אִטֵּר
𐤀𐤈𐤓
ʼiṭṭêr
H334 adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
An adjective meaning 'having the right hand impeded,' i.e., unable to use the right hand with full capability, thus functionally left-handed. The term does not simply denote a natural left-handed person but one whose right hand is restricted, injured, or otherwise impaired.
Semantic Range
having the right hand impeded, incapacitated in the right hand, unable to use the right hand, by extension: left-handed (by necessity, not congenitally)
Root / Etymology
From the root אָטַר (ʼ-ṭ-r), which is of uncertain meaning and occurrence; potentially meaning 'to bind, shut, impede.' The form אִטֵּר is a passive adjective formation indicating being impeded.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical usage, אִטֵּר appears in Judges 3:15 regarding Ehud (describing him as unable to use his right hand) and in Judges 20:16 (describing warriors of Benjamin). The context suggests not simply natural left-handedness but active restriction or impairment of the right hand, making 'left-handed' an interpretive adaptation in English translation. This term is distinct from יְמִינִי (of the right hand) or שְׂמָאִילִי (left-handed, from a different later term), focusing specifically on loss or limitation of typical right-hand use. In ancient Israelite society, right-handedness was normative and socially privileged, hence the significance of marking such a condition. Later translation traditions, including the Septuagint and many English versions, often render the term as 'left-handed,' potentially oversimplifying its nuance. There is no direct connection to later Judean or Jewish identity, but its social implications regarding warriors and leadership were significant in tribal Israelite settings.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from אָטַר; shut up, i.e. impeded (as to the use of the right hand); [phrase] left-handed.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
אטר (ʾ-ṭ-r) — bind, restrict, impede
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H334-01 |
אִטֵּ֖ר | iter | HAamsc |
left-handed | right-hand-impeded | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H334-01 |
Judges 3:15 | אִטֵּ֖ר | iter | HAamsc |
left-handed | right-hand-impeded |
H334-01 |
Judges 20:16 | אִטֵּ֖ר | iter | HAamsc |
left-handed | right-hand-impeded |