

Place of honor
Psalms 45:9; Psalms 80:17

Figurative

General references
Matthew 5:30; Matthew 18:8; Mark 9:43

Anthropomorphic use of, hand of the Lord:

Waxed short
Numbers 11:23

Is mighty
Joshua 4:24

Was heavy
1 Samuel 5:6

Against the Philistines
1 Samuel 7:13

On Elijah
1 Kings 18:46

Not shortened
Isaiah 59:1

Was with the early Christians
Acts 11:21
Anthropomorphisms

HAND, noun [Latin hendo, in prehendo.]

1. In man, the extremity of the arm, consisting of the palm and fingers, connected with the arm at the wrist; the part with which we hold and use any instrument.

2. In falconry, the foot of a hawk; and in the manege, the fore-foot of a horse.

3. A measure of four inches; a palm applied chiefly to horses; as a horse 14 hands high.

4. Side; part; right or left; as on the one hand or the other. This is admitted on all hands, that is, on all sides, or by all parties.

5. Act; deed; performance; external action; that is, the effect for the cause, the hand being the instrument of action.

Thou sawest the contradiction between my heart and hand

6. Power of performance; skill.

A friend of mine has a very fine hand on the violin.

He had a mind to try his hand at a Spectator.

7. Power of making or producing.

An intelligent being coming out of the hands of infinite perfection.

8. Manner of acting or performance; as, he changed his hand

9. Agency; part in performing or executing. Punish every man who had a hand in the mischief. We see the hand of God in this event.

10. Conveyance; agency in transmitting.

11. Possession; power. The estate is in the hands of the owner. The papers are in my hands.

12. The cards held at a game; hence, a game.

13. That which performs the office of the hand or of a finger in pointing; as the hand of a clock; the hour hand and the minute hand

14. A person; an agent; a man employed in agency or service. The mason employs twenty hands.

15. Form of writing; style of penmanship; as a good hand; a bad hand; a fine hand

16. Agency; service; ministry. Exodus 4:2. Leviticus 8:23.

17. In Scripture, the hand of God, is his eternal purpose and executive power. Acts 4:28.

18. The providential bounty of God. Psalms 104:28.

19. The power of God exerted in judgments or mercies, in punishing or defending. Judges 2:15. Psalms 32:4.

20. The spirit of God; divine influence. 1 Kings 18:9.

21. The favor of God, or his support. Nehemiah 2:8. Luke 1:1.

At hand near; either present and within reach, or not far distant.

Your husband is at hand I hear his trumpet.

1. Near in time; not distant.

The day of Christ is at hand 2 Thessalonians 2:2.

By hand with the hands, in distinction from the instrumentality of tools, engines or animals; as, to weed a garden by hand; to lift, draw or carry by hand

In hand present payment; in respect to the receiver.

Receiving in hand one year's tribute.

1. In a state of execution. I have a great work in hand

At my hand at his hand etc., denote from the person or being.

Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? Job 2:5.

Of hand in present possession; as, he has a supply of goods on hand

1. Under one's care or management.

Jupiter had a farm on his hands.

Off hand without delay, hesitation or difficulty; immediately; dexterously; without previous preparation.

Out of hand ready payment; with regard to the payer.

Let not the wages of any man tarry with thee; but give it him out of hand

To his hand to my hand etc., in readiness; already prepared; ready to be received.

The work is made to his hands.

Under his hand under her hand etc., with the proper writing or signature of the name.

This deed is executed under the hand and seal of the owner.

HAND over head, negligently; rashly; without seeing what one does. [Little used.]

HAND over hand by passing the hands alternately one before or above another, as to climb hand over hand; also, rapidly, as to come up with a chase hand over hand; ; used by seamen.

HAND to hand in close union; close fight.

But from hand to hand is from one person to another.

HAND in hand in union; conjointly; unitedly.

To join hand in hand is to unite efforts and act in concert.

HAND in hand fit; pat; suitable.

HAND to mouth. To live from hand to mouth, is to obtain food and other necessaries, as want requires, without making previous provision, or having an abundant previous supply.

To bear in hand to keep in expectation; to elude. [Not used.]

