Understanding δεξιός (dexios) Strong’s G1188: The Right Hand Position of Divine Power, Authority and Favor in Biblical Thought

Pronunciation Guide: DEX-ee-os (δεξ-ι-ός)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1188: The Greek word δεξιός (dexios) primarily denotes “the right” or “right-hand side” in a physical, directional sense. Beyond this literal meaning, it carries rich symbolic significance in Scripture, representing honor, power, authority, and divine favor. In biblical contexts, the right hand or right side is consistently associated with blessing, strength, and privileged position, especially in relation to God’s throne.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Root: Derived from δέχομαι (dechomai), meaning “to receive” or “to accept”
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Found in narrative passages, theological discourse, and apocalyptic literature
• Appears: 54 times in the New Testament
• Cognate Terms: δεξιά (dexia, feminine form used as substantive for “right hand”)

δεξιός Morphology:

• δεξιός (masculine nominative singular) – right, right side
• δεξιοῦ (masculine genitive singular) – of the right
• δεξιῷ (masculine dative singular) – to/in/with the right
• δεξιόν (masculine accusative singular) – the right
• δεξιά (feminine nominative singular) – right hand
• δεξιᾶς (feminine genitive singular) – of the right hand
• δεξιᾷ (feminine dative singular) – in/at the right hand
• δεξιάν (feminine accusative singular) – the right hand

Origin & History

The term δεξιός has ancient origins in classical Greek, where it carried both literal and metaphorical significance. In Homer’s works (8th century BCE), δεξιός referred not only to the right side but also to that which is favorable or auspicious. Xenophon used the term in his “Anabasis” to describe positive omens appearing on the right side, suggesting divine approval. This association between “right” and “favorable” was common throughout Greek thought.

In the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible completed around the 2nd century BCE, δεξιός regularly translated the Hebrew יָמִין (yamin), maintaining both its directional meaning and symbolic associations. The LXX uses δεξιός extensively in passages describing God’s right hand as the location of power, glory, and salvation (e.g., Exodus 15:6, Psalm 118:15-16). This translation choice established an important bridge between Hebrew and Greek theological concepts that would significantly influence New Testament writers.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Physical Direction: The literal right side or right-hand side of a person or object
• Symbolic Position: The place of honor, authority, or favor (especially in relation to God)
• Metaphorical Strength: Representing power, might, and effective action
• Eschatological Placement: The favorable position at judgment (contrasted with left)
• Covenant Relationship: Symbol of fellowship, alliance, or partnership (through right-hand clasping)

δεξιός Translation Options:

• Right – The most straightforward translation, particularly appropriate when referring to simple directional meaning (Matthew 5:29)
• Right Hand – More specific translation when δεξιά is used as a substantive noun, emphasizing the hand itself as an instrument of action or blessing (Acts 7:55-56)
• Place of Honor – Conceptual translation suitable when the context emphasizes position rather than direction (Matthew 20:21)
• Authority – Functional translation appropriate when δεξιός is used to indicate delegated power or executive function (Mark 16:19)
• Favor – Relational translation capturing the sense of divine approval or privileged status (Romans 8:34)

Biblical Usage

The New Testament employs δεξιός with remarkable theological consistency. Its first appearance in Matthew 5:29 establishes its physical meaning while introducing the metaphorical dimension: “If your right [δεξιός] eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out,” indicating something precious and valuable. However, its most significant theological usage relates to the exalted Messiah seated at God’s right hand, a position of supreme authority and power, as in Mark 16:19: “So then the Lord Jesus, after He had spoken to them, was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand [δεξιός] of God.”

In the Septuagint, δεξιός appears frequently in Psalms and prophetic literature to describe Yahweh’s right hand as the source of deliverance, victory, and support. This Old Testament foundation provides the theological framework for understanding Yeshua’s exaltation to the “right hand” in the New Testament. The concept reaches its fullest expression in Stephen’s vision in Acts 7:55-56, where he witnesses “the Son of Man standing at the right hand [δεξιῶν] of God,” a profound confirmation of Yeshua’s divine authority and the fulfillment of Psalm 110:1.

Key New Testament references include:

• “If your right [δεξιός] eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you.” Matthew 5:29
• “Grant that these my two sons may sit, one on Your right hand [δεξιῶν], and one on Your left hand, in Your Kingdom.” Matthew 20:21
• “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand [δεξιῶν], until I make Your enemies the footstool of Your feet.'” Matthew 22:44
• “He will set the sheep on His right hand [δεξιῶν], but the goats on the left.” Matthew 25:33
• “He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand [δεξιῶν] of God.” Mark 16:19
• “Being therefore exalted by the right hand [δεξιᾷ] of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured out this, which you now see and hear.” Acts 2:33
• “It is Messiah Jesus who died, yes rather, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand [δεξιᾷ] of God, who also makes intercession for us.” Romans 8:34

Cultural Insights

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the right hand held particular significance in royal ceremonies and court protocol. The king would seat his most trusted advisor or honored guest at his right hand, a position of special access and influence. This practice informed the biblical imagery of the Messiah seated at God’s right hand. When early believers proclaimed Yeshua as being “at the right hand of God,” they were making a profound statement about His royal authority and divine status that would have been immediately understood by their contemporaries.

