In a culture that is increasingly polarized, it can be easy to forget that we are all human beings with different perspectives and experiences. One area where this is especially evident is in the way we use our hands. For centuries, right-handedness has been seen as the norm, while left-handedness has been stigmatized as being somehow “wrong.” But is this fair? Are left-handed people sinful, as some Christians believe?
What Does Scripture Say?
The Bible does not specifically address the issue of left-handedness, but there are a few verses that could be interpreted as references to it. For example, in Deuteronomy 5:14, Moses says, “But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God; on it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter or your male servant or your female servant or your livestock or the stranger who is within your gates.” Here, the word “left” (צָפוֹן) can be translated as “north,” which some scholars believe is a reference to the fact that most people are right-handed and therefore would have their left hand free on the Sabbath.
Another verse that has been used to support the idea that left-handedness is sinful is Ecclesiastes 10:2, which says, “A wise man’s heart inclines to the right, but a fool’s heart to the left.” Again, the word “left” (שְׂמאל) can be translated as “south,” which some believe is a reference to the fact that most people are right-handed and therefore would have their left hand free on the Sabbath.
However, these interpretations are far from conclusive, and there are other verses that could just as easily be interpreted as references to right-handedness being sinful. For example, in Isaiah 53:6, we read that “the LORD has laid on him [the Messiah] the iniquity of us all.” The word “laid” (נָשַׂ֥א) can be translated as “raised,” which some believe is a reference to the fact that most people are right-handed and therefore would have their left hand free on the Sabbath.
Conclusion:
There is no evidence from Scripture that left handedness is sinful. However, what we do know is that God created each of us unique individuals, and that includes our handedness. Whether you are left-handed or right-handed, know that you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14)!
