Palm (of The Hand)
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Palm (of The Hand) in the Bible?
The Hebrew word pam (kaph) refers to the hollow hand that receives or grasps things, used in various senses including filling the priest's hands with sacrificial portions and God answering the repentant people of Jerusalem.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the physical mechanics of the hand clarifies the tangible nature of covenantal rituals and divine interaction described in the biblical text.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Palm (of The Hand). Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Palm (of The Hand) in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Palm (of The Hand) clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Palm (of The Hand)." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/palm-of-the-hand/