שִׂמְאֵל (sa.mal)
sa.mal
to go left
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb sa.mal describes the physical act of turning or going to the left. In its primary usage, it simply denotes a directional movement away from the right side. This literal sense appears in narratives where characters navigate space, such as when individuals are instructed to turn aside or move toward the left flank during military maneuvers or travel.
While rare, appearing only four times in the Hebrew Bible, the word carries a specific cultural weight. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, the right side was often associated with strength and favor, making the left side the place of lesser honor or secondary importance. Consequently, when the text uses sa.mal to describe turning aside, it can imply a figurative shift away from the primary path or position of prominence.
Its occurrence in books like Isaiah and Samuel highlights its role in describing tactical movements or divine instructions that involve reorientation. Translators typically render it as "turn left" or "go to the left," preserving the straightforward spatial command without adding theological commentary, allowing the narrative context to determine whether the movement is neutral, strategic, or symbolic.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word sa.mal simply means to turn or go to the left. In the ancient world, the right side often symbolized strength and favor, while the left was secondary. This verb captures a physical movement away from that primary position. It appears in stories of travel, battle, and divine instruction, reminding us that direction matters in our daily lives.
When we face choices, like Abraham and Lot separating their lands, we must decide which path to take. Sometimes turning aside is practical; other times it feels like moving away from what is most important. Yet even in these shifts, God’s guidance remains present. Isaiah reminds us that whether we turn right or left, a voice can still lead us toward the way we should walk.
This word invites reflection on our own directions. Are we holding fast to what is central, or are we navigating around distractions? The text does not judge the act of turning left as inherently bad. Instead, it highlights the need for awareness and intentionality in our steps.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you will go to [the] left1×
- and/ using left [hand]1×
- and/ to/ go to [the] left1×
- and/ I will go left1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תַשְׂמְאִֽילוּ\׃1×
- וּ/מַשְׂמִאלִים֙1×
- וּ/לְ/הַשְׂמִ֗יל1×
- וְ/אַשְׂמְאִֽילָה\׃1×
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.”
Abraham uses this directional choice to demonstrate humility and peace, allowing Lot to pick first while remaining open to either path.
-
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.
This verse highlights the skill of Saul’s warriors, who could fight effectively with both hands, showing that physical dexterity was valued in battle.
-
Isaiah 30:21
and when you turn to the right hand, and when you turn to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way. Walk in it.”
Here the word is paired with turning right, illustrating that divine guidance is available regardless of which direction we happen to face or move.