The dextrarum iunctio (joining of right hands) was a well-established ancient ritual symbolizing covenant, alliance, and mutual trust. This appears in Roman marriage ceremonies, political alliances, and business contracts. In the first-century Jewish context, extending the right hand (δεξιάν) of fellowship, as Paul mentions in Galatians 2:9, carried deep covenantal implications. This gesture between Paul and the Jerusalem leadership signified not merely personal acceptance but formal recognition of shared mission and theological legitimacy—a powerful statement in the context of early Messianic Jewish discussions about Gentile inclusion.

Theological Significance

The theological concept of Yeshua at God’s right hand (δεξιός) represents the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy and the vindication of His earthly ministry. The apostolic proclamation that God had exalted Yeshua to His right hand (Acts 2:33) directly connects to Psalm 110:1, which was widely recognized as a Messianic prophecy in Second Temple Judaism. This connection demonstrates God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises and the continuity between the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Covenant revelation.

This positioning at God’s right hand carries three crucial theological implications. First, it confirms Yeshua’s unique divine status and authority—He shares in יהוה’s (Yahweh’s) rule over creation. Second, it establishes His ongoing intercessory role on behalf of believers (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25). Third, it anticipates His future return in glory to establish God’s kingdom fully. The “right hand” imagery thus encapsulates the “already but not yet” nature of salvation history—Messiah already reigns at God’s right hand, yet we await the final manifestation of that reign on earth.

Personal Application

Understanding the significance of δεξιός invites us to reflect on our own position “in Messiah.” Scripture teaches that believers are united with Messiah in His death, resurrection, and exaltation (Ephesians 2:6). If Yeshua is seated at God’s right hand—the position of highest honor and authority—then we too have been graciously granted access to that same privileged position through our identification with Him. This incredible truth should transform how we view ourselves and our circumstances.

When life’s challenges threaten to overwhelm us, remembering the power of God’s right hand can provide immense comfort. Just as יהוה’s right hand delivered Israel from Egypt and sustained them in the wilderness, His right hand—now embodied in the exalted Messiah—remains active and powerful in our lives today. We can face each day with confidence, knowing that the same divine power that raised Yeshua to God’s right hand is at work in us through His Spirit (Ephesians 1:19-20).

Related Words

• ἀριστερός (aristeros, ahr-is-ter-OS) – left, left side; contrasted with δεξιός in Scripture, often carrying negative connotations or representing lesser status. While δεξιός represents favor and blessing, ἀριστερός is sometimes associated with judgment or disfavor. See G710
• χείρ (cheir, kheir) – hand; the general term for hand without specific directional meaning. δεξιός specifies the right hand, which in biblical symbolism carries greater significance than the generic χείρ. See G5495
• εὐώνυμος (euōnymos, yoo-o-noo-mos) – literally “well-named” but euphemistically meaning “left” or “on the left side.” Used as an alternative to ἀριστερός, which had negative connotations. This euphemism highlights how significant the distinction between right and left was in ancient thought. See G2176
• δέχομαι (dechomai, DEKH-om-ahee) – to receive, accept; the probable root of δεξιός. This etymological connection suggests the right hand as the one that receives or welcomes, reinforcing its association with acceptance and hospitality. See G1209
• καθίζω (kathizō, kath-ID-zo) – to sit, to seat; often paired with δεξιός in descriptions of Messiah’s exaltation to God’s right hand. The combination emphasizes both the position (right) and the settled, established nature (seated) of His heavenly authority. See G2523

Did you Know?

• In ancient Jewish prayer practice, worshippers would often raise or extend their right hand (δεξιά) toward heaven when making solemn oaths or particularly earnest petitions to God. This practice reflected the understanding of the right hand as the instrument of power and covenant-making. When we read in 1 Timothy 2:8 about lifting “holy hands” in prayer, first-century believers would have associated this especially with the right hand’s significance.
• The Greek word δεξιός influenced modern European languages in surprising ways. Our English word “dexterous,” meaning skillful or adept (especially with the hands), derives from the Latin “dexter,” which corresponds to the Greek δεξιός. This connection reveals how deeply ingrained the association between “right-handedness” and capability was in ancient Mediterranean cultures—an association that continues to influence our language today, often without our awareness.
• The concept of δεξιός as the place of honor influenced ancient Christian church architecture. In many early Byzantine churches, the right side of the nave (facing the altar) was considered more honorable and was often reserved for men, while women sat on the left. This architectural expression of the δεξιός concept demonstrates how this biblical symbolism shaped not only theology but also practical aspects of Christian worship and community life for centuries.

Remember This

The δεξιός of God is not merely a positional concept but the ultimate expression of divine power, authority, and favor—the very place where our Messiah now reigns and from which He extends His gracious rule into our lives today.