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G710 · Greek · New Testament
ἀριστερός
Aristeros
Adjective
Left / Left Hand

Definition

The Greek adjective aristeros means left, on the left side, the left hand. It appears in Matthew and Mark in the crucifixion accounts (the bandits crucified on either side of Jesus) and in 2 Corinthians 6:7 in Paul's list of ministerial virtues.

Usage & Theological Significance

In the ancient world, the left side carried negative associations — the Latin sinister means 'on the left' — while the right hand was the place of honor, blessing, and power (Psalm 110:1; Matthew 26:64). Yet Paul's use of aristeros in 2 Corinthians 6:7 is deliberate and subversive: the minister of God wields 'weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left' — total readiness, total availability, no defensive posture withheld. Both hands are weapons of righteousness. The crucifixion scenes remind readers that Christ's death was flanked on both sides (left and right) — one thief mocking, one repenting (Luke 23:39-43). The Son of Man crucified between criminals fulfills Isaiah 53:12 — 'he was numbered with the transgressors.'

Key Bible Verses

2 Corinthians 6:7With weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left (aristeros).
Matthew 27:38Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left (aristeros).
Matthew 25:33He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left (aristeros).
Luke 23:33When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals — one on his right, the other on his left (aristeros).
Matthew 6:3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.

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