The Hebrew samal means to go to the left, take the left direction, or use the left hand. Its counterpart is yaman (H3231), to go right. In Hebrew culture, the right hand was the hand of strength, blessing, and honor (Genesis 48:14-17). The left was not shameful but was secondary β associated with the north when facing east, and with the lesser position.
The right-left contrast in Scripture carries theological weight. God's right hand saves and sustains (Psalm 18:35; 63:8; 118:16). To 'turn neither to the right nor to the left' from God's commands means strict covenant faithfulness (Deuteronomy 5:32; 28:14). God holds His people with His right hand (Isaiah 41:10). Ecclesiastes 10:2 states the wise man's heart is at his right and the fool's heart at his left. Understanding samal helps interpret blessing narratives, the divine warrior motif, and Christ seated at the Father's right hand.