שָׂמַאל
to use the left hand or pass in that direction)
Definition
The Hebrew verb שָׂמַאל (sâmaʼl) fundamentally means 'to go or turn to the left.' It describes a physical movement or orientation toward the left-hand side. In Genesis 13:9, it is used in a spatial sense, as Abram offers Lot the choice to go either right or left. In a more figurative or directional sense, it can imply taking a specific path, as seen in Isaiah 30:21, where God's voice instructs, 'whether you turn to the right or to the left.' The word can also denote the act of using the left hand, as implied by its connection to the noun for 'left hand' (שְׂמֹאול, H8040).
Biblical Usage
This verb occurs only five times in the Old Testament. It is used in straightforward geographical or directional contexts, such as in Genesis 13:9 and 1 Chronicles 12:2 (describing ambidextrous warriors). It also appears in prophetic or instructional settings, providing guidance on choosing a path, as in Isaiah 30:21 and Ezekiel 21:16 (where it is part of a divination ritual). In 2 Samuel 14:19, it is used metaphorically by the wise woman of Tekoa to describe how nothing escapes the king's understanding.
Etymology
The verb שָׂמַאל is a primitive root and is a denominative verb derived from the noun שְׂמֹאול (H8040), meaning 'the left hand' or 'the left side.' As a verb, it essentially means 'to act with or move toward the left.' There are cognates in other Semitic languages, like Ugaritic and Arabic, with similar meanings related to the left side.
Semantic Range
While primarily a directional term, this word gains theological significance in contexts of divine guidance. In Isaiah 30:21, the instruction to not turn to the right or left symbolizes faithful adherence to God's moral and spiritual path. This frames obedience as a conscious, directional choice, avoiding deviation. Understanding the Hebrew reinforces that following God is an active, continual orientation of one's life.
In the ancient Near East, the left side was often associated with negative omens, weakness, or misfortune (the Latin 'sinister' derives from 'left'). In Israelite culture, the right hand was typically the place of strength and blessing (e.g., God's right hand). Therefore, 'turning left' could culturally imply a less favorable or secondary option, as seen when Abram generously offers Lot first choice in Genesis 13:9, allowing him to choose the visually superior land.
יָמִין (yâmîyn, H3225) — The primary word for 'right hand' or 'south,' representing the opposite direction and often connoting strength and favor.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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