יָמִין (ya.min)
ya.min
right
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 107 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun yamin refers to the right hand, side, or direction. In ancient Israel, it was not merely a spatial marker but a symbol of strength and favor, since most people were right-handed. This cultural reality shapes how the word functions in Scripture, often standing in for power, protection, or divine assistance rather than just anatomy.
When facing east, the right side pointed south, which is why yamin can also mean "south" in geographical contexts like Judges 5:17. The sources highlight its frequent use in poetic passages, such as Psalm 16:8, where the writer describes having the Lord always before him and at his right hand. This usage suggests a position of honor and support.
Translators typically render yamin as "right" or "right hand," though the English word can feel static. The Hebrew term carries a sense of active capability. It appears in blessings, battles, and temple descriptions, consistently pointing to what is strong, reliable, and privileged within the biblical worldview.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word yamin points to the right hand, but in biblical thought it carries far more weight than simple anatomy. Because most people are right-handed, this side naturally became a symbol of strength, skill, and favor. When Scripture speaks of God’s right hand, it is not describing a physical limb but an active presence that protects, delivers, and empowers His people.
This image offers deep comfort in difficult times. It reminds us that divine help is not distant or passive. Instead, it is close and capable, ready to act on our behalf. Whether facing uncertainty or seeking guidance, we can rest in the assurance that God’s strength supports those who trust in Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 107 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- right [hand]/ his12×
- the/ right9×
- right [hand]/ your9×
- right [hand]9×
- right6×
- right/ his5×
- from/ [the] south5×
- [the] right [side]4×
- [the] right [hand] of4×
- and/ right [hand]/ their3×
- to/ [the] right [hand] of2×
- right/ your2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יָמִ֥ין9×
- יְמִ֥ין6×
- יָמִ֣ין5×
- יְמִינ֑/וֹ5×
- יְמִינֶֽ/ךָ\׃4×
- יְמִינ֖/וֹ4×
- יְמִ֣ין4×
- מִ/ימִ֣ין3×
- מִ/יָּמִ֖ין3×
- יְמִינֽ/וֹ\׃3×
- וִֽ֝/ימִינָ֗/ם3×
- הַ/יָּמִ֖ין3×
Key Verses
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Exodus 15:6
Your right hand, Yahweh, is glorious in power. Your right hand, Yahweh, dashes the enemy in pieces.
This verse highlights God's active power by describing His right hand as glorious and capable of shattering enemies.
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Genesis 48:14
Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it on Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands knowingly, for Manasseh was the firstborn.
Israel deliberately crosses his hands to place his right hand on the younger son, showing that the right side signifies a privileged blessing rather than mere birth order.
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Deuteronomy 5:32
You shall observe to do therefore as Yahweh your God has commanded you. You shall not turn away to the right hand or to the left.
The command not to turn to the right or left emphasizes strict obedience to God's specific instructions without deviation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does yamin mean in Hebrew?
Why is the right hand important in the Bible?
How is yamin used in blessings?
Every Occurrence (107 verses across 25 books)
Genesis 6 verses
Isn’t the whole land before you? Please separate yourself from me. If you go to the left hand, then I will go to the…
Genesis 24:49Now if you will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me. If not, tell me, that I may turn to the right hand, or…
Genesis 48:13Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward…
Genesis 48:14Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it on Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand on…
Genesis 48:17When Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him. He held up his father’s…
Genesis 48:18Joseph said to his father, “Not so, my father, for this is the firstborn. Put your right hand on his head.”