ἀριστερός

on the left hand

Definition

The adjective ἀριστερός (aristeros) fundamentally means 'on the left hand' or 'left.' In the New Testament, it is used in its literal, spatial sense to describe physical placement, such as the thieves crucified on Jesus's left and right (Luke 23:33). It also carries a metaphorical sense of concealment or secrecy, as seen in Jesus's teaching about giving alms in a way that your 'left hand does not know what your right hand is doing' (Matthew 6:3). In 2 Corinthians 6:7, Paul uses it in a list of contrasting conditions ('by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report'), where 'left' likely symbolizes the negative or dishonorable side of the pair.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only three times in the New Testament, appearing in the Gospels and Paul's letters. In Matthew 6:3, it is used metaphorically in a teaching on piety. In Luke 23:33, it is used literally to describe the scene of the crucifixion. In 2 Corinthians 6:7, it appears in a rhetorical list of contrasts, paired with 'right' (δεξιός, G1188), to describe the spectrum of experiences in apostolic ministry.

Etymology

Derived from the root 'risteros,' with an alpha privative prefix (ἀ-), which typically denotes negation or absence. Its formation suggests an original sense of something 'not right' or 'not favorable,' as the right side was culturally associated with strength, skill, and good fortune. This negative connotation influenced its metaphorical uses.

Semantic Range

While primarily a spatial term, its use in Matthew 6:3 enriches the understanding of sincere, God-focused piety that seeks no human recognition. Its appearance in 2 Corinthians 6:7 as part of a stark contrast highlights the paradoxes of authentic Christian ministry, which endures both honor and dishonor for the sake of the gospel. Understanding its cultural weight as the 'unfavorable' side deepens the impact of these passages.

In the ancient Greco-Roman and Jewish world, the left side (sinistra in Latin) was widely associated with bad omens, weakness, or misfortune, in contrast to the favorable right side. This cultural bias is embedded in the word's etymology and informs its metaphorical use to represent secrecy (Matthew 6:3) and dishonor (2 Corinthians 6:7).

εὐώνυμος (euōnymos, G2176) — A more common synonym for 'left,' literally meaning 'of good name,' but used as a euphemism to avoid the ill-omened direct term.

Word Details

Scripture References