To bear a hand to hasten; a seaman's phrase.

To be hand and glove, to be intimate and familiar, as friends or associates.

To set the hand to, to engage in; to undertake.

That the Lord thy God may bless thee, in all thou

settest thine hand to. Dest.23.

To take in hand to attempt; to undertake. Luke 1:1. Also, to seize and deal with.

To have a hand in, to be concerned in; to have a part or concern in doing; to have an agency in.

To put the last hand or finishing hand to, to complete; to perfect; to make the last corrections, or give the final polish.

To change hands, to change sides; to shift.

HAND, in the sense of rate, price, terms, conditions, as used by Bacon, Taylor, etc., is obsolete; as, 'to buy at a dear hand; ' 'accept the mystery, but at no hand wrest it by pride or ignorance.' So in the sense of advantage, gain, superiority, as used by Hayward; and in that of competition, content, as used by Shakespeare.

To get hand to gain influence, is obsolete.

A heavy hand severity or oppression.

A light hand gentleness; moderation.

A strict hand severe discipline; rigorous government.

HANDs off, a vulgar phrase for keep off, forbear.

pour water on the hands, in the phraseology of the Scriptures, is to serve or minister to. 2 Kings 3:10.

To wash the hands, to profess in innocence. Matthew 27:29.

To kiss the hand imports adoration. Job 31:21.

To lean on the hand imports familiarity. 2 Kings 5:11.

To strike hands, to make a contract, or to become surety for another's debt or good behavior. Proverbs 17:16.

Putting the hand under the thigh, was an ancient ceremony used in swearing.

To give the hand is to make a covenant with one, or to unite with him in design. 2 Ki 10.

The stretching out of the hand denotes an exertion of power. But,

The stretching out of the hand to God, imports earnest prayer or solemn dedication of one's self to him. Psa 68, and 143.

The lifting of the hand was used in affirmation and swearing, and in prayer imported a solemn wishing of blessings from God. Genesis 14:15. Leviticus 1:4.

To lift the hand against a superior, to rebel. 2 Samuel 20:9.

To put forth the hand against one, to kill him. 1 Samuel 24:4.

To put one's hand to a neighbor's goods, to steal them. Exodus 22:4.

To lay hands on in anger, to assault or seize, or to smite. Exo 24. Isaiah 11:8.

To lay the hand on the mouth, imports silence. Job 40.

The laying on of hands, was also a ceremony used in consecrating one to office. Numbers 27:18. 1 Timothy 4:14.

It was also used in blessing persons. Mark 10:37.

Hiding the hand in the bosom, denotes idleness; inactivity; sluggishness. Proverbs 19:24.

The clapping of hands, denotes joy and rejoicing. But in some instances, contempt or derision, or joy at the calamities of others. Psa 47. Ezekiel 25:7.

A station at the right hand is honorable, and denotes favor, approbation or honor. A station on the left hand is less honorable. Matthew 20:21.

's standing at the right hand of men, imports his regard for them, and his readiness to defend and assist them. Psa 16.

Satan's standing at the right hand of men, imports his readiness to accuse them, or to hinder or torment them. Zechariah 3:1.

Clean hands, denotes innocence and a blameless and holy life. Psa 24.

A slack hand denotes idleness; carelessness; sloth. Prov 10.

The right hand denotes power; strength. Exo 15.

HAND, verb transitive To give or transmit with the hand

HAND me a book.

1. To lead, guide and lift with the hand; to conduct.

2. To manage; as, I hand my oar.

3. To seize; to lay hands on. [Not used.]

4. In seamanship, to furl; to wrap or roll a sail close to the yard, stay or mast, and fasten it with gaskets.

To hand down, to transmit in succession, as from father to son, or from predecessor to successor. Fables are handed down from age to age.

HAND'BALL, noun An ancient game with a ball.

HAND'BARROW, noun A barrow or vehicle borne by the hands of men, and without a wheel.

HAND'BASKET, noun A small or portable basket.

HAND'BELL, noun A small bell rung by the hand; a table bell.

A measure of four fingers, equal to about four inches (Exodus 25:25; 37:12; Psalms 39:5, etc.).

