δεξιός (dexios)
dexios
right
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 54 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective dexios simply denotes "right" or "on the right side," referring to the direction or hand that most people use for primary tasks. In the New Testament, it appears in literal contexts, such as Jesus’ instruction to pluck out a right eye if it causes sin (Matthew 5:29) and Peter’s strike against Malchus with his right sword (John 18:10). It also describes physical locations, like the soldiers crucifying Jesus on his right side (Mark 15:27).
Beyond its spatial meaning, the word carries significant metaphorical weight regarding status and power. Sitting at the right hand of a king was the position of highest honor and authority, as seen when James and John ask for seats at Jesus’ right and left in the kingdom (Mark 10:37). This imagery is central to Christian theology, describing Christ’s exalted session at the right hand of God the Father (Hebrews 1:13; Matthew 26:64), signifying his completed work and sovereign rule.
The term connects to ancient cultural norms where the right hand symbolized strength and favor. In Acts 2:33, Peter explains that Jesus received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father’s right hand, linking authority with the giving of spiritual gifts. Translators consistently render dexios as "right" or "right hand," preserving both the physical direction and the hierarchical honor it represents in Scripture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word dexios points to the right side, a place of honor and strength in ancient culture. When Jesus speaks of turning the other cheek or keeping our giving secret, He uses this simple directional term to ground spiritual discipline in everyday physical reality. It reminds us that faith is not abstract; it lives in our hands, our eyes, and our daily interactions.
More profoundly, Scripture places Christ at the right hand of God. This is not just a location but a position of authority and completed work. For believers, this offers deep assurance. The One who suffered on the cross now reigns in power, interceding for us and pouring out grace. We rest in the knowledge that our Savior holds all things together.
This imagery invites us to look beyond our immediate struggles to the eternal reality of Christ’s rule. It is a source of comfort and hope, reminding us that our lives are held by His sovereign hand.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 54 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] right hand19×
- right hand15×
- right12×
- right [hand]2×
- right;1×
- right.1×
- right,1×
- [the] right hands1×
- [the] right [hand]1×
- [the] right1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δεξιῶν22×
- δεξιᾷ13×
- δεξιᾶς4×
- δεξιὰν4×
- δεξιά2×
- δεξιὰ2×
- δεξιῶν,1×
- δεξιόν·1×
- δεξιόν.1×
- δεξιὸς1×
- δεξιὸν1×
- δεξιὰς1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 25:34
Then the King will tell those on his right hand, ‘Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world;
This verse uses the right hand to signify the place of blessed inheritance, showing how the word marks those who receive God's favor.
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Mark 16:19
So then the Lord, after he had spoken to them, was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.
Here the term describes Christ’s exalted position after His resurrection, confirming His authority over all creation.
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Matthew 5:29
If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna.
Jesus uses this literal body part to illustrate the serious cost of avoiding sin, grounding spiritual urgency in physical reality.
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Luke 1:11
An angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.
The angel’s position at the right side of the altar highlights the sacredness of prayer and divine presence in worship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does dexios mean in the New Testament?
Why is the right hand significant in Scripture?
Does dexios only refer to physical location?
Every Occurrence (54 verses across 13 books)
Matthew 12 verses
If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you…
Matthew 5:30If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you…
Matthew 5:39But I tell you, don’t resist him who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.
Matthew 6:3But when you do merciful deeds, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand does,
Matthew 20:21He said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Command that these, my two sons, may sit, one on your right hand…
Matthew 20:23He said to them, “You will indeed drink my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on…
Matthew 22:44‘The Lord said to my Lord, sit on my right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’?
Matthew 25:33He will set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Matthew 25:34Then the King will tell those on his right hand, ‘Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from…
Matthew 26:64Jesus said to him, “You have said so. Nevertheless, I tell you, after this you will see the Son of Man sitting at the…
Matthew 27:29They braided a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and a reed in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him…
Matthew 27:38Then there were two robbers crucified with him, one on his right hand and one on the left.