יָמַן

yâman /yaw-man'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto be (physically) right (i.e. firm); but used only as denominative from יָמִין and transitive,; to be right-handed or take the right-hand side
KJV usagego (turn) to (on, use) the right hand.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word yâman, represented by H3231, is a primitive root used as a verb meaning to be right-handed or take the right-hand side. It appears 4 times in 4 unique verses in the Bible. Its usage is transitive, describing the action to "go" or "turn" to the right hand.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical usage, H3231 often appears in the context of making a choice or indicating a direction. When Abram and Lot separate, Abram offers Lot a choice, saying, "if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right" Genesis 13:9. The term is also used to describe a unique physical skill, as with the ambidextrous warriors of Benjamin who could "use both the right hand and the left" to wield their weapons 1 Chronicles 12:2. It can also be used figuratively to mean deviating from a path, as when the woman of Tekoa tells King David that no one can "turn to the right hand or to the left" from his spoken words 2 Samuel 14:19.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words clarify the concept of direction and handedness:

  • H3225 yâmîyn (the right hand or side): This noun, from which H3231 is derived, refers to the right hand itself, often associated with strength and dexterity. God promises to uphold His people "with the right hand of my righteousness" Isaiah 41:10.
  • H8041 sâmaʼl (go, turn on the, to the left): This verb is the direct counterpart to H3231 and is used in contrast to it in every instance where H3231 appears, such as in the choice presented by Abram to Lot Genesis 13:9.

Theological Significance

The significance of H3231 is found in its application to decisive action and unwavering adherence.

  • Choosing a Path: The word is central to moments of decision, where a literal direction signifies a major life change, as in the separation of Abram and Lot Genesis 13:9.
  • Exceptional Skill: Its use in 1 Chronicles 12:2 highlights the value of ambidexterity in warfare, where being able to "use the right hand" was the norm, and using both was extraordinary.
  • Inescapable Truth: Figuratively, the inability to "turn to the right hand" represents the direct and unswerving nature of a king's command or a truthful statement, from which there can be no deviation 2 Samuel 14:19.

Summary

In summary, H3231 yâman is a specific verb of action, denoting the act of turning or choosing the right-hand side. While it appears only a few times, it effectively illustrates concepts of literal direction, specialized skill, and figurative adherence to a path or a word. Its consistent pairing with its opposite emphasizes the theme of choice and polarity.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 5 occurrences, inflected in 5 grammatical forms.

  • Hiphil Imperative 2nd Singular Feminine 1×
  • Hiphil Imperfect 1st Singular common gender 1×
  • Hiphil Imperfect 2nd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Hiphil Infinitive Construct 1×
  • Hiphil Participle Plural Masculine Absolute 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Hiphil
The causative stem — the subject causes the action.
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 4 verses across 4 books. Most frequent in Genesis (1 verses).

1
Genesis
1
2 Samuel
1
1 Chronicles
1
Ezekiel

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