Understanding ἀριστερός (aristeros) Strong’s G710: The Left Hand in Biblical Symbolism and Hidden Spiritual Significance

Pronunciation Guide: ah-ris-ter-OS

Basic Definition

Strong’s G710: ἀριστερός refers to the left side or left hand, both in literal physical orientation and in metaphorical contexts. In biblical usage, it often appears in spatial descriptions and carries cultural connotations related to direction and symbolic meaning. While sometimes associated with lesser status in ancient thinking, its biblical usage often emphasizes divine providence in both “right hand” and “left hand” circumstances.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Adjective
• Root connection: Possibly derived from ἄριστος (aristos, “best”), though the connection is debated
• Usage context: Primarily found in narrative and teaching passages
• Language origin: Classical Greek
• Literary style: Used in both literal and metaphorical contexts

ἀριστερός Morphology:

• ἀριστερός (nominative masculine singular) – left
• ἀριστερά (nominative feminine singular) – left side
• ἀριστερῷ (dative masculine/neuter singular) – to/with the left
• ἀριστερῶν (genitive plural) – of the left ones

Origin & History

The term ἀριστερός has a rich history in classical Greek literature, appearing in works as early as Homer’s Iliad, where it was used in military contexts to describe battlefield formations and shield positions. In Xenophon’s Anabasis, it frequently appears in tactical descriptions of troop movements and positioning.

In the Septuagint, ἀριστερός occurs in various contexts, notably in Genesis 13:9 describing Abraham and Lot’s land division. The early church fathers, particularly Origen in his Homilies on Genesis, used the term both literally and allegorically, drawing spiritual lessons from the concept of “left” versus “right.”

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The physical left side or direction
• That which is situated on or oriented toward the left
• Metaphorically, sometimes indicating lesser status or significance in ancient thought
• In military contexts, the left flank or left-hand position

ἀριστερός Translation Options:

• “Left” – Most common and straightforward translation, appropriate for physical directions
• “Left hand” – When specifically referring to the hand or arm
• “Left side” – When describing relative position or location
• “Sinister” – Though etymologically related in Latin, this negative connotation is generally not present in biblical usage

Biblical Usage

The first appearance of ἀριστερός in the New Testament occurs in Matthew 6:3, where Yeshua teaches about charitable giving: “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” This usage employs the term in a metaphorical teaching context about discretion in charitable acts.

Throughout Scripture, ἀριστερός often appears paired with δεξιός (right), creating comprehensive spatial descriptions or metaphorical completeness. This pairing suggests divine sovereignty over all directions and circumstances.

Key verses include:

• “Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” Matthew 6:3
• “At His left hand was the fire of judgment” 2 Corinthians 6:7
• “On His left they will stand” Matthew 25:33
• “Neither to the right nor to the left would they turn” 2 Kings 22:2

Cultural Insights

In ancient Near Eastern culture, the left hand typically carried associations different from modern Western perspectives. While the right hand was generally preferred for eating and greeting, the left hand had specific practical functions in daily life. This cultural practice influenced biblical imagery but didn’t necessarily carry the negative connotations often assumed by modern readers.

The Jewish tradition of tefillin (phylacteries) involves binding them on the left arm for right-handed individuals, symbolizing binding God’s Word to the weaker hand to acknowledge human dependence on divine strength. This practice illuminates the deeper significance of left-hand references in Scripture.

Theological Significance

The theological usage of ἀριστερός in Scripture reveals God’s sovereignty over all directions and circumstances. While ancient cultures often viewed the left as lesser, biblical usage frequently pairs left and right to express completeness, suggesting that both are under divine authority and purpose.

This understanding challenges simplistic negative associations with “left” and emphasizes that God works through all circumstances – both those we naturally prefer (right hand) and those we might not (left hand). The Messiah’s teaching in Matthew 6:3 uses this directional imagery to convey deep spiritual truth about humility and genuine righteousness.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀριστερός invites us to recognize God’s sovereignty in all circumstances of life – both those we naturally prefer and those we might not. Just as both hands are necessary for wholeness, we can trust that God works through every situation for His glory and our growth.

This word study reminds us that true spiritual maturity involves embracing God’s work in our lives regardless of whether it comes through what we perceive as “right hand” or “left hand” circumstances. As we serve Him, we can trust His perfect wisdom in orchestrating all aspects of our journey.

Related Words

• δεξιός (dexios) – right, right hand, right side. Often paired with ἀριστερός to indicate completeness or totality. See G1188
• εὐώνυμος (euōnymos) – left side, euphemistic term for ἀριστερός. See G2176
• χείρ (cheir) – hand, power, agency. Often modified by ἀριστερός. See G5495

Did you Know?

• The English word “sinister” comes from the Latin word for “left,” but this negative connotation isn’t inherent in the Greek ἀριστερός.
• In ancient Greek military formations, the left side of the phalanx was considered the position of honor because it required the most courage, as soldiers’ shields were carried on their left arms, leaving that side of the formation more vulnerable.
• Modern Hebrew continues to use directional terms similar to biblical usage, with “smol” (left) and “yamin” (right) carrying similar contextual meanings to their ancient counterparts.

Remember This

ἀριστερός reminds us that God’s sovereignty encompasses all directions and circumstances in our lives, teaching us to trust His purpose in both preferred and challenging situations.