Lexical Summary yaman: To go to the right, to use the right hand, to choose the right Original Word: יָמַן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance go turn to on, use the right hand A primitive root; to be (physically) right (i.e. Firm); but used only as denominative from yamiyn and transitive, to be right-handed or take the right-hand side -- go (turn) to (on, use) the right hand. see HEBREW yamiyn NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origindenominative verb from yamin Definition to go to or choose the right, to use the right hand NASB Translation go to the right (2), right hand (1), turn to the right (2). Topical Lexicon The Verb in Its Narrative Settings In the Old Testament יָמַן draws attention whenever someone “turns to the right,” privileges the right hand, or chooses the southerly route. Though the action is mundane, Scripture consistently weaves it into pivotal narrative moments that reveal human intention and divine guidance. • Genesis 13:9 records Abram’s gracious deference to Lot: “Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you go to the left, then I will go to the right; or if you go to the right, then I will go to the left.” By yoking יָמַן to the act of choosing, the text underscores Abram’s faith that the LORD will bless whatever portion remains for him. Geography and Covenant Perspective Orienting oneself eastward places the south on the right. Thus יָמַן often blends spatial language with theological promise. In Abram’s dialogue the “right” portion would have pointed south-westward toward the Judean hills—land that would one day cradle Bethlehem, Jerusalem, and the Temple mount. The verb therefore foreshadows covenant geography long before borders were formally drawn. Symbolism of the Right Hand Throughout Scripture the right hand represents power, honor, and blessing: By echoing this imagery, each use of יָמַן invites readers to connect ordinary decisions with the greater reality of divine strength. When Abram allows Lot first choice, he is effectively relinquishing the symbolic “right hand” to his nephew out of trust in the ultimate Right Hand of God. Military Skill and Spiritual Readiness The ambidextrous warriors of Benjamin (1 Chronicles 12:2) illustrate how total dedication equips God’s people for any circumstance. Ministry application: the disciple who trains both “hands” of mind and spirit—Word and prayer, doctrine and compassion—stands ready to defend truth and serve the body with equal effectiveness. Royal Commands and Moral Certainty Joab’s subtle manipulation in 2 Samuel 14 contrasts with David’s final discernment. The woman’s admission that she cannot deviate “to the right or to the left” reflects the absolute jurisdiction of righteous judgment. For leaders in church and family, יָמַן underscores the necessity of decisions that brook no compromise when God’s standards are clear. Prophetic Warning and Gospel Hope Ezekiel’s sword cutting right and left prefigures the twofold destiny unveiled in the Gospel: the sheep at the right hand inherit the kingdom, whereas the goats at the left face judgment (Matthew 25:33). יָמַן thus anticipates the ultimate sorting that Christ Himself will execute, urging present-day hearers to choose the path that aligns with His righteousness. Ministry Reflections 1. Dependence on Divine Provision: Like Abram, believers may yield apparent advantage, confident that God’s right hand upholds them (Psalm 63:8). Conclusion Though יָמַן occurs only four times, it bridges geography, leadership, warfare, and prophecy. Each context invites God’s people to trust His sovereign right hand, walk the straight path without veering, and serve with whole-hearted skill until the day every choice is weighed before the throne of the King. Forms and Transliterations הֵימִ֖נִי הימני וְאֵימִ֔נָה ואימנה לְהֵמִ֣ין להמין מַיְמִינִ֤ים מימינים hê·mi·nî heiMini hêminî lə·hê·mîn leheMin ləhêmîn may·mî·nîm maymiNim maymînîm veeiMinah wə’êmināh wə·’ê·mi·nāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 13:9 HEB: אִם־ הַשְּׂמֹ֣אל וְאֵימִ֔נָה וְאִם־ הַיָּמִ֖ין NAS: [to] the left, then I will go to the right; or if KJV: I pray thee, from me: if [thou wilt take] the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if [thou depart] to the right hand, INT: if the left will go if the right 2 Samuel 14:19 1 Chronicles 12:2 Ezekiel 21:16 4 Occurrences |
    |