A measure, about four inches.
Exodus 25:25; 1 Kings 7:26; 2 Chronicles 4:5; Psalms 39:5; Isaiah 48:13; Ezekiel 40:5; Ezekiel 40:43; Jeremiah 52:21
Span; Fingerbreadth

HAND'BREADTH, noun A space equal to the breadth of the hand; a palm. Exodus 25:1.

HAND'CLOTH, noun A handkerchief.

HAND'CR'AFT, noun Work performed by the hands; usually written handicraft.

HAND'CUFF, noun A manacle, consisting of iron rings for the wrists, and a connecting chain to confine the hands.

HAND'CUFF, verb transitive To manacle; to confine the hands with handcuffs.

HAND'ED, participle passive Given or transmitted by the hands; conducted; furled.

HAND'ED, adjective With hands joined.

1. In composition, as right-handed, most dextrous or strong with the right hand; having the right hand most able and ready.

Left-handed, having the left hand most strong and convenient for principal use.

HAND'ER, noun One who hands or transmits; a conveyer in succession.

HAND'F'AST, noun Hold; custody; power of confining or keeping.

HAND'F'AST, adjective Fast by contract; firm.

HAND'F'AST, verb transitive To pledge; to betroth; to bind; to join solemnly by the hand.

HAND'F'ASTING, noun A kind of betrothing, or marriage contract.

HAND'-FETTER, noun A fetter for the hand; a manacle.

HAND'FUL, noun As much as the hand will grasp or contain.

1. As much as the arms will embrace.

2. A palm; four inches.

3. A small quantity or number. A handful of men.

4. As much as can be done; full employment.

In America, the phrase is, he has his hands full.

HAND'GALLOP, noun A slow and easy gallop, in which the hand presses the bridle to hinder increase of speed.

HAND'GL'ASS, noun In gardening, a glass used for placing over, protecting and forwarding various plants, in winter.

HAND-GRENA'DE, noun A grenade to be thrown by the hand.

HAND'GUN, noun A gun to be used by the hand.

(Acts 18:3; 19:25; Revelation 18:22) A trade was taught to ail the Jewish boys as a necessary part of their education. Even the greatest rabbis maintained themselves by trades (Delitzsch). Says Rabbi Jehuda, "He who does not teach his son a trade is much the same as if he taught him to be a thief". In the present article brief notice only can be given of such handicraft trades as are mentioned in Scripture.

1. Smiths or metal-workers.

   The preparation of iron for use either in war, in agriculture or for domestic purposes was doubtless one of the earliest applications of labor; and together with iron, working in brass, or rather copper alloyed with tin (bronze), is mentioned as practiced in antediluvian times. (Genesis 4:22) After the establishment of the Jews in Canaan, the occupation of a smith became recognized as a distinct employment- (1 Samuel 13:19) The smith's work and its results are often mentioned in Scripture. (2 Samuel 12:31; 1 Kings 6:7; 2 Chronicles 26:14; Isaiah 44:12; 54:16) The worker in gold and silver must have found employment among both the Hebrews and the neighboring nations in very early times. (Genesis 24:22,53; 35:4; 38:18) Various processes of the goldsmith's work are illustrated by Egyptian monuments. After the conquest frequent notices are found of both moulded and wrought metal, including soldering.

2. Carpenters are often mentioned in Scripture. (Genesis 6:14; Exodus 37; Isaiah 44:13) In the palace built by David for himself the workmen employed were chiefly foreigners. (2 Samuel 5:11) That the Jewish carpenters must have been able to carve with some skill is evident from (Isaiah 41:7; 44:13) In the New Testament the occupation of a carpenter is mentioned in connection with Joseph the husband of the Virgin Mary, and ascribed to our Lord himself. (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3) The trade included our cabinet work as well as carpentering.
3. The masons employed by David and Solomon, at least the chief of them, were Phoenicians. (1 Kings 5:18; Ezekiel 27:9) The large stones used in Solomon's temple are said by Josephus to have been fitted together exactly without either mortar or clamps, but the foundation stones to have been fastened with lead. For ordinary building mortar was used; sometimes, perhaps, bitumen, as was the case at Babylon. (Genesis 11:3) The wall "daubed with untempered mortar" of (Ezekiel 13:10) was perhaps a sort of cob-wall of mud or clay without lime, which would give way under heavy rain. The use of whitewash on tombs is remarked by our Lord. (Matthew 23:27)
4. Ship-building must have been exercised to some extent for the fishing-vessels on the Lake of Gennesaret. (Matthew 8:23; 9:1; John 21:3,8) Solomon built ships for his foreign trade. (1 Kings 9:26,27; 22:48; 2 Chronicles 20:36,37)
5. Apothecaries or perfumers appear to have formed a guild or association. (Exodus 30:25,35; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Nehemiah 3:8; Ecclesiastes 7:1; 10:1) Ecclus 38.8.
6. Weavers .

