Divine Power in Hand: χείρ (Strong’s G5495: cheir) Reveals God’s Work

Strong’s G5495: The primary word for “hand” in Greek, χείρ denotes physical hands and metaphorically represents power, authority, and agency. Used extensively in Scripture to illustrate divine action, human responsibility, and spiritual authority, it carries rich theological significance in expressing both God’s sovereign control and human stewardship.

U- Unveiling the Word

χείρ is a foundational term in biblical Greek that goes beyond merely referring to the physical hand. It embodies concepts of power, authority, and divine agency throughout Scripture. In the New Testament, it serves as a powerful metaphor for God’s sovereign control and human responsibility. The early church fathers frequently used this word to express both God’s providential care and human stewardship. The hand symbolism remains deeply relevant today, reminding us of our position as instruments in God’s hands and His direct involvement in human affairs. This word appears in crucial passages about healing, blessing, and divine protection, emphasizing the personal nature of God’s interaction with His people.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χείρ, cheir, /kheir/
• Detailed pronunciation: kay-eer (with a slight rolling of the ‘r’)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰes-r-
• Development: Through Ancient Greek χείρ
• No prefixes or suffixes – this is a primary noun

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary tool for physical manipulation
• Symbol of power and authority
• Instrument of blessing or judgment
• Agency or means by which something is done

Translation Options:

• Hand – most literal and common translation
• Power – when used in contexts of authority
• Control – when expressing dominion or influence

E – Exploring Similar Words

• δάκτυλος (daktylos) /dak-too-los/ – specifically referring to finger See G1147
• παλάμη (palame) /pal-am-ay/ – specifically referring to palm See G3960
• δεξιός (dexios) /dex-ee-os/ – right hand, often used symbolically See G1188

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Third Declension

The word changes form based on its function in the sentence:

• Nominative: χείρ
• Genitive: χειρός
• Dative: χειρί
• Accusative: χεῖρα
• Plural forms follow similar patterns

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

χείρ represents one of the most frequently used anatomical terms in the New Testament, appearing over 170 times. BDAG emphasizes its literal and figurative uses, particularly in expressions of divine power and human agency. Thayer’s highlights its use in various prepositional phrases that denote authority or control. LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples, showing its development from literal to metaphorical meanings. Vine’s emphasizes its importance in worship contexts and divine blessing. Moulton and Milligan document its wide usage in papyri, particularly in legal contexts involving authority and possession.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 3:12: “His winnowing fork is in His [χείρ] hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor.”

Additional References:
Mark 1:31, Luke 6:1, John 3:35, Acts 7:25, Romans 10:21, 1 Corinthians 12:21, Galatians 3:19, Hebrews 1:10, 1 Peter 5:6

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Homer: Iliad	“And he stretched out his [χείρ] hand to take the golden cup”
Plato: Republic	“Justice lies not in the [χείρ] hand but in the heart”
Sophocles: Antigone	“The gods’ [χείρ] hand moves slowly but strikes surely”

N – Noteworthy Summary

χείρ serves as a powerful theological symbol throughout Scripture, representing both divine authority and human responsibility. It appears in contexts of healing, blessing, judgment, and protection, showing God’s direct involvement in human affairs. The good news of King Jesus is powerfully illustrated through this word, as it reminds us that we are held in the Father’s hands, guided by His sovereign care, and empowered for His service. Just as Jesus used His hands to heal and bless, we are called to be His hands in this world, extending His love and grace to others.

D – Did You Know?

• χείρ appears in some of the earliest known Greek inscriptions, dating back to the 8th century BC
• The word is used over 170 times in the New Testament in various theological contexts
• In early Christian art, the hand became a symbol of God’s presence and blessing

Strong’s G5495: A primary noun denoting the hand, both literally and figuratively. Represents power, authority, and agency in divine and human contexts. Essential in expressing concepts of God’s sovereign control, human responsibility, and spiritual authority throughout Scripture.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: hand, power, authority, blessing, divine-action, human-agency, sovereignty, stewardship, physical-body, metaphor, biblical-symbols​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​