Definition and Significance:
Raising hands in the context of the Bible is a physical gesture often associated with prayer, worship, blessing, and supplication. It is a symbolic act that signifies surrender, openness, and a desire to connect with God. This gesture is deeply rooted in biblical tradition and is seen as an expression of reverence and devotion.

Biblical References:

1. Prayer and Supplication:
Raising hands is frequently mentioned in the context of prayer. In 1 Timothy 2:8, the Apostle Paul instructs, "Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension." This verse underscores the importance of purity and peace in prayer, with raised hands symbolizing a heart free from sin and conflict.

2. Worship and Praise:
The act of lifting hands is also associated with worship and praise. Psalm 63:4 states, "So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift my hands." Here, the psalmist expresses a commitment to worship God with an outward demonstration of inward devotion.

3. Blessing:
In the context of blessing, raising hands is seen in the priestly blessing. Leviticus 9:22 describes Aaron lifting his hands toward the people to bless them. This act signifies the transmission of God's favor and peace upon the congregation.

4. Supplication and Desperation:
In times of desperation and need, raising hands is a gesture of earnest supplication. Lamentations 2:19 encourages, "Arise, cry out in the night, at the beginning of the watches; pour out your heart like water before the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to Him for the lives of your children, who faint from hunger at the head of every street." This passage highlights the urgency and intensity of prayer in dire circumstances.

5. Expression of Surrender:
Raising hands can also symbolize surrender to God's will. In Psalm 141:2, the psalmist prays, "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." This imagery connects the act of raising hands with the sacrificial offerings, indicating a surrender of self to God.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, raising hands was a common practice in religious rituals and ceremonies. It was a universal gesture of communication with the divine, transcending cultural boundaries. In the Hebrew tradition, it was a way to physically express one's inner spiritual state and intentions.

Theological Implications:
The act of raising hands in the Bible is not merely a physical gesture but carries deep theological significance. It reflects an attitude of humility, dependence, and trust in God. It is an outward expression of an inward reality, demonstrating a heart aligned with God's purposes and a life dedicated to His service.

Practical Application:
For believers today, raising hands during prayer and worship can serve as a powerful reminder of their relationship with God. It is an invitation to engage both body and spirit in the act of worship, fostering a deeper connection with the Creator. This practice encourages believers to approach God with sincerity, purity, and a willingness to receive His grace and guidance.1 Timothy 2:8-10
I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
Topicalbible.org

Psalm 63:4
Thus will I bless you while I live: I will lift up my hands in your name.
Topicalbible.org

5500. cheirotoneo -- to vote by stretching out the hand, to ...
... thus expressing agreement with a motion, then, 'I elect by show of hands' [of popular ...
and teino (to stretch); to be a hand-reacher or voter (by raising the hand ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5500.htm - 7k4607. moal -- a lifting
... lifting (1). lifting up. From alah; a raising (of the hands) -- lifting up. see
HEBREW alah. 4606, 4607. moal. 4608 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/4607.htm - 6k

4864. maseth -- an uprising, utterance, burden, portion
... From nasa'; properly, (abstractly) a raising (as of the hands in prayer), or rising
(of flame); figuratively, an utterance; concretely, a beacon (as raised); a ...
/hebrew/4864.htm - 6k

Raising of the Cross.
... Raising of the Cross ... They bowed down and adored the 'Word made flesh,' nailed to
the cross; they stretched forth their hands as if desirous of giving assistance ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter xxxix raising of the.htm

The Raising of the Dead.
... Entire affection hateth nicer hands. ... Again I say the essential glory of God who raises
all the dead, not merely an exceptional glory of God in raising this one ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/viii the raising of the.htm

The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the ...
... Of course, there were occasions - such as the raising of the young man at Nain ... point
to any instance where the laying on of a great Rabbi's hands was sought ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxvi the healing of.htm

The Raising of the Young Man of Nain - the Meeting of Life and ...
... [2660] The body lay with its face turned up, and his hands folded on the ... remembered,
that not only one Gospel, but all, relate some story of raising the dead ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xx the raising of.htm

The Seventh Miracle in John's Gospel --The Raising of Lazarus
... as recorded in this Gospel, is fitly closed with the raising of Lazarus. ... the
graveclothes wrapped about his limbs, stumbling forth; and loving hands are bidden ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the seventh miracle in johns.htm

The Death and the Raising of Lazarus - the Question of Miracles ...
... did they need the lesson of faith to be taught them in the raising of Lazarus! ... as
was their wont, they would strike on their breast, beat their hands, and dash ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxi the death and.htm

It is Also of Importance to Observe, that the Four Laws of Prayer ...
... Hence the ceremony of raising the hands, to which we have adverted, a ceremony
known to all ages and nations, and still in common use. ...
/.../calvin/of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 16 it is also.htm

The Famine which Oppressed Them.
... around and saw the trenches filled with the dead, and the thick blood oozing out
of the putrid bodies, he groaned aloud, and, raising his hands, called God to ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter vi the famine which oppressed.htm

The Articles of the Evangelical Alliance.
... and some unessential modifications, the basis was adopted on the fifth day
(Aug.24), nemine contradicente; the vast majority raising their hands in approval ...
/.../ 114 the articles of.htm

St. Malachy's Apostolic Labours, Praises and Miracles.
... at me and cast my wretchedness in my teeth." And when he heard him, moved with
compassion, he looked up to heaven,[658] at the same time raising his hands. ...
/.../chapter vi st malachys apostolic.htm

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