Topical Encyclopedia The term "brokenhanded" is not directly found in the Bible; however, it can be understood in the context of physical impairments and their implications in biblical times. The concept of being "brokenhanded" can be associated with physical deformities or injuries that affect the use of one's hands. In the ancient Near Eastern context, physical wholeness was often linked to one's ability to participate fully in religious and communal life.Levitical Law and Physical Impairments In the Old Testament, the Levitical law provides specific instructions regarding physical impairments and their impact on priestly service. Leviticus 21:16-23 outlines the requirements for priests, stating that those with physical defects, including deformities of the hand, were not permitted to offer sacrifices or approach the altar. The Berean Standard Bible states: "No man of your descendants in future generations who has a 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, or who is a hunchback or dwarf, or who has an eye defect, a festering rash, scabs, or a crushed testicle." (Leviticus 21:17-20) This passage reflects the importance of physical perfection in the ceremonial duties of the priesthood, symbolizing the holiness and purity required to serve in the presence of God. Symbolism and Spiritual Implications The concept of being "brokenhanded" can also be explored symbolically, representing human weakness and the need for divine intervention. In the broader biblical narrative, physical impairments often serve as metaphors for spiritual conditions. The healing miracles of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the New Testament, frequently involve restoring physical wholeness, which also signifies spiritual restoration and redemption. For instance, in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, challenging the prevailing interpretations of the law and demonstrating His authority to restore both physical and spiritual health: "Then Jesus said to the man, 'Stretch out your hand.' So he stretched it out, and it was restored to full use." (Mark 3:5) This miracle underscores the compassion of Christ and His mission to bring healing and wholeness to a broken world. Theological Reflections From a theological perspective, the notion of being "brokenhanded" can remind believers of the limitations of human strength and the necessity of relying on God's power. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often speaks of human weakness as an opportunity for God's strength to be made perfect: "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me." (2 Corinthians 12:9) In this light, the condition of being "brokenhanded" can be seen as a call to humility and dependence on God's grace, recognizing that true strength and wholeness come from Him alone. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BROKENHANDEDbro'-k'-n-hand-ed (shebher yadh): In Leviticus 21:19 one of the blemishes which prevented a man of priestly descent from the execution of the priestly office. Library What Manner of Man Ought not to Come to Rule. 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-footed (1 Occurrence) Broken-handed (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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