### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **têymân**, represented by `{{H8486}}`, primarily means **the south**. It appears 23 times across 22 unique verses. Derived from the word for "the right hand," it reflects the ancient practice of facing east for orientation, which places the south on one's right. The term is used to denote a cardinal direction, a geographical region, the side of a structure, or the south wind.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical text, `{{H8486}}` is used in several distinct contexts. It is fundamental in establishing geographic and tribal boundaries, as when it defines the southern border of Judah's inheritance [[Joshua 15:1]] and the land of the Canaanites [[Joshua 13:4]]. The term is also critical in describing the precise layout of the tabernacle; its south side had twenty boards [[Exodus 26:18]], and the candlestick was placed on the side "toward the **south**" [[Exodus 26:35]]. Poetically, it represents a force of nature, such as the south wind that is called to blow upon a garden [[Song of Solomon 4:16]] or the powerful "whirlwinds of the **south**" that accompany the LORD [[Zechariah 9:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a broader understanding of biblical orientation and geography:
* `{{H5045}}` **negeb** (the south (from its drought)...): This is another significant word for "south" and is often used alongside or interchangeably with `têymân`. It can refer to the southern district of Judah, as seen in the prophecy against "the forest of the **south** field" [[Ezekiel 20:46]].
* `{{H6828}}` **tsâphôwn** (hidden, i.e. dark; used only of the north as aquarter): As the direct counterpart to "south," this word for "north" is often used in parallel to define a complete directional axis, as when God promises to gather His children from the **north** and the **south** [[Isaiah 43:6]].
* `{{H4217}}` **mizrâch** (sunrise, i.e. the east): This term for "east" is used with `têymân` to provide a full range of cardinal directions. Moses, for example, was told to view the promised land by looking westward, northward, southward, and "eastward" [[Deuteronomy 3:27]].
* `{{H3220}}` **yâm** (a sea... locally, the west, or (rarely) the south): Often meaning "sea," this word is also used for "west." It completes the four cardinal points when God commands Moses to lift his eyes "westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward" [[Deuteronomy 3:27]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{H8486}}` carries significant thematic weight in scripture, highlighting God's order and sovereignty.
* **Covenantal Boundaries and Order:** The term is instrumental in delineating the borders of the promised land and organizing the Israelite camp. It marks the southern limit for the tribes of Judah and Gad ([[Joshua 15:1]], [[Ezekiel 48:28]]) and designates the position for the camp of Reuben on the **south side** of the tabernacle [[Numbers 2:10]].
* **Divine Command over Nature:** `têymân` is often portrayed as a force under God's sovereign control. He causes the **south wind** to blow [[Psalms 78:26]] and created the southern constellations, called the "chambers of the **south**" [[Job 9:9]]. A hawk's flight toward the **south** is an example of God's wisdom, not human understanding [[Job 39:26]].
* **A Direction of Divine Power:** The south is sometimes depicted as the origin of immense divine power or judgment. The Lord's advance in battle is accompanied by "whirlwinds of the **south**" [[Zechariah 9:14]], and prophetic messages are directed "toward the **south**" to declare God's word [[Ezekiel 20:46]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8486}}` **têymân** is far more than a simple directional marker. It is a foundational word for biblical geography, architecture, and theology. It helps establish the physical boundaries of God's covenant with Israel, illustrates the meticulous order of His sanctuary, and serves as a symbol of His sovereign power over the natural world and the nations.
TRV