What does the Bible say about raising hands?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible presents raised hands as a fitting outward expression of prayer, worship, dependence, and holy surrender to God, though true devotion comes from a heart made right with him. Moses lifted his hands during Israel's battle, visibly showing their reliance on the Lord's power in Exodus 17:11. The Psalms repeatedly connect uplifted hands with blessing God, earnest prayer, and longing for his presence, as in Psalms 28:2, 63:4, 119:48, 134:2, and 141:2. Nehemiah 8:6 records the people raising their hands in reverent response to God's Word. Paul likewise urges believers in 1 Timothy 2:8 to pray with holy hands, free from anger and quarreling.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Exodus 17:11 9 votes
When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed. When he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.
- 1 Timothy 2:8 6 votes
I desire therefore that the men in every place pray, lifting up holy hands without anger and doubting.
- Psalms 134:2 6 votes
Lift up your hands in the sanctuary. Praise Yahweh!
- Psalms 28:2 6 votes
Hear the voice of my petitions, when I cry to you, when I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.
- Nehemiah 8:6 5 votes
Then Ezra blessed Yahweh, the great God. All the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” with the lifting up of their hands. They bowed their heads, and worshiped Yahweh with their faces to the ground.
- Psalms 63:4 5 votes
So I will bless you while I live. I will lift up my hands in your name.
- 1 Kings 8:22 5 votes
Solomon stood before Yahweh’s altar in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands toward heaven;
- Psalms 119:48 4 votes
I reach out my hands for your commandments, which I love. I will meditate on your statutes.
- Psalms 141:2 4 votes
Let my prayer be set before you like incense; the lifting up of my hands like the evening sacrifice.
- 1 Kings 8:54 3 votes
It was so, that when Solomon had finished praying all this prayer and supplication to Yahweh, he arose from before Yahweh’s altar, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread out toward heaven.
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