δεξιός
dexiós
G1188 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Having to do with the right side, especially the right hand; pertaining to or located on the right as opposed to the left. In broader contexts, denotes right as a direction, side of honor, or designated position, commonly associated with the right hand of a person or of a thing. Can be used adjectivally ('right, on the right side') or substantivally ('right hand, right side'). In figurative contexts, may refer to a position of honor or favor.
Semantic Range
right (directional), right hand, right side, position of honor, of the right (person), favorable/fortunate (in some contexts)
Root / Etymology
From the root δέχ- (as in δέχομαι, 'to receive'), originally referring to 'the receiving hand' (i.e., the right hand, traditionally used for taking, giving, or greeting).
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, δεξιός is the standard term for 'right' (as opposed to ἀριστερός, 'left'). The term was associated with positive attributes—skill, strength, favor, honor—since most people are right-handed, and the right side was traditionally considered auspicious or honored in many cultural contexts. In the Septuagint, δεξιός commonly renders Hebrew יָמִין (yamin), again emphasizing the right hand or side as one of power, blessing, or authority. In the New Testament, being at the 'right hand' (ἐκ δεξιῶν, ἐν δεξιᾷ) indicates proximity to power or honor (e.g., Mark 16:19). English translations often render either the adjective ('right') or the noun ('right hand/side'), but the Greek may bear connotations of favor or rank that are not always explicit in translation. The left/right distinction in Greek can carry social or cultural valuation that should not be overlooked. δεξιός can function as an adjective modifying 'hand' (χειρ) or stand alone in contexts where the referent is understood.
Translation Consistency
Most common and natural English equivalent across contexts — covers directional sense (on the right), the substantive sense (right hand/right side), and figurative sense (position of honor/favor). It is the single-word form that preserves consistency and matches the majority of existing renderings.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from δέχομαι; the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes):--right (hand, side).
Root Family
δεξιός (dexios) — right (as opposed to left), right side, right hand
Word Forms
6 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1188-05 |
δεξιῶν | dexion | ADJ.S GEN N PL |
right | of the right sides | of the right sides | 26 |
G1188-01 |
δεξιά | dexia | ADJ.S NOM F SG |
right hand | the right hand | the right hand | 17 |
G1188-03 |
δεξιᾶς | dexias | ADJ.A GEN F SG |
right | of the right hand | of the right hand | 5 |
G1188-02 |
δεξιὰν | dexian | ADJ.A ACC F SG |
right hand | right hand | right hand | 4 |
G1188-04 |
δεξιοῖς | dexiois | ADJ.S DAT N PL |
right | to the right sides | right sides | 1 |
G1188-06 |
δεξιὸς | dexios | ADJ.R NOM M SG |
right | right (masculine singular) | right | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
54 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1188-06 |
Matthew 5:29 | δεξιὸς | dexios | ADJ.R NOM M SG |
right | right (masculine singular) | right |
G1188-01 |
Matthew 5:30 | δεξιά | dexia | ADJ.S NOM F SG |
right | the right hand | the right hand |
G1188-02 |
Matthew 5:39 | δεξιὰν | dexian | ADJ.A ACC F SG |
right | right hand | right hand |
G1188-01 |
Matthew 6:3 | δεξιά | dexia | ADJ.S NOM F SG |
right | the right hand | the right hand |
G1188-05 |
Matthew 20:21 | δεξιῶν | dexion | ADJ.S GEN N PL |
your right | of the right sides | of the right sides |
G1188-05 |
Matthew 20:23 | δεξιῶν | dexion | ADJ.S GEN N PL |
right hand | of the right sides | of the right sides |
G1188-05 |
Matthew 22:44 | δεξιῶν | dexion | ADJ.S GEN N PL |
right | of the right sides | of the right sides |
G1188-05 |
Matthew 25:33 | δεξιῶν | dexion | ADJ.S GEN N PL |
right | of the right sides | of the right sides |
G1188-05 |
Matthew 25:34 | δεξιῶν | dexion | ADJ.S GEN N PL |
right | of the right sides | of the right sides |
G1188-05 |
Matthew 26:64 | δεξιῶν | dexion | ADJ.S GEN N PL |
right hand | of the right sides | of the right sides |