ἀριστερός (aristeros)
aristeros
left
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word aristeros simply means "left" or "on the left side." It functions as a straightforward directional adjective in the New Testament, describing physical position without inherent positive or negative moral weight. In the Septuagint, it translates the Hebrew term for the left hand, establishing a consistent spatial reference across both Testaments.
While modern culture often associates the left with negativity, the biblical text uses aristeros primarily to locate objects or people in space. For instance, it appears in Mark 10:37 and Luke 23:33 to describe the specific placement of criminals on either side of Jesus during crucifixion. It also occurs in Matthew 6:3 regarding giving alms quietly, where the action is performed with the left hand to avoid drawing attention.
Its usage remains strictly literal throughout the New Testament. Unlike some terms that carry metaphorical layers of shame or blessing in ancient Near Eastern contexts, aristeros here serves a descriptive purpose. It grounds the narrative in physical reality, helping readers visualize scenes such as the two thieves flanking Christ or the discreet nature of charitable giving.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aristeros simply means "left." In Scripture, it serves as a practical tool for spatial description rather than a moral judgment. While modern culture sometimes associates the left side with disadvantage, the biblical text uses this term to ground narratives in physical reality. It helps us visualize specific scenes, such as the precise placement of individuals or objects within a story.
Consider the instruction in Matthew 6:3 about giving alms. Here, the phrase "left hand" illustrates discretion. The imagery suggests keeping charitable acts private and humble, avoiding public display. This literal usage reminds us that God values sincerity over spectacle. The direction itself carries no inherent shame; it merely locates an action in space.
Similarly, in accounts of the crucifixion, the term places Jesus between two criminals. This physical arrangement highlights the reality of his suffering and the gravity of the moment. By using straightforward directional language, the Gospel writers invite us to see these events as historical occurrences. We can trust that the biblical text accurately conveys the setting without adding hidden symbolic layers where none exist.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- left [hand]2×
- for [the] left,1×
- [the] left.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀριστερῶν.1×
- ἀριστερῶν,1×
- ἀριστερῶν1×
- ἀριστερά1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 6:3
But when you do merciful deeds, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand does,
This verse uses the term to illustrate the humility of private giving, ensuring the act remains unseen by others.
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Mark 10:37
They said to him, “Grant to us that we may sit, one at your right hand and one at your left hand, in your glory.”
The disciples request a position at the left hand to signify honor and authority beside Jesus in his future kingdom.
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Luke 23:33
When they came to the place that is called “The Skull”, they crucified him there with the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.
This occurrence places one criminal on the left side of Jesus, establishing the physical reality of the crucifixion scene.