Called by Galen "the instrument of instruments." It is the symbol of human action (Psalm 9:16; Job 9:30; Isaiah 1:15; 1 Timothy 2:8). Washing the hands was a symbol of innocence (Psalm 26:6; 73:13; Matthew 27:24), also of sanctification (1 Corinthians 6:11; Isaiah 51:16; Psalm 24:3, 4). In Psalm 77:2 the correct rendering is, as in the Revised Version, "My hand was stretched out," etc., instead of, as in the Authorized Version, "My sore ran in the night," etc.

The right hand denoted the south, and the left the north (Job 23:9; 1 Samuel 23:19). To give the right hand was a pledge of fidelity (2 Kings 10:15; Ezra 10:19); also of submission to the victors (Ezek. 17:18; Jeremiah 50:15). The right hand was lifted up in taking an oath (Genesis 14:22, etc.). The hand is frequently mentioned, particularly the right hand, as a symbol of power and strength (Psalm 60:5; Isaiah 28:2). To kiss the hand is an act of homage (1 Kings 19:18; Job 31:27), and to pour water on one's hands is to serve him (2 Kings 3:11). The hand of God is the symbol of his power: its being upon one denotes favour (Ezra 7:6, 28; Isaiah 1:25; Luke 1:66, etc.) or punishment (Exodus 9:3; Judges 2:15; Acts 13:11, etc.). A position at the right hand was regarded as the chief place of honour and power (Psalm 45:9; 80:17; 110:1; Matthew 26:64).

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) That part of the fore limb below the forearm or wrist in man and monkeys, and the corresponding part in many other animals; manus; paw. See Manus.

2. (n.) That which resembles, or to some extent performs the office of, a human hand

3. (n.) A limb of certain animals, as the foot of a hawk, or any one of the four extremities of a monkey.

4. (n.) An index or pointer on a dial; as, the hour or minute hand of a clock.

5. (n.) A measure equal to a hand's breadth, -- four inches; a palm. Chiefly used in measuring the height of horses.

6. (n.) Side; part; direction, either right or left.

7. (n.) Power of performance; means of execution; ability; skill; dexterity.

8. (n.) Actual performance; deed; act; workmanship; agency; hence, manner of performance.

9. (n.) An agent; a servant, or laborer; a workman, trained or competent for special service or duty; a performer more or less skillful; as, a deck hand; a farm hand; an old hand at speaking.

10. (n.) Handwriting; style of penmanship; as, a good, bad or running hand. Hence, a signature.

11. (n.) Personal possession; ownership; hence, control; direction; management; -- usually in the plural.

12. (n.) Agency in transmission from one person to another; as, to buy at first hand, that is, from the producer, or when new; at second hand, that is, when no longer in the producer's hand, or when not new.

13. (n.) Rate; price.

14. (n.) That which is, or may be, held in a hand at once

15. (n.) The quota of cards received from the dealer.

16. (n.) A bundle of tobacco leaves tied together.

17. (n.) The small part of a gunstock near the lock, which is grasped by the hand in taking aim.

18. (v. t.) To give, pass, or transmit with the hand; as, he handed them the letter.

19. (v. t.) To lead, guide, or assist with the hand; to conduct; as, to hand a lady into a carriage.

20. (v. t.) To manage; as, I hand my oar.

21. (v. t.) To seize; to lay hands on.

22. (v. t.) To pledge by the hand; to handfast.

23. (v. t.) To furl; -- said of a sail.

24. (v. i.) To cooperate.