Original Word: יְמָנִי
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: ymaniy
Pronunciation: yeh-mah-nee
Phonetic Spelling: (yem-aw-nee')
KJV: (on the) right (hand)
NASB: right, right-hand, south
Word Origin: [from H3231 (יָמַן - go to the right)]

1. right (i.e. at the right hand)

on the right hand

From yaman; right (i.e. At the right hand) -- (on the) right (hand).

see HEBREW yaman

Word Origin
from the same as yamin
Definition
right hand, right
NASB Translation
right (30), right-hand (2), south (1).

יְמָנִי adjective right hand, right — masculine of pillar הָעַמּוּד הַיְמָנִי 1 Kings 7:21 = הַיְמָנִי in "" 2 Chronicles 3:17 Qr (Kt הימיני); feminine of side of house (temple): כֶּתֶף הַבַּיִת הַיְמָנִתַ 1 Kings 6:8; 1 Kings 7:39 ("" כֶּתֶף הבית מִיָּמִין), 2 Kings 11:11 (opposed to הַשְּׂמָאלִית), Ezekiel 47:1, compare Ezekiel 47:2; 2Chronicles 4:10; 23:10 (opposed to הַשְּׂמָאלִית); elsewhere of parts of body (P): right ear, hand and foot אזן הַימָנִית[ה] + ׳יד(ם) הַי + ׳רגל(ם) הַי Exodus 29:20; Leviticus 8:23,24; Leviticus 14:14,17,25,28; right finger ׳אֶצְבָּעוֺ הַי Leviticus 14:16,27; compare also right side, masculine צִדְּךָ הַיְמָנִי Ezekiel 4:6 Qr (Kt הימיני).

Semantic Range and Thematic Emphases

יְמָנִי (yemani) describes whatever is “on the right side.” Because an Israelite faced east when giving directions, “right” also pointed to the south. The word can therefore denote (1) the literal right-hand side of an object or person, especially in the Temple precincts, and (2) the southern exposure of a building or the land. Throughout Scripture the right side is linked with strength, favor, and covenant faithfulness, so every occurrence of יְמָנִי quietly reinforces those ideas.

Representative Occurrences

1 Kings 6:8 – The inner sanctuary stairway was “on the right side,” underscoring order and symmetry in Solomon’s Temple.

2 Chronicles 3:17 – Jachin was set on “the right” (south) and Boaz on the left, visually declaring stability (Jachin) and strength (Boaz) every time worshipers entered.

Ezekiel 10:3 – The cherubim stood “on the south side of the temple,” announcing that divine glory remained in proper covenant alignment even in judgment scenes.

Ezekiel 47:1-2 – Life-giving water flowed from “the south side of the temple,” a preview of the rivers of living water that flow from Christ’s finished work (John 7:37-39).

2 Chronicles 23:10 – Jehoiada stationed guards to the right and left of the Temple, with יְמָנִי marking the place of priority and protection around the newly crowned king.

Nehemiah 12:31 – One of the two choirs took the southern (right) wall in the great dedication procession, symbolizing ordered worship and thanksgiving.

Psalm 118:16 – “The right hand of the LORD is exalted” points readers beyond the earthly right side to the heavenly throne where Messiah is seated (Hebrews 1:3).

Historical Setting and Practical Implications

Temple Architecture: Most occurrences come from descriptions of the Solomonic or restored Temple. Repetition of יְמָנִי teaches that God is meticulous about placement, proportion, and holiness. Nothing in worship is casual.

Military and Civic Order: Guards and singers are stationed with right-side precision (for example, 2 Chronicles 23:10; Nehemiah 12:31). In public ministry, orderliness reflects divine order (1 Corinthians 14:40).

Prophetic Imagery: Ezekiel repeatedly uses יְמָנִי while describing visions of judgment and restoration. Even when wrath is poured out, God’s “right side” of favor remains poised to deliver.

Geographical Orientation: When the word marks the southern border of the land (implicit in Ezekiel’s temple tour and some boundary texts), it reminds Israel that every corner of the promised inheritance is measured by God himself.

Theology of the Right Hand

Strength and Salvation – The right hand symbolizes decisive victory (Exodus 15:6; Psalm 98:1). By employing יְמָנִי, the writers tie physical placement to spiritual might.

Acceptance and Fellowship – Sitting or standing at the right hand denotes honor (1 Kings 2:19; Psalm 110:1). Temple references teach worshipers that acceptable service occurs only where God grants favor.

Messianic Fulfillment – The New Testament presents Jesus Christ seated at the Father’s right hand (Acts 2:34-36). Old-Testament usage of יְמָנִי therefore prepares readers to recognize the exalted position of the risen Lord.

Ministry Reflection

• Worship Spaces: Physical environments should reflect the order and holiness pictured in Temple arrangements.
• Leadership: Guardians of doctrine and purity stand figuratively “at the right” to protect the flock, just as Jehoiada arranged his guards.
• Assurance: Believers draw confidence from the One who now occupies the ultimate יְמָנִי, interceding for them (Romans 8:34).
• Evangelism: Ezekiel’s river from the south side foreshadows the gospel’s outward flow. Proclaimers today become conduits of that same life-giving stream.

Summary

יְמָנִי appears about thirty-one times, nearly always emphasizing ordered placement and covenant favor. Whether marking the south side of sacred space, the right side of royal or priestly activity, or the direction from which restorative waters flow, the term reminds readers that God’s redemptive purposes move forward with precision and strength, culminating in the exaltation of Christ at the Father’s right hand.

הַיְמָנִ֑ית הַיְמָנִ֔ית הַיְמָנִ֗י הַיְמָנִ֛ית הַיְמָנִֽית׃ הַיְמָנִית֙ הימני הימנית הימנית׃ hay·mā·nî hay·mā·nîṯ haymaNi haymānî haymaNit haymānîṯInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts