מִזְבֵּחַ
mizbéakhmasculine
The