שָׂמַאל (H8041) — Hebrew Lexicon

שָׂמַאל

𐤔𐤌𐤀𐤋

sâmaʼl

H8041 verb

SILEX Entry

Root שמאל to go left, to turn left, to use the left hand

Definition

To turn or move toward the left side, to use or approach with the left hand or direction. The verb denotes movement or orientation toward the left as opposed to the right, and by extension, can describe left-handed action or approach. The word appears in contexts of direction, spatial navigation, or physical orientation, especially in contrast to right (יָמִין).

Semantic Range

to go to the left, to turn to the left, to use the left hand, to approach from the left, to pass on the left

Root / Etymology

The verb derives from the noun שְׂמֹאל (left, left side, left hand), itself from the root שְׂמ־. The form שָׂמַאל as a denominative verb means to go to or use the left side, distinguished from the root ימן ('right'). The literal sense is preserved in all Hebrew attestation; there are no signs of an expanded or metaphorical usage in biblical texts.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Hebrew Bible, שָׂמַאל occurs infrequently as a verb, always in the context of direction or action involving the left side. The dominant contrast is with the root ימן (to the right), and such directional terminology was important for geographic or ritual orientation (cf. Gen 13:9; Num 20:17). In ancient Israelite culture, the right was associated with strength or favor, so references to the left often simply indicate the opposite or a neutral alternative. The word should be distinguished from later religious or social connotations given to the right/left dichotomy. In most translations, 'to the left' or 'turn to the left' accurately reflects the biblical meaning, though English lacks the precise verbal force inherent in the Hebrew denominative verb. The Hebrew word is never a pejorative or idiomatic reference to social status or value within the biblical period.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primitive root (denominative from שְׂמֹאול); to use the left hand or pass in that direction); (go, turn) (on the, to the) left.

Bantu Hebrew

No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.

+ Add Bantu Hebrew Word

Root Family

שמאל (ś-m-ʾ-l) — left side, go left, turn left, use the left hand

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	Occurrences
`H8041-04`	וּ/מַשְׂמִאלִים֙	umasemilim	`HC/Vhrmpa`	and left-handed	and those who turn leftward	1
`H8041-03`	וּ/לְ/הַשְׂמִ֗יל	ulehasemil	`HC/R/Vhc`	or to the left	to turn left	1
`H8041-02`	תַשְׂמְאִֽילוּ	tasemeilu	`HVhi2mp`	you turn left	you all will turn left	1
`H8041-01`	הַשְׂמִ֑ילִי	hasemili	`HVhv2fs`	left-hand	Turn to the left	1
`H8041-05`	וְ/אַשְׂמְאִֽילָה	veasemeilah	`HC/Vhh1cs`	then I will go to the left	and let me turn leftward	1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 total occurrences

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1
`H8041-05`	Genesis 13:9	וְ/אַשְׂמְאִֽילָה	veasemeilah	`HC/Vhh1cs`	then I will go to the left	and let me turn leftward
`H8041-03`	2 Samuel 14:19	וּ/לְ/הַשְׂמִ֗יל	ulehasemil	`HC/R/Vhc`	or to the left	to turn left
`H8041-02`	Isaiah 30:21	תַשְׂמְאִֽילוּ	tasemeilu	`HVhi2mp`	you turn left	you all will turn left
`H8041-01`	Ezekiel 21:21	הַשְׂמִ֑ילִי	hasemili	`HVhv2fs`	left-hand	Turn to the left
`H8041-04`	1 Chronicles 12:2	וּ/מַשְׂמִאלִים֙	umasemilim	`HC/Vhrmpa`	and left-handed	and those who turn leftward

← H8040 Hebrew Lexicon H8042 →