Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8600 Prayer and worship of the believer » 8650 hands, lifting up of
A human gesture which can be a sign of worship and adoration or indicate the swearing of a solemn oath. God is portrayed as raising his hands as a sign of authority over his creation.
God's uplifted hand
God's uplifted hand signifies his power
Psalm 118:16 See also Exodus 24:11; Psalm 89:13; Isaiah 9:12,17,21; Isaiah 26:11
God's uplifted hand signifies his judgment
Isaiah 5:25 See also 1 Samuel 6:3,5; Isaiah 19:16; Micah 5:9; Zechariah 2:9
Hands uplifted for swearing oaths
Oaths taken by God
Ezekiel 20:5 See also Exodus 6:8; Deuteronomy 32:40-41; Nehemiah 9:15; Ezekiel 20:15; Ezekiel 36:7; Ezekiel 47:14
Oaths taken by people and angels
Genesis 14:22-23; Daniel 12:7; Revelation 10:5
Hands uplifted in worship
Hands lifted up in prayer
Psalm 28:2 See also Exodus 17:11-13; Psalm 141:2; Lamentations 2:19; Lamentations 3:41; 1 Timothy 2:8
Hands lifted up in praise
Psalm 63:4 See also Nehemiah 8:6; Psalm 119:48; Psalm 134:2
Hands lifted up for blessing
Leviticus 9:22; Luke 24:50
Hands lifted up as a threat
1 Samuel 24:6 See also 1 Samuel 18:17; Samuel 22:17; Samuel 24:10; 2 Samuel 18:12,28; Samuel 20:21; Job 31:21
Uplifted hands as a sign of minimal effort
Genesis 41:44; Deuteronomy 28:32; Ezra 6:12; Psalm 76:5
Uplifted hands as a sign of support
Psalm 91:12 See also Matthew 4:6 pp Luke 4:11
See also
1265 hand of God 1335 blessing 1670 symbols 5156 hand 5429 oaths 5452 power 5865 gestures 8602 prayer 8622 worship 8632 adoration 8666 praise, manner & methods