from יָמַן; right (i.e. at the right hand); (on the) right (hand).
Transliteration:yᵉmânîy
Pronunciation:yem-aw-nee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word yᵉmânîy (`{{H3233}}`) is an adjective derived from the root yāman, which is closely related to the noun yāmîn (`{{H3225}}`), meaning "right hand" or "south." Its primary meaning is "right" or "on the right hand." Due to the ancient Israelite practice of facing east for orientation, the "right hand" naturally pointed south. Thus, yᵉmânîy can also denote the direction "south" or "southward." The semantic range encompasses both a literal physical direction or position and, by extension, a metaphorical sense of a chosen path or course of action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
yᵉmânîy (`{{H3233}}`) appears in various Old Testament contexts, predominantly to indicate direction or position relative to a viewer or a path.
* **Geographical and Navigational Direction:**
* In [[Genesis 13:9]], Abraham offers Lot a choice of land, saying, "if you take the left, then I will go to the right; or if you take the right, then I will go to the left." Here, yᵉmânîy clearly indicates a geographical direction, likely referring to the south.
* Similarly, in travel narratives, it specifies the intended route. [[Numbers 20:17]] and [[Numbers 20:27]] describe Israel's request to pass through Edom, promising not to turn "to the right hand or to the left," emphasizing their intention to stay on a straight path. This is reiterated in [[Deuteronomy 2:27]].
* **Adherence to a Prescribed Path (Literal and Figurative):**
* The phrase "not turn aside to the right hand or to the left" becomes a powerful idiom for unwavering obedience to divine commands. [[Deuteronomy 5:32]] instructs Israel to "walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may not turn aside to the right hand or to the left."
* This injunction is given directly to Joshua regarding the Law in [[Joshua 1:7]]: "Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go." It appears again in [[Joshua 23:6]] as a warning.
* King Josiah's righteous reign is described in [[2 Kings 22:2]] and [[2 Chronicles 34:2]] by stating that he "did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left," signifying his steadfast faithfulness to God's ways.
* In wisdom literature, [[Proverbs 4:27]] advises, "Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil," linking the straight path with moral integrity.
* [[Isaiah 30:21]] presents a comforting promise of divine guidance: "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left." This suggests God's continuous guidance even if one momentarily deviates.
* **General Direction or Choice:**
* [[Genesis 24:49]] uses the phrase "to the right hand or to the left" in Abraham's servant's plea to Rebekah's family, signifying a clear decision or path forward.
* [[2 Samuel 14:19]] employs it in a more metaphorical sense in Joab's clever speech to David, implying a thorough and discerning consideration of options.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **yāmîn (`{{H3225}}`):** This is the direct noun from which yᵉmânîy is derived. yāmîn means "right hand," "right side," or "south." It carries significant theological weight, often symbolizing strength, power, honor, and divine favor (e.g., God's "right hand" as the source of salvation and victory). While yᵉmânîy primarily focuses on direction, it inherently carries the positive connotations associated with the "right" side.
* **sᵉmō'l (`{{H8040}}`):** The direct antonym, meaning "left hand" or "north." The pairing of yᵉmânîy and sᵉmō'l (right and left) is crucial for understanding the full spectrum of directional and metaphorical choices presented in the text.
* **yāman (`{{H3231}}`):** The verbal root, meaning "to go to the right," "to use the right hand," or "to be prosperous/successful." This root connects the direction "right" with positive outcomes and actions, reinforcing the idea of a "right" path leading to blessing.
* **Straightness and Deviation:** The recurring idiom of "not turning to the right or left" is a powerful metaphor for maintaining a straight, undeviating path. This concept is foundational to biblical ethics and the call to walk blamelessly before God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of yᵉmânîy (`{{H3233}}`) is primarily found in its contribution to the pervasive biblical theme of *obedience* and *divine guidance*.
* **Unwavering Obedience to God's Law:** The most prominent theological import lies in the repeated command "not to turn aside to the right hand or to the left" when referring to the Law of God (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 5:32]], [[Joshua 1:7]]). This idiom underscores the necessity of strict, undeviating adherence to God's revealed will. It teaches that even minor deviations from the divine path are considered a departure from righteousness. This highlights the call for singular devotion and integrity in one's walk with God.
* **The Path of Righteousness:** The "straight path" contrasted with turning right or left symbolizes a life lived in accordance with divine wisdom and moral uprightness. It is a path free from the entanglements of sin, worldly compromises, or human folly. Kings like Josiah are commended for their unwavering adherence, serving as models of faithfulness.
* **God's Sovereignty and Perfect Will:** The emphasis on not deviating implies that God's chosen path for His people is perfect and sufficient. Human responsibility is to trust and submit to this divine direction, rather than seeking alternative routes based on personal preference or perceived convenience.
* **Moral and Spiritual Choice:** Beyond literal direction, yᵉmânîy and its counterpart sᵉmō'l (`{{H8040}}`) serve as metaphors for fundamental moral and spiritual choices. To turn right or left represents choosing between good and evil, wisdom and folly, or obedience and rebellion. The call is always to remain on the "right" path, which is God's path.
### Summary
The Hebrew word yᵉmânîy (`{{H3233}}`) signifies "right" or "on the right hand," extending to "southward" due to ancient geographical orientation. Derived from yāmîn (`{{H3225}}`), its biblical usage is predominantly directional, both literally for travel and metaphorically for a course of life. The most profound theological significance of yᵉmânîy is encapsulated in the recurring phrase "not to turn aside to the right hand or to the left," which powerfully conveys the imperative of unwavering obedience to God's Law and His revealed will. This idiom underscores the importance of maintaining a straight path of righteousness, free from deviation, symbolizing a life of singular devotion, integrity, and submission to divine guidance. It highlights that true faithfulness involves a steadfast commitment to God's perfect way, avoiding any departure from His prescribed course.
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