Topical Encyclopedia
The term "Leftest" is not found in the Bible; however, the concept of "left" and its symbolic meanings can be explored within the biblical context. In Scripture, the right hand is often associated with strength, favor, and authority, while the left hand can symbolize the opposite, though not always in a negative sense.
Symbolism of the Left HandIn biblical literature, the right hand is frequently mentioned as a place of honor and power. For example, Jesus is described as sitting at the right hand of God (
Mark 16:19: "After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God"). The left hand, by contrast, is less frequently mentioned and can sometimes imply a position of lesser honor or authority.
Judgment and SeparationOne of the most notable references to the left in the Bible is found in the parable of the sheep and the goats in
Matthew 25:31-46. In this passage, Jesus describes the final judgment where the righteous are placed on His right and the unrighteous on His left.
Matthew 25:33 states, "He will place the sheep on His right and the goats on His left." This separation signifies the distinction between those who have followed God's will and those who have not.
Wisdom and PrudenceThe book of Ecclesiastes offers another perspective on the symbolism of the left.
Ecclesiastes 10:2 states, "A wise man’s heart inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left." Here, the right is associated with wisdom and prudence, while the left is linked to folly. This verse underscores the biblical theme of choosing the path of wisdom and righteousness over foolishness and sin.
Cultural and Historical ContextIn ancient Near Eastern cultures, the right hand was typically seen as the dominant and more favorable side, which is reflected in biblical language and symbolism. The left hand, while not inherently negative, was often considered secondary. This cultural understanding can help explain the biblical usage of "right" and "left" in various passages.
Practical ImplicationsWhile the Bible does not explicitly condemn the left hand or those who are left-handed, the symbolic use of "left" in Scripture serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning oneself with God's will and wisdom. Believers are encouraged to seek righteousness and to be counted among those who are metaphorically placed at the right hand of God, enjoying His favor and blessing.
In summary, while the term "Leftest" is not a biblical concept, the symbolic use of "left" in Scripture provides insight into themes of judgment, wisdom, and cultural perceptions of honor and authority.
Library
Here Followeth the History of Tobit
... When thou prayedst with tears and didst bury the dead men andleftest thy dinner
and hiddest dead men by the day in thine house, and in the night thou buriedst...
An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of...
... that is, doctrine,] was thy covering; as the sardius, topaz, diamond," &c., "till
iniquity was found in thee" (Ezekiel 28:13-18); till thouleftest thy station...
Thesaurus
Leftest (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance
Leftest (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 9:28 But after
they had rest, they did evil again before thee: therefore
...Left (3923 Occurrences)
Lefthanded (2 Occurrences)
Hearedest (2 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 9:28 But after they had rest, they did evil again before thee: therefore
thouleftest them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion...
Heardest (15 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 9:28 But after they had rest, they did evil again before thee: therefore
leftest thou them in the land of their enemies, so that they had the dominion...
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