Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, the term "broken-handed" refers to a physical condition that is often associated with ceremonial impurity or imperfection, particularly in the context of the Old Testament laws and priestly qualifications. The concept is primarily derived from the Levitical laws concerning the physical requirements for those serving in the priesthood.Levitical Law and Priesthood The book of Leviticus outlines specific physical criteria for the descendants of Aaron who were eligible to serve as priests. Leviticus 21:16-21 provides a detailed list of physical blemishes that would disqualify a man from offering the bread of God. Among these blemishes is the condition of being "broken-handed." The Berean Standard Bible states: "No man of your descendants in their generations who has any defect may approach to offer the food of his God. No man who has any defect may approach: no man who is blind, lame, disfigured, or deformed; no man who has a broken foot or hand..." (Leviticus 21:17-19). The term "broken-handed" in this context refers to any significant injury or deformity of the hand that would impair its function. The priestly role required physical wholeness as a symbol of spiritual and ritual purity. The presence of any physical defect, including a broken hand, was seen as a deviation from the ideal state of perfection required for those who ministered before the Lord. Symbolism and Spiritual Implications The requirement for physical perfection among priests symbolized the holiness and perfection of God. The priests served as mediators between God and the people, and their physical wholeness was a representation of the spiritual wholeness and purity that God desired in His people. The exclusion of those with physical defects, such as a broken hand, underscored the importance of approaching God with reverence and the best of what one could offer. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the emphasis shifts from physical perfection to spiritual integrity and moral character. Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest, fulfilled the law and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin. The focus is no longer on physical attributes but on the heart and faith of the believer. The Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 3:28 , "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This inclusivity extends to all believers, regardless of physical condition. Application for Believers While the Old Testament laws regarding physical defects are not applicable to New Testament believers in the same way, the principle of offering God our best remains relevant. Believers are called to present themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1). The focus is on spiritual wholeness and purity, reflecting the character of Christ in all aspects of life. In summary, the term "broken-handed" in the biblical context highlights the Old Testament requirements for priestly service and the symbolic representation of God's holiness. It serves as a reminder of the shift from physical to spiritual priorities in the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. Strong's Hebrew 3027. yad -- hand... both proximate and remote (as follows) -- (+ be) able, X about, + armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, X bounty, + broad, (broken-)handed, X by ... /hebrew/3027.htm - 8k Library What Manner of Man Ought not to Come to Rule. The Doctrine Thesaurus Brokenhanded... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BROKENHANDED. bro'-k'-n-hand-ed (shebher yadh): In Leviticus 21:19 one of the blemishes which prevented ... /b/brokenhanded.htm - 6k Broken-handed (1 Occurrence) Broken-footed (1 Occurrence) Brokenhearted (5 Occurrences) Resources How many prophecies did Jesus fulfill? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Prayer of Azariah? | GotQuestions.org Why is there silence in heaven for half an hour in Revelation 8:1? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Broken-handed (1 Occurrence)Leviticus 21:19 Subtopics Related Terms |
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