The Greek word dexiós, represented by G1188, refers to the right side or hand. It appears 53 times across 53 unique verses in the Bible. The term fundamentally denotes the right side as a position of honor, strength, and favor, evolving from its literal meaning to a significant theological symbol.
In ancient cultures, the right hand often held profound symbolic weight beyond mere direction. It was commonly associated with overt action, public declaration, and the execution of power. Oaths were sworn with the right hand, blessings were imparted, and in many social contexts, it was the hand used for greeting and affirming agreements. This cultural backdrop enriches the biblical use of G1188, showing it not just as a place of passive honor, but as the active locus of authority and divine prerogative.
In the biblical narrative, G1188 is most frequently used to describe the place of supreme honor and authority at the side of God. This is the exalted position of Christ after His resurrection and ascension, as seen in the declaration that He "sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high" Hebrews 1:3. This theme is repeated consistently, with Jesus sitting "on the right hand of God" (Colossians 3:1, Romans 8:34, 1 Peter 3:22). Beyond this, the term signifies a place of blessing and acceptance, as when the King separates the sheep to His right hand to inherit the kingdom Matthew 25:34. It is also used literally, such as when referring to a right eye Matthew 5:29 or a right cheek Matthew 5:39.
Beyond its symbolic use in heavenly session, G1188 frequently appears in literal, earthly contexts, highlighting everyday actions and physical realities. Jesus, for instance, instructed His disciples on radical self-denial, using the vivid imagery of plucking out a "right eye" or cutting off a "right hand" if they caused offense Matthew 5:29, Matthew 5:30. Similarly, in accounts of healing, the term specifies the afflicted limb, as with the man whose "right hand" was withered Luke 6:6, or Peter taking the lame man by his "right hand" to lift him up Acts 3:7.
in the book of Revelation, G1188 takes on a specific meaning of divine possession and active control. Christ is depicted holding "seven stars" in His "right hand," signifying His authority over the churches Revelation 1:16, Revelation 2:1. The very plan of God for the ages is symbolized by a "book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals" held in the "right hand" of Him who sat on the throne, which only Christ could take and open Revelation 5:1, Revelation 5:7. This illustrates the right hand as the ultimate repository of divine purpose and power.
Several related words provide contrast and context to the meaning of dexiós:
- G5495 cheír (hand): This word for hand is often used in conjunction with G1188 to specify the "right hand." It can be used literally or figuratively to denote power or instrumentality. For example, John laid his right hand upon me Revelation 1:17.
- G710 aristerós (left): As the direct counterpart to dexiós, this term for left provides a contrast, often representing a position of lesser status. Scripture speaks of armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left 2 Corinthians 6:7, and of malefactors crucified on the right hand and on the left Luke 23:33.
- G1187 dexiolábos (right-hand man): This compound word, directly incorporating G1188, refers to a "right-hand man" or a spearman who holds a spear in his right hand. Its singular biblical occurrence highlights the practical, active role associated with the right hand in military or protective contexts.
The theological weight of G1188 is profound, particularly in its association with Christ's heavenly session.
- Christ's Exaltation: The placement of Jesus at the right hand of God signifies the completion of His redemptive work and His supreme authority over all creation. He is set at God's right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principalities and powers (Ephesians 1:20, 1 Peter 3:22).
- Divine Power and Sovereignty: The "right hand of God" is an expression of His power. God exalted Jesus with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour Acts 5:31, and it is at the right hand of the throne of God that Jesus is set down Hebrews 12:2.
- Intercession: Christ's position at the right hand of God is directly linked to His ongoing work for believers. It is from this place of honor that He "maketh intercession for us" Romans 8:34.
- Fellowship and Covenant: In a human context, giving the right hands of fellowship signified agreement and partnership in the gospel ministry Galatians 2:9.
- Prophetic Fulfillment: The New Testament's repeated assertion of Christ's enthronement at the "right hand" of God directly fulfills Old Testament prophecies, most notably Psalm 110:1, which is cited multiple times by Jesus and the apostles. This fulfillment underscores the divine plan for the Messiah's supreme authority and eventual triumph over all enemies Matthew 22:44, Acts 2:34, Hebrews 1:13.
- Judgment and Separation: G1188 is central to the imagery of final judgment, where Christ, as the King, separates humanity into two distinct groups. Those deemed righteous are placed on His "right hand" to inherit the kingdom, while the unrighteous are placed on the left, emphasizing a definitive divine verdict and the ultimate consequence of one's life Matthew 25:33, Matthew 25:34.
- Divine Control of Destiny: In apocalyptic literature, particularly Revelation, the "right hand" of God is the place where the sealed scroll containing God's sovereign plan for history is held. This symbolizes not only God's ultimate power but also His meticulous control over all events, with Christ alone being worthy to take the scroll and execute the divine will Revelation 5:1, Revelation 5:7.
The Greek term G1188 dexiós, signifying the "right side or hand," carries a profound and multifaceted significance throughout the New Testament. Originating from a literal anatomical and directional reference, it quickly evolves into a powerful theological symbol. In ancient cultures, the right hand was universally recognized as the position of honor, strength, and active authority, often associated with blessings, oath-taking, and decisive action. This cultural understanding deeply informs its biblical usage, elevating G1188 beyond a simple descriptor to a signifier of divine prerogative and ultimate power.
Central to its theological weight is the exaltation of Christ. His sitting at the "right hand" of God is a recurring motif, signifying the successful completion of His redemptive work, His supreme authority over all creation, and His ongoing intercession for believers. This placement is not merely a static position of honor but a dynamic seat of sovereign power, fulfilling ancient prophecies concerning the Messiah's reign and triumph over all enemies Matthew 22:44, Acts 2:34, Hebrews 1:13.
Beyond this sublime theological usage, G1188 appears in various contexts that underscore its versatility. Literally, it describes physical body parts, such as an "offending right eye" or "right hand" in Jesus' teachings on radical discipleship, or a "withered right hand" in accounts of healing Luke 6:6. In the book of Revelation, the "right hand" of Christ and God is depicted as the locus of divine possession and active control, holding the seven stars representing the churches and the scroll containing God's sovereign plan for history Revelation 1:16, Revelation 5:1. Moreover, it is integral to the imagery of final judgment, where the righteous are separated to the King's "right hand" for eternal blessing Matthew 25:34.
In sum, G1188 dexiós is a rich and indispensable term for understanding biblical theology. It encapsulates ideas of divine honor, supreme power, prophetic fulfillment, and active control over both individual lives and cosmic destiny. From the most mundane physical actions to the most exalted heavenly realities, the "right hand" serves as a consistent emblem of God's sovereign will and Christ's unparalleled authority.
TRV