שְׂמֹאל (se.mo.l)
se.mo.l
left
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 48 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word smol denotes the left side, the left hand, or the direction north. In ancient Near Eastern orientation, where one faces east, the north lies to the left. This spatial logic connects the physical direction with the body part, a relationship visible in passages like Job 23:9, where God’s presence is sought on the left, and Genesis 14:15, which describes Abram pursuing enemies to the north of Damascus.
Translators typically render smol as "left" or "left hand," though some versions occasionally use "north" when the context emphasizes direction. The term appears frequently in narrative and legal texts, such as Deuteronomy 5:32, which commands keeping to the right or left of God’s instructions, and Judges 3:21, where Ehlon kills Eglon with his left hand. Its usage is straightforward, marking physical position or geographical direction without inherent moral judgment.
The etymology remains uncertain, with some scholars suggesting a root meaning "dark" or "covered," possibly linking the north’s shadowed aspect to the left side. Regardless of origin, smol functions primarily as a spatial marker in Scripture. It grounds biblical geography and physical description in a consistent directional framework, helping readers visualize scenes like Solomon’s temple layout (1 Kings 7:49) or Jacob’s blessing of his grandsons (Genesis 48:13).
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word smol simply marks a direction or position, often referring to the left hand or the north. In ancient times, people faced east, so the left side naturally pointed toward the northern regions. This spatial awareness helps us picture biblical scenes clearly, from the parting of the Red Sea where waters stood as walls on both sides, to Jacob crossing his hands to bless his grandsons.
While some cultures have attached moral weight to directions, Scripture uses smol primarily as a neutral marker of location. It grounds our understanding of geography and physical movement without implying that one side is inherently better than the other. This clarity allows us to focus on the actions and decisions of the people in these stories rather than getting lost in abstract symbolism.
When we read about figures like Ehud using his left hand or Gideon’s soldiers holding torches in their left hands, we see ordinary people in specific moments. These details remind us that God works through real human experiences and physical realities. The text invites us to observe these settings closely, trusting that the narrative will reveal what matters most for our faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 48 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ left [hand]9×
- and/ left5×
- left [hand]/ his3×
- from/ [the] left3×
- and/ from/ left/ his3×
- the/ left2×
- left [side]/ its2×
- from/ [the] north2×
- and/ left [hand]/ his2×
- and/ from/ left/ their2×
- [the] left [side]2×
- left/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/שְׂמֹ֑אול5×
- וּ/שְׂמֹֽאול\׃4×
- שְׂמֹאל/וֹ֙2×
- וּ/שְׂמֹֽאל\׃2×
- וּ/מִ/שְּׂמֹאלֽ/וֹ\׃2×
- שְׂמאוֹלָ/ם֙1×
- שְׂמֹאלָֽ/הּ\׃1×
- שְׂמֹאלֶ֔/ךָ1×
- שְׂמֹאל֖/וֹ1×
- שְׂמֹאל֔/וֹ1×
- שְׂמֹאולָֽ/הּ\׃1×
- שְׂמֹֽאל\׃1×
Key Verses
-
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.
This verse shows Jacob intentionally crossing his hands, placing his left hand on the firstborn Manasseh to bless the younger Ephraim, highlighting a deliberate reversal of cultural expectations.
-
Exodus 14:22
The children of Israel went into the middle of the sea on the dry ground; and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
The waters formed a wall on Israel's left and right sides, illustrating the protective boundary created during their passage through the sea.
-
Judges 3:21
Ehud put out his left hand, and took the sword from his right thigh, and thrust it into his body.
Ehud draws his sword with his left hand because he concealed it under his right garment, demonstrating a practical use of the left side for surprise.
-
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 adherence to God's instructions without deviation in any direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word smol mean?
Is the left side considered bad in the Bible?
Why is north linked to the left in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (48 verses across 20 books)
Genesis 5 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 14:15He divided himself against them by night, he and his servants, and struck them, and pursued them to Hobah, which is on…
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…