from יָמַן; the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south; [phrase] left-handed, right (hand, side), south.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yâmîyn**, represented by `{{H3225}}`, primarily refers to the **right hand or side**. It appears 139 times across 133 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning extends from the literal right hand, eye, or leg to the direction of the **south**, and it often symbolizes strength and dexterity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H3225}}` is used in several key contexts. It is a powerful symbol of God's direct support and saving power, as seen in phrases like "I will uphold thee with the **right hand** of my righteousness" [[Isaiah 41:10]] and "thy **right hand** shall save me" [[Psalms 138:7]]. It also signifies the highest position of honor and authority, with the LORD inviting David's Lord to "Sit thou at my **right hand**" [[Psalms 110:1]]. The term is also used as a directional command, instructing believers not to turn from the law "to the **right hand** or to the left" [[Joshua 1:7]], and geographically to denote the **south** [[Psalms 89:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts associated with the right hand:
* `{{H8040}}` **sᵉmôʼwl** (left (hand, side)): This word is the direct counterpart to `{{H3225}}` and is frequently used in parallel to denote opposite directions or a complete scope, as seen in the command not to turn "to the **right hand** or to the **left**" [[Deuteronomy 5:32]].
* `{{H3027}}` **yâd** (a hand): This is the general term for a hand. It is often paired with `{{H3225}}` to specify which hand is being referenced, such as "thy **right** `{{H3225}}` **hand** `{{H3027}}` hath holden me up" [[Psalms 18:35]].
* `{{H2220}}` **zᵉrôwaʻ** (arm, help, mighty, power, shoulder, strength): This term, often signifying strength, appears alongside `{{H3225}}` to emphasize God's mighty power, as in the declaration that God's "**right hand**, and his holy **arm**, hath gotten him the victory" [[Psalms 98:1]].
* `{{H334}}` **ʼiṭṭêr** (left-handed): This word describes being impeded in the use of the right hand. It is used in the description of Ehud, a Benjamite deliverer who was a **lefthanded** man [[Judges 3:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3225}}` is immense, representing key aspects of God's character and his relationship with his people.
* **Divine Power and Victory:** The right hand of the LORD is consistently portrayed as the instrument of His power and salvation. It is His **right hand** that becomes "glorious in power" and dashes the enemy in pieces [[Exodus 15:6]], and it is by His **right hand**, not their own strength, that Israel gains possession of the land [[Psalms 44:3]].
* **Position of Honor:** To be at the right hand is to be in the place of highest honor and authority. This is seen when the LORD invites the Messiah to sit at His **right hand** [[Psalms 110:1]] and when the queen stands at the king's **right hand** in gold of Ophir [[Psalms 45:9]].
* **God's Personal Support:** The image of God's right hand is used to convey His intimate care and sustaining help for believers. He promises, "I the LORD thy God will hold thy **right hand**" [[Isaiah 41:13]], and the psalmist declares, "thou hast holden me by my **right** hand" [[Psalms 73:23]].
* **Source of Eternal Pleasure:** The right hand of God is synonymous with His blessed presence, where believers find ultimate satisfaction. The psalmist exclaims, "at thy **right hand** there are pleasures for evermore" [[Psalms 16:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3225}}` **yâmîyn** is a word rich with significance. While its literal meaning refers to the right side or the south, its theological usage elevates it to a powerful symbol of divine strength, ultimate honor, and God's unwavering support for His people. From the hand that saves and upholds to the place of eternal pleasure, **yâmîyn** is a cornerstone for understanding God's victorious power and personal care for the righteous.
TRV