Hands are a powerful symbol in the Bible, often representing action, power, creativity, and care. The use of hands can signify God’s work in the world, human efforts in fulfilling God’s commands, and the blessings or consequences that come from our actions. Whether referring to God’s mighty hand that delivers, the hands of individuals that build or destroy, or the hands that reach out in compassion, these verses highlight the significance of hands in Scripture. Here are 30 Bible verses about hands, each with a brief commentary.
1. Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
This verse speaks of God’s protection and support. It teaches that God’s hand is a source of strength and comfort, offering us assurance and stability in times of fear and uncertainty.
2. Psalm 24:3-4
“Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.”
The psalmist connects clean hands with purity. It teaches that those who wish to approach God must have clean hands, symbolizing righteous actions and a pure heart, free from deceit or idolatry.
3. Exodus 15:6
“Your right hand, Lord, was majestic in power. Your right hand, Lord, shattered the enemy.”
This verse celebrates God’s power. It teaches that God’s hand is mighty and powerful, capable of delivering His people and defeating their enemies, demonstrating His sovereignty and strength.
4. Isaiah 49:16
“See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.”
God speaks of His enduring care. It teaches that we are so precious to God that He has engraved us on His hands, a powerful image of His constant remembrance and care for us.
5. Psalm 139:10
“Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”
The psalmist speaks of God’s guiding hand. It teaches that no matter where we go, God’s hand is there to guide and hold us, providing direction and security throughout our lives.
6. Proverbs 31:20
“She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.”
This verse describes the virtuous woman’s generosity. It teaches that godly hands are those that reach out in compassion and service to others, especially those in need.
7. Psalm 63:4
“I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.”
The psalmist expresses worship through lifted hands. It teaches that lifting our hands in prayer and worship is a physical expression of our reverence and devotion to God.
8. Ecclesiastes 9:10
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.”
This verse encourages wholehearted effort. It teaches that we should dedicate ourselves fully to our work and tasks, knowing that our time on earth is limited and should be used wisely.
9. Isaiah 64:8
“Yet you, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand.”
Isaiah acknowledges God as the creator. It teaches that we are shaped and molded by God’s hands, just as a potter shapes clay, reminding us of our dependence on Him and His creative power.
10. Psalm 90:17
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.”
The psalmist prays for God’s blessing on their work. It teaches that our efforts and work can be blessed and made fruitful through God’s favor, emphasizing the importance of His involvement in all we do.
11. Matthew 8:3
“Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be clean!’ Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.”
This verse describes Jesus healing a leper. It teaches that the hands of Jesus bring healing and restoration, showing His willingness to touch and transform the lives of those who seek Him.
12. Psalm 37:24
“Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”
The psalmist speaks of God’s sustaining hand. It teaches that even when we stumble in life, God’s hand is there to support and uphold us, preventing us from being utterly cast down.
13. John 10:28-29
“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”
Jesus speaks of the security believers have in Him. It teaches that those who belong to Jesus are secure in His and the Father’s hands, where they are protected and kept safe for eternity.
14. Nehemiah 6:9
“They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, ‘Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.’ But I prayed, ‘Now strengthen my hands.'”
Nehemiah prays for strength. It teaches that in the face of opposition and discouragement, we can pray for God to strengthen our hands and enable us to complete the work He has given us.
15. Luke 24:50
“When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them.”
Jesus blesses His disciples. It teaches that lifting hands in blessing is a sign of God’s favor and love, as Jesus imparted His blessing to His followers through this meaningful gesture.
16. James 4:8
“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
James calls for repentance and purification. It teaches that clean hands, symbolic of righteous actions, are necessary to approach God, along with a pure heart and single-minded devotion.
17. Psalm 18:34
“He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.”
David praises God for preparing him for battle. It teaches that God equips and strengthens us for the challenges we face, training our hands for the spiritual battles we must fight.
18. Acts 4:30
“Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
The early church prays for healing through God’s hand. It teaches that God’s hand is powerful to heal and perform miracles, demonstrating His active presence in the world through the name of Jesus.
19. Psalm 144:1
“Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.”
David gives thanks for God’s training. It teaches that God prepares us for the struggles we will face, giving us the skills and strength necessary to overcome challenges and achieve victory.
20. Genesis 49:24
“But his bow remained steady, his strong arms stayed limber, because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel.”
Jacob blesses his sons, recognizing God’s hand. It teaches that God’s hand provides strength and steadiness, helping us remain firm and capable in the face of adversity.
21. Psalm 98:1
“Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.”
The psalmist celebrates God’s salvation. It teaches that God’s hand is active in bringing about salvation and deliverance, deserving of our praise and thanksgiving.
22. 1 Timothy 2:8
“Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.”
Paul encourages prayer with holy hands. It teaches that lifting hands in prayer symbolizes purity and peace, representing a heart free from anger and conflict, devoted to seeking God.
23. Exodus 17:11
“As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.”
Moses’ raised hands brought victory. It teaches that hands lifted in prayer and dependence on God can lead to victory, showing the power of intercession and divine support in our struggles.
24. Psalm 8:3
“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place.”
The psalmist marvels at God’s creation. It teaches that the universe is the handiwork of God, crafted by His hands, reflecting His power, creativity, and attention to detail.
25. 1 Chronicles 4:10
“Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, ‘Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.’ And God granted his request.”
Jabez prays for God’s hand to be with him. It teaches that seeking God’s hand of blessing and protection can lead to His favor and the fulfillment of our righteous desires.
26. Isaiah 40:12
“Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?”
Isaiah reflects on God’s power and might. It teaches that God’s hand is immeasurably powerful, holding the entire creation in balance and demonstrating His supreme authority over all things.
27. Acts 7:50
“Has not my hand made all these things?'”
Stephen quotes Isaiah, emphasizing God’s role as Creator. It teaches that everything in creation is the work of God’s hands, highlighting His craftsmanship and the divine origin of all that exists.
28. Psalm 31:15
“My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me.”
David entrusts his life to God’s hands. It teaches that our lives and destinies are securely in God’s hands, and we can trust Him to deliver us from any danger or adversary.
29. Proverbs 3:16
“Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.”
This verse speaks of wisdom personified. It teaches that wisdom brings blessings symbolized by the hands, offering long life, riches, and honor to those who embrace her.
30. Mark 8:23
“He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, ‘Do you see anything?'”
Jesus uses His hands to heal the blind man. It teaches that Jesus’ hands are instruments of healing and restoration, guiding and bringing sight to those who are spiritually and physically blind.
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