### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼâman**, represented by `{{H541}}`, means **to take the right hand road; turn to the right**. A very specific term, it appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, highlighting a literal action within a powerful metaphor for divine guidance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical use of `{{H541}}` occurs in [[Isaiah 30:21]]. The verse promises that at a moment of decision, God's people will hear a guiding word from behind them, saying, "This is the way, walk ye in it." The phrase "when ye **turn to the right hand**" `{{H541}}` is used here to depict a literal and figurative crossroads, where the correct path is made clear in contrast to turning to the left. It illustrates God providing explicit direction at the very point a choice must be made.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in its single context help clarify the concept of divine guidance:
* `{{H1870}}` **derek** (a road): This term signifies the path or course of life. In the verse, it is "the **way**" that God reveals [[Isaiah 30:21]]. The Lord promises to lead his people "by the **way** that thou shouldest go" [[Isaiah 48:17]].
* `{{H3212}}` **yâlak** (to walk): This describes the necessary action in response to God's direction. The instruction is not just to see the way, but to **walk** in it [[Isaiah 30:21]]. This verb is often used to describe a life of faith, as in the promise that those who wait on the Lord "shall **walk**, and not faint" [[Isaiah 40:31]].
* `{{H8085}}` **shâmaʻ** (to hear intelligently): This act of hearing implies obedience. The promise is that one's ears shall **hear** the guiding word [[Isaiah 30:21]]. Its connection to obedience is made explicit when Samuel says "to obey" (**shâmaʻ**) is better than sacrifice [[1 Samuel 15:22]].
* `{{H8041}}` **sâmaʼl** (to use the left hand or pass in that direction): This is the direct opposite of `{{H541}}`, representing the wrong turn or the alternative to God's prescribed path [[Isaiah 30:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H541}}` is concentrated in its singular, vivid illustration:
* **Personal Divine Guidance:** The word is part of a promise that God provides clear, audible direction to His people. The voice comes from "behind" `{{H310}}`, suggesting a constant, overseeing presence that offers correction and guidance along the journey [[Isaiah 30:21]].
* **The Clarity of Choice:** By presenting the choice as turning to the right `{{H541}}` or to the left `{{H8041}}`, the scripture emphasizes that there is a correct path and a wrong one. God does not leave His people to guess but offers clarity at the point of decision.
* **Obedience as a Physical Response:** The command to "walk ye in it" `{{H3212}}` immediately follows the identification of the correct "way" `{{H1870}}`. This connects hearing the instruction to the physical act of turning onto the right path, demonstrating that faith requires active, obedient steps.
### Summary
In summary, while extremely rare, `{{H541}}` **ʼâman** plays a crucial role in one of the Bible's most distinct images of divine guidance. Its use in [[Isaiah 30:21]] paints a picture of a believer at a crossroads, receiving a clear word of direction from God and making the correct turn. It serves as a powerful reminder that following God involves listening for His voice and actively choosing His path over all others.
TRV