   The arts of spinning and weaving both wool and linen were carried on in early times, as they usually are still among the Bedouins, by women. (Exodus 35:20,26; Leviticus 19:19; 22:11; 2 Kings 23:7; Ezekiel 16:16; Proverbs 31:13,14) The loom with its beam, (1 Samuel 17:7) pin, (Judges 16:14) and shuttles (Job 7:6) was perhaps introduced later, but as early as David's time. (1 Samuel 17:7)

7. Dyeing and dressing cloth were practiced in Palestine, as were also tanning and dressing leather . (Joshua 2:15-18; 2 Kings 1:8; Matthew 3:4; Acts 9:43)
8. Barbers . (Numbers 6:5,19; Ezekiel 5:1)
9. Tentmakers are noticed in (Acts 18:3)
10. Potters are frequently alluded to. (Jeremiah 18:2-6)
11. Bakers are noticed in Scripture, (Jeremiah 37:21; Hosea 7:4) and the well-known valley Tyropoeon probably derived its name from the occupation of the cheese-makers, its inhabitants.
12. Butchers , not Jewish, are spoken of (1 Corinthians 10:25) Shoemakers, tailors, glaziers and glass vessels painters and gold workers are mentioned in the Mishna. Chel. viii. 9; xxix. 3,4; xxx. 1.

HAND'ICR'AFT, noun Manual occupation; work performed by the hand.

1. A man who obtains his living by manual labor; one skilled in some mechanical art.

HAND'ICR'AFTSMAN, noun A man skilled or employed in manual occupation; a manufacturer.

HAND'ILY, adverb [See Handy.] With dexterity or skill; dexterously; adroitly.

1. With ease or convenience.

HAND'INESS, noun The ease of performance derived from practice; dexterity; adroitness.

HAND'IWORK, noun [for hand-work.] Work of the hands; product of manual labor; manufacture.

1. Work performed by power and wisdom. Psalms 19:1.

Only once in Authorized Version (Acts 19:12). The Greek word (sudarion) so rendered means properly "a sweat-cloth." It is rendered "napkin" in John 11:44; 20:7; Luke 19:20.

Acts 19:12

HAND'KERCHIEF, noun [hand and kerchief. See Kerchief.]

1. A piece of cloth, usually silk or linen, carried about the person for the purpose of cleaning the face or hands, as occasion requires.

2. A piece of cloth to be worn about the neck, and sometimes called a neckerchief.

(Luke 19:20; John 11:44; 20:7; Acts 19:12) These terms were used in much the same manner and having much the same significance as at the present.

HAND'LANGUAGE, noun The art of conversing by the hands. [Not in use.]

HAND'LE, verb transitive [Latin manus.]

1. To touch; to feel with the hand; to use or hold with the hand.

The bodies we daily handle--hinder the approach of the part of our hands that press them.

2. To manage; to use; to wield.

That fellow handles a bow like a crow-keeper.

3. To make familiar by frequent touching.

The breeders in Flanders--handle their colts six months every year.

4. To treat; to discourse on; to discuss; to use or manage in writing or speaking. The author handled the subject with address. The speaker handled the arguments to the best advantage.

5. To use; to deal with; to practice.

They that handle the law knew me not. Jeremiah 2:8.

6. To treat; to use well or ill.

How wert thou handled?

7. To manage; to practice on; to transact with.

You shall see how I will handle her.

