Lexical Summary simel: Image, Likeness, Idol Original Word: שָׂמַאל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance go, turn on the, to the left A primitive root (denominative from smo'wl); to use the left hand or pass in that direction) -- (go, turn) (on the, to the) left. see HEBREW smo'wl NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origindenominative verb from semovl Definition to take the left NASB Translation go to the left (2), left (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs [שִׂמְאֵל] verb denominative Hiph`il take the left (always opposed to הֵמִין): — Imperfect cohortative אַשְׂמְאִ֫ילָה Genesis 13:9; 2masculine plural, תַּשְׂמְאִ֫ילוּ Isaiah 30:21; Imperative feminine singular הַשְׂמִילִי (Ges§ 23f Kö1. 276) Ezekiel 21:21, compare Infinitive construct הַשְׂמִיל 2 Samuel 14:19; Participle מַשְׂמִאלִים 1 Chronicles 12:2; — 1 = go to the left Genesis 13:9 (J), Ezekiel 21:21. 2 figurative turn (aside) to the left (from true way) 2 Samuel 14:19; Isaiah 30:21. 3 use the left hand 1 Chronicles 12:2. [שָׂמַל] Hiph`il see [שַׂמְאַל] Topical Lexicon Overview Shə mōl (Strong’s Hebrew 8041) designates the left side or hand and, by extension, the northern direction when one faces the rising sun. Although it appears only five times, the term threads through key themes of choice, guidance, skill, and judgment, consistently affirming God’s sovereign order in Israel’s history and worship. Directional and Geographic Significance Ancient Israelites oriented themselves toward the east; thus the left side pointed north. This perspective shaped camp arrangements (Numbers chapters 2 and 3) and prophetic visions (for example, Ezekiel chapters 40–48) even when 8041 itself is not employed. The usage reminds readers that geography in Scripture is not random but theologically purposeful, reinforcing covenant order. Symbolism of Choice and Separation Genesis 13:9 records Abram saying to Lot, “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”. Here שָׂמַאל marks a decisive fork in the covenant story. The left-right dichotomy underscores human freedom within God’s overarching promise: Abram surrenders apparent advantage, yet the Lord secures the outcome (Genesis 13:14–17). The term thus becomes a literary signal of faith yielding to divine provision. Skill and Dexterity 1 Chronicles 12:2 highlights Benjaminites “who could sling stones and use the bow with either the right or the left hand”. Their ambidexterity underlines readiness for warfare in support of David’s kingdom. שָׂמַאל in this verse affirms that what the world may label a weaker side can be trained for effective service, echoing Paul’s later celebration of God’s power perfected in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Guidance and Obedience Isaiah 30:21 promises, “Your ears will hear this word behind you: ‘This is the way; walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or to the left”. The mention of שָׂמַאל portrays comprehensive divine shepherding; whether one drifts rightward or leftward, God’s voice remains steady. The imagery calls believers to wholehearted obedience that refuses partial deviation (compare Deuteronomy 5:32). Judgment and Warfare Ezekiel 21:16 commands the sword, “Slash to the right; set yourself; slash to the left, wherever your blade is directed”. In prophetic symbolism, שָׂמַאל forms part of a sweeping judgment that spares no direction. The scene highlights the impartiality of divine justice, cutting into every quadrant where rebellion persists. Integrity in Leadership When the wise woman of Tekoa stands before David, the king perceives Joab’s behind-the-scenes influence: “Is the hand of Joab with you in all this?” (2 Samuel 14:19). Her admission that no one can “turn to the right or to the left” of the king’s word employs שָׂמַאל to affirm David’s discernment and the necessity of straightforward counsel. Spiritual leadership demands transparency, guarding against hidden agendas that bend decisions leftward or rightward away from righteousness. Theological Reflections 1. Complementarity of Sides: Scripture often pairs right and left to depict completeness (Psalm 91:7; 2 Corinthians 6:7). While the right hand symbolizes strength and favor, the presence of שָׂמַאל proves that God governs all space, not merely the culturally honored side. Ministry Applications • Discipleship: Encourage believers to yield personal preference as Abram did, trusting God’s promises over self-promotion when faced with “left or right” decisions. In its five appearances, שָׂמַאל proves more than a mere spatial term; it weaves a tapestry of covenantal choice, holistic obedience, sharpened skill, and thorough judgment, all underscoring the righteous order of the God who reigns over every direction. Forms and Transliterations הַשְׂמִ֑ילִי השמילי וְאַשְׂמְאִֽילָה׃ וּלְהַשְׂמִ֗יל וּמַשְׂמִאלִים֙ ואשמאילה׃ ולהשמיל ומשמאלים תַשְׂמְאִֽילוּ׃ תשמאילו׃ haś·mî·lî hasMili haśmîlî ṯaś·mə·’î·lū ṯaśmə’îlū tasmeIlu ū·lə·haś·mîl ū·maś·mi·lîm ulehasMil ūləhaśmîl umasmiLim ūmaśmilîm veasmeIlah wə’aśmə’îlāh wə·’aś·mə·’î·lāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 13:9 HEB: וְאִם־ הַיָּמִ֖ין וְאַשְׂמְאִֽילָה׃ NAS: [to] the right, then I will go to the left. KJV: or if [thou depart] to the right hand, then I will go to the left. INT: if the right will go 2 Samuel 14:19 1 Chronicles 12:2 Isaiah 30:21 Ezekiel 21:16 5 Occurrences |
    |