יָמַן (ya.man)
ya.man
to go right
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The verb yaman in its Hiphil form describes the physical act of turning or going to the right, or specifically using the right hand. In the Hebrew Bible, this action is not merely directional but often carries a sense of choosing the correct path or side. The word appears in only three verses, primarily within historical narratives in Genesis and Samuel.
Its usage highlights the cultural significance of the right hand as a symbol of favor, strength, or correctness. For instance, when characters are described as going to the right, it can imply moving toward a place of blessing or alignment with divine order. This concrete action grounds abstract concepts of guidance in physical movement.
Translators typically render this term as "turn to the right" or "go on the right," preserving the literal sense while allowing the contextual nuance of direction and choice to emerge naturally from the narrative flow.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word yaman points to the physical act of turning right or using the right hand, but it carries a deeper weight in Scripture. In ancient culture, the right side was often associated with strength, favor, and correctness. When someone went to the right, they were not just changing direction; they were aligning themselves with what was considered proper or blessed.
This idea helps us understand how God guides His people. It is not always about complex theological debates, but about simple, daily choices. Like Lot who offered Abraham the choice of land, we too face moments where we must decide which path to take. Choosing the right way often means seeking peace and trusting that God’s provision is sufficient.
Even in battle, the ability to use both hands showed readiness and skill. For your faith life, this word reminds us that God equips us for whatever direction He leads. Whether you are making a big decision or just navigating your day, remember that walking in the right path is about trusting His guidance rather than relying on your own strength alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- using right [hand]1×
- to/ go to [the] right1×
- so/ let me go right1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַיְמִינִ֤ים1×
- לְ/הֵמִ֣ין1×
- וְ/אֵימִ֔נָה1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 13:9
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 right. Or if you go to the right hand, then I will go to the left.”
This verse shows the word used in a context of peaceful separation, where choosing the right hand is linked to Abraham’s humility and trust in God’s provision.
-
II Samuel 14:19
The king said, “Is the hand of Joab with you in all this?” The woman answered, “As your soul lives, my lord the king, no one can turn to the right hand or to the left from anything that my lord the king has spoken; for your servant Joab urged me, and he put all these words in the mouth of your servant.
Here the phrase 'turn to the right or left' emphasizes strict obedience to the king’s words, highlighting how direction can symbolize loyalty and adherence to authority.
-
I Chronicles 12:2
They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow. They were of Saul’s relatives of the tribe of Benjamin.
The mention of using both hands in battle illustrates physical capability and readiness, grounding the concept of the right hand in practical strength and skill.