HAND'LE, noun [Latin ansa.]

1. That part of a vessel or instrument which is held in the hand when used, as the haft of a sword, the bail of a kettle, etc.

2. That of which use is made; the instrument of effecting a purpose.

HAND'LEAD, noun A lead for sounding.

HAND'LED, participle passive Touched; treated; managed.

HAND'LESS, adjective Without a hand.

HAND'LING, participle present tense Touching; feeling; treating; managing.

Servant (Genesis 16:1; Ruth 3:9; Luke 1:48). It is probable that Hagar was Sarah's personal attendant while she was in the house of Pharaoh, and was among those maid-servants whom Abram had brought from Egypt.

HAND'MAID

HAND'MAIDEN, noun A maid that waits at hand; a female servant or attendant.

HAND'MILL, noun A mill moved by the hand.

HAND'SAILS, noun Sails managed by the hand.

HAND'SAW, noun A saw to be used with the hand.

HAND'SCREW, noun An engine for raising heavy timbers or weights; a jack.

HAND'SEL, noun

1. The first act of using any thing; the first sale.

2. An earnest; money for the first sale. [Little used.]

HAND'SEL, verb transitive To use or do any thing the first time.

HAND'SOME, adjective

1. Properly, dexterous; ready; convenient.

For a thief it is so handsome as it may seem it was first invented for him.

This sense is either from the original meaning of hand, or from the use of the hand, or rather of the right hand. In this sense the word is still used. We say of a well fought combat and victory, it is a handsome affair, an affair well performed, done with dexterity or skill. [See Handy.]

2. Moderately beautiful, as the person or other thing; well made; having symmetry of parts; well formed. It expresses less than beautiful or elegant; as a handsome woman or man; she has a handsome person or face. So we say, a handsome house; a handsome type.

3. Graceful in manner; marked with propriety and ease; as a handsome address.

4. Ample; large; as handsome fortune.

5. Neat; correct; moderately elegant; as a handsome style or composition.

6. Liberal; generous; as a handsome present.

The applications of this word in popular language are various and somewhat indefinite. In general, when applied to things, it imports that the form is agreeable to the eye, or to just taste; and when applied to manner, it conveys the idea of suitableness or propriety with grace.

HAND'SOME, as a verb, to render neat or beautiful, is not an authorized word.

HAND'SOMELY, adverb Dexterously; cleverly; with skill.

1. Gracefully; with propriety and ease.

2. Neatly; with due symmetry or proportions; as, a thing is handsomely made or finished.

3. With a degree of beauty; as a room handsomely furnished or ornamented.

4. Amply; generously; liberally.

She is handsomely endowed.

HAND'SOMENESS, noun A moderate degree of beauty or elegance; as the handsomeness of the person or of an edifice.

1. Grace; gracefulness; ease and propriety in manner.

HAND'SPIKE, noun A wooden bar, used with the hand as a lever, for various purposes, as in raising weights, heaving about a windlass, etc.

HAND'ST'AFF, noun A javelin; plural handstaves. Ezekiel 39:1.

HAND'VISE, noun A vise used by hand, or for small work.

HAND'WEAPON,noun Any weapon to be wielded by the hand. Numbers 35:1.

(Colossians 2:14). The "blotting out the handwriting" is the removal by the grace of the gospel of the condemnation of the law which we had broken.

HAND'WRITING, noun The cast or form of writing peculiar to each hand or person.

1. Any writing.

HAND'Y, adjective

1. Performed by the hand.

They came to handy blows.

2. Dexterous; ready; adroit; skilled to use the hands with ease in performance; applied to persons. He is handy with the saw or the place. Each is handy in his way.

3. Ingenious; performing with skill and readiness.

4. Ready to the hand; near. My books are very handy

5. Convenient; suited to the use of the hand.

6. Near; that may be used without difficulty or going to a distance. We have a spring or pasture that is handy

HAND'YBLOW, noun A blow with the hand; an act of hostility.

HAND'Y-DANDY, noun A play in which children change hands and places.

HAND'YGRIPE, noun Seizure by the hand.

HAND'YSTROKE, noun A blow inflicted by the hand.