The meaning of “שָׂמַאל”
Understanding sâmaʼl reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
(go, turn) (on the, to the) left. - to use the left hand or pass in that direction) 1) to take the left, go to the left ...
שָׂמַאל
(go, turn) (on the, to the) left. - to use the left hand or pass in that direction) 1) to take the left, go to the left 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to go to the left 1a2) to turn (aside) to the left (fig) 1a3) to use the left hand
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 13:9 | “Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.” Word: שָׂמַאל (sâmaʼl) | |
| 2 Samuel 14:19 | “And the king said, Is not the hand of Joab with thee in all this? And the woman answered and said, As thy soul liveth, my lord the king, none can turn to the right hand or to the left from ought that my lord the king hath spoken: for thy servant Joab, he bade me, and he put all these words in the mouth of thine handmaid:” Word: שָׂמַאל (sâmaʼl) | |
| 1 Chronicles 12:2 | “They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow, even of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin.” Word: שָׂמַאל (sâmaʼl) | |
| Isaiah 30:21 | “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” Word: שָׂמַאל (sâmaʼl) | |
| Ezekiel 21:16 | “Go thee one way or other, either on the right hand, or on the left, whithersoever thy face is set.” Word: שָׂמַאל (sâmaʼl) |