Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
Called by Galen “the instrument of instruments.” It is the symbol of human action (Ps. 9:16; Job 9:30; Isa. 1:15; 1 Tim. 2:8). Washing the hands was a symbol of innocence (Ps. 26:6; 73:13; Matt. 27:24), also of sanctification (1 Cor. 6:11; Isa. 51:16; Ps. 24:3, 4). In Ps. 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 Sam. 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 (Ezek. 17:18; Jer. 50:15). The right hand was lifted up in taking an oath (Gen. 14:22, etc.). The hand is frequently mentioned, particularly the right hand, as a symbol of power and strength (Ps. 60:5; Isa. 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; Isa. 1:25; Luke 1:66, etc.) or punishment (Ex. 9:3; Judg. 2:15; Acts 13:11, etc.). A position at the right hand was regarded as the chief place of honour and power (Ps. 45:9; 80:17; 110:1; Matt. 26:64).
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
HAND is a symbol of human action; "pure hands" are pure actions; "unjust hands" are deeds of injustice; "hands full of blood," actions stained with cruelty; and the like. Ps 24:4; Eze 23:37. It is likewise a term for the vengeance of God exercised upon any one, 1 Sam 5:6-7. "To pour water on any one's hands" was to serve him. So Elisha is said to have done for Elijah, 2 Kgs 3:11. "To wash one's hands" in public was a way of expressing innocency,
Deut 21:6-7; Matt 27:24; "to kiss one's hand" is an act of adoration, Job 31:27; "to lift up one's hands" is to take an oath. Gen 14:22. Also it is a posture in blessing, Lev 9:22; also, to rebel, 2 Sam 20:21. "To stretch out the hand" is sometimes a gesture that denotes mercy, Isa 65:2; "to put it forth unto anything" is to steal, Ex 22:8, Ex 22:11. "To smite the hands together over the head" was a gesture of despairing grief. 2 Sam 13:19; Jer
2:37. Hand in general is the symbol of power and strength — the right hand particularly so. "To be on one's right hand" is to be in one's favor. The Hebrews, in reckoning the four quarters, faced the east; consequently to "the right hand" signified to the south, the southern quarter; "to the left hand" signified to the north, the northern quarter. Job 23:9; 1 Sam 23:19, see margin; 2 Sam 24:5. These are a few out of the many uses of the word
hand. One more use will be given: "To lay the hands upon any one," or the imposition of hands, was at an early period "a part of the ceremonial observed on the appointment and consecration of persons to high and holy undertakings." In Num 27:18 we read that Moses was commanded to lay his hand upon Joshua. This act did not confer any new grace upon Joshua, but merely gave formal and public confirmation of Jehovah's choice, and confirmed and
strengthened the spiritual gifts already bestowed. Comp. Deut 34:9. The phrase is not used in the N.T. in exactly the same sense. Acts 8:15-17; 1 Tim 4:14; 2 Tim 1:6. The apostles confirmed the grace the convert had received, as in the case of Cornelius, Acts 10:44-48, and in other cases conferred spiritual gifts and qualifications.