Topical Encyclopedia The "palm of the hand" is a term used in the Bible to describe the inner part of the hand, which is often associated with strength, skill, and divine care. The imagery of the palm is rich in symbolism and appears in various contexts throughout the Scriptures.Symbol of Divine Care and Protection One of the most poignant uses of the palm of the hand in the Bible is found in Isaiah 49:16, where God reassures His people of His unwavering care and remembrance: "Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me" . This verse conveys the idea of God's intimate knowledge and constant mindfulness of His people, suggesting that they are ever-present before Him, much like something written on one's hand is always visible. Expression of Human Emotion and Action The palm of the hand is also used to express human emotions and actions. In the book of Job, Job laments his suffering and uses the imagery of the hand to describe his plight: "He has shattered me with wound upon wound; He rushes at me like a warrior" (Job 16:14). Here, the hand is a metaphor for the force and impact of his afflictions. In the Psalms, the palm is associated with the act of lifting hands in prayer and worship, a gesture of supplication and reverence. Psalm 134:2 encourages the faithful: "Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and bless the LORD" . This act of lifting the palms is a physical expression of seeking God's presence and blessing. Symbol of Skill and Craftsmanship The palm of the hand is also a symbol of skill and craftsmanship. In Exodus 31:3-5, God speaks of Bezalel, whom He has filled with the Spirit of God, giving him wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship. The work of skilled hands is seen as a divine gift, and the palm is integral to the execution of these crafts. Judgment and Consequence In some instances, the palm of the hand is associated with judgment and consequence. In Ezekiel 21:14, the prophet is instructed to strike his hands together as a sign of the coming judgment: "So you, son of man, prophesy and strike your hands together. Let the sword strike twice, even three times. It is a sword for slaughter—a sword for great slaughter, closing in on every side" . The clapping of hands here symbolizes the certainty and imminence of divine judgment. Covenantal Significance The palm of the hand also holds covenantal significance. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, covenants were often ratified with gestures involving the hands. While the Bible does not explicitly describe such rituals involving the palm, the hand's role in oaths and agreements is implied in various passages, underscoring the seriousness and binding nature of covenants. In summary, the palm of the hand in biblical literature is a multifaceted symbol representing divine care, human emotion, skill, judgment, and covenant. Its use across different contexts highlights the depth and richness of biblical imagery, reflecting the complex relationship between God and humanity. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Palm of the HandPALM (OF THE HAND) pam (kaph): The Hebrew word which is used in a variety of senses (see HAND; PAW) is usually translated "hand" in English Versions of the Bible, but the translation "palm" is found in 5 passages of the Old Testament, in 3 of which the Hebrew text adds the word yadh ("hand," 1 Samuel 5:4 2 Kings 9:35; Daniel 10:10). It would properly mean the "hollow hand" (root kaphaph, "to bend," "to curve"), which receives or grasps things. It is therefore used in reference to filling the priest's hands with sacrificial portions (Leviticus 14:15, 26). The palms of the hands of Dagon are mentioned as cut off, when the idol was found mutilated in the presence of the ark of Yahweh (1 Samuel 5:4), from which may be inferred that this idol probably was represented with hands spread out in blessing, as we find in numerous Babylonian representations of divinities. Greek 4474. rhapizo -- to strike with a rod, hence to strike with the ... ... to strike with a rod, hence to strike with the palm of the hand. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: rhapizo Phonetic Spelling: (hrap-id'-zo) Short Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4474.htm - 6k 4475. rhapisma -- a blow (with a stick or the palm of the hand) 1325. didomi -- to give (in various senses lit. or fig.) 5180. tupto -- to strike, smite, beat Strong's Hebrew 6447. pas -- palm (of the hand)... 6446, 6447. pas. 6448 . palm (of the hand). Transliteration: pas Phonetic Spelling: (pas) Short Definition: back. Word Origin (Aramaic ... /hebrew/6447.htm - 6k 3709. kaph -- hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot) ... 6446. pas -- flat (of the hand or foot) 8168. shoal -- hollow hand, handful 2947. tephach -- a span, handbreadth, coping Library Earthly Things May be the Type of Heavenly, but the Latter Cannot ... On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. Chap. v. 3 and 8, "Blessed are ... March the Eighth the Citizens of the Home-Land The Handwriting on the Wall Second Latin Form. Chapter xx. Palm Sunday Chapter twenty-seven Under Ban of the Ritual Consecration. Resources What is Passion Week / Holy Week? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Christian calendar? | GotQuestions.org What is the Christian view of psychics / fortune tellers? | GotQuestions.org Palm: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Palm Tree in the Temple Seen in the Vision of Ezekiel Palm Tree of the Prosperity of the Righteous Palm Tree used As a Symbol of Victory Palm Tree: Branches of, Thrown in the Path when Jesus Made his Triumphal Entry Into Jerusalem Palm Tree: Deborah Led Israel from Under A Palm Tree: Jericho Was Called "The City of Palm Trees" Palm Tree: Wood of, Used in the Temple Related Terms |
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