Dictionary of Bible Themes: 8650 hands, lifting up of

8650 hands, lifting up of

Dictionary of Bible Themes

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

Hands lifted up in praise

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