Is Being Left-Handed a Sin in the Bible?

The left side of the body has frequently been referred to as a bad omen. Does this mean that being left-handed is a sin? In this article, we’re going to look at the biblical symbolism associated with left-handedness.

The Bible’s Stand About Being Left-Handed

Even though the Bible primarily refers to the Lord’s right hand because it is typically the dominant hand, this is not a criticism of lefties.

Being left-handed has many benefits, and I believe it to be quite distinctive.

The Bible does mention instances of characters adopting societal conventions, but it doesn’t say that the custom of criticizing one’s left side is legitimate. Manasseh, Joseph’s elder son, received a less significant blessing from Isaac using his left hand, but it was still a nice blessing (Genesis 48:14, 19).

Left-handed warriors were prized for their combat prowess (Judges 3:15-21; 20:16; 1 Chronicles 12:2). Being seated on the king’s left was still a highly prized position of authority and power, as Matthew 20:21 demonstrates.

The Bible places a lot of value on a person’s right hand or right side. The Lord of David would be seated at the right hand of God, according to Psalm 110:1. Jesus connected Himself with the prophecy in Matthew 26:64 and Mark 14:62, and Stephen witnessed its fulfillment in Acts 7:56. The right hand is associated with strength in Exodus 15:6 and Psalm 118:16, and with a fellowship in Galatians 2:9.

The best that might be said about right-handedness from a scriptural, scientific, historical, and cultural perspective, in my opinion, is that it is an “ideal”. Nothing is wrong with the church promoting biblical principles.

Jesus contends that some customs, such as celibacy, are more difficult for most people to uphold than they should be (Matt. 19:11-12). Similarly, since the apostle Paul mandates that officials and deacons be the husband of a single wife, it follows that lay members must uphold that standard (1 Timothy 3:2).

I believe that leftists should be treated the same as right-handed people. We should be sympathetic toward left-handed people rather than making fun of them. If we believe in Christ’s atonement, then we are all justified, and we must cease viewing some crimes as “unpardonable.”

Is it a Sin to be a Left-Handed Person?

Being left-handed according to the biblical message, we regard God as the origin of all things. As a result, having a left hand from birth is not a sin.

You are a creation of God. You were given this physical makeup to fulfill a specific role and destiny. God did something on purpose, so it cannot be a sin. Therefore, stop feeling guilty about being left-handed.

If an accident or injury forces you to switch from using your right hand, becoming left-handed is not a sin. Your fault is not in this. Your energy level and destiny are unaffected by the shift.

In terms of culture, the right hand has received significantly more respect than the left. However, there is no justification in the Bible. Any contemporary manifestations of left-handed discrimination are rooted in old folklore.

God has made you the way you are for a reason, just as he did with all the prophets in the Bible. You have a divine mission to carry out, as evidenced by your left-handedness.

Consequently, be aware that being left-handed is not the same as the biblical message of the left side. Therefore, it is incorrect to believe that being left-handed is a symbol of rejection or hellfire.

Is it a Weakness to be a Left-Handed Person?

According to the Bible, the right hand is the hand of might (Exodus 15:6; Psalm 118:16). A place of honor is thought to be at someone’s right hand (Psalm 110:1). Scripture consistently favors the right hand over the left hand (Genesis 48:13-18; Galatians 2:9).

What does this have to do with lefties? Is being left-handed viewed as a weakness or a curse? No. The emphasis placed on “the right hand” in the Bible is just a mirror of reality. Between 85% and 90% of people are right-handed, and the dominant arm is nearly usually stronger than the opposite arm. Therefore, the right hand is stronger in the vast majority of persons. As a result, the right hand is a representation of power and prestige in the Bible.

There are no unfavorable implications for left-handed individuals in this. It is merely a symbolic issue. Every time a left-handed person is mentioned in the Bible, their left-handedness is not portrayed as a flaw.

Israel’s Ehud was a judge who ruled with his left hand and was a mighty warrior (Judges 3:15-21). When the Bible writes about left-handed people, it presents it as a strength rather than a weakness, such as when it mentions ambidextrous bowmen in First Chronicles 12:2 or 700 left-handed combatants who could sling a stone and not miss in Judges 20:16.

Sitting at someone’s left hand is still a position of honor, even though it is not as noble as sitting at their right hand (Matthew 20:21). The second-most prestigious seat was that which was direct to one’s left. It wasn’t like people on the right had a higher status than those on the left. Because the right hand tends to be stronger than the left, it is utilized in the Bible as a symbol of strength. This is not intended to be offensive to left-handed persons.

Bottom Line

Indeed, left-handers used to face discrimination. Now that we are wiser, We need to be careful not to judge people harshly for issues that only serve to highlight the complexity of the human condition.

Some Christians might find it challenging to grasp the idea that we are all individual beings. God wants us to cherish and value one another. Instead of condemning and judging people who are different from us, we should let mercy prevail over our judgment (Jam. 2:13).

Pastor Christopher Turk
Pastor Christopher Turk

Christopher was the lead elder/pastor of the local Christian church in Penticton, British Columbia but he was forced to close his church due to a COVID-19 impact. He has a dedication to serving his Lord's church and a pulpit competence that honors the legacy of his predecessor. Christopher is a passionate visionary for the Lord and His Kingdom! His church ministry background spans over 30 years of full-time service. Support Christian by buying him a coffee.

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