### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **sᵉmâʼlîy**, represented by `{{H8042}}`, means **left** or **situated on the left side**. It appears **9 times** across **9 unique verses** in the Bible. This term is consistently used to denote physical direction, architectural placement, and specific ritual actions, often in contrast to the right side.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8042}}` is used in several specific contexts. Architecturally, it is used to describe the placement of one of the two great pillars before the temple, with the **left** pillar being named Boaz ([[1 Kings 7:21]], [[2 Chronicles 3:17]]). In matters of temple security, guards were positioned from the right side of the temple to the **left** ([[2 Kings 11:11]], [[2 Chronicles 23:10]]). The term also plays a significant role in priestly rituals, where a priest would pour oil into his **left** hand to be used in purification ceremonies ([[Leviticus 14:15]], [[Leviticus 14:26]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of directionality and position:
* `{{H8040}}` **sᵉmôʼwl** (left (hand, side)): This is the primitive word from which **sᵉmâʼlîy** is derived. It is used more broadly to signify the left direction, such as not turning to the right hand or to the **left** from God's commandments [[Joshua 1:7]] and in descriptions of the heavenly host standing on God's right hand and on his **left** [[1 Kings 22:19]].
* `{{H3233}}` **yᵉmânîy** (right (hand)): As the direct counterpart to **sᵉmâʼlîy**, this word for **right** is often used in parallel to establish contrast. For example, it is used for the **right** pillar of the temple, Jachin, which stood opposite the **left** pillar, Boaz [[1 Kings 7:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8042}}` is demonstrated through its specific applications in ritual and prophetic symbolism.
* **Ritual Function:** In the purification laws, the **left** hand serves a distinct role as the vessel for the holy oil, which is then applied by the **right** finger [[Leviticus 14:27]]. This highlights a specific, complementary function of the **left** side within sacred procedures.
* **Bearing Iniquity:** A powerful symbolic meaning is assigned to the **left** side in the book of Ezekiel. The prophet is commanded to lie on his **left** side to bear the iniquity of the house of Israel, directly associating the term with the weight of sin [[Ezekiel 4:4]].
* **Sacred Architecture:** The placement of the temple pillar Boaz on the **left** side, opposite the pillar Jachin on the right, establishes a foundational symmetry at the entrance to the temple. This deliberate positioning on the **left** indicates its importance in the physical and symbolic structure of worship [[2 Chronicles 3:17]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8042}}` is more than a simple directional term. It is used with precision to define architectural layouts, prescribe ritual actions, and convey profound prophetic symbolism. From the placement of the pillar Boaz at the temple entrance [[1 Kings 7:21]] to Ezekiel's symbolic act of bearing Israel's sin [[Ezekiel 4:4]], **sᵉmâʼlîy** consistently denotes a position of specific, and often subordinate or symbolic, significance in the biblical text.
TRV