“The Right Hand of God”

Joseph F. McConkie, Robert L. Millet

The right hand or side is called the dexter and the left the sinister. Dexter connotes something favorable; sinister, on the other hand, suggests something unfavorable or unfortunate.

The Lord has frequently utilized this distinction to contrast the blessed state of those who are loyal to him and keep the commandments (those on his right hand) and the pitiable condition of those who come to know his wrath and displeasure (those on his left hand).

“Fear thou not,” Jehovah spoke through Isaiah, “for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee: yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10). Likewise the Psalmist wrote: “The Lord [Elohim] said unto my Lord [Jehovah], Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool” (Psalms 110:1; cf. Matthew 22:44).

In the words of the Savior, the sheep—those entitled to his blessings-shall sit on his right hand, while the goats-those worthy of punishment and rejection-shall sit on his left (Matthew 25:31-46). Those found on the right hand of Christ “know the name by which [they are] called; ... the name of Christ. ”

Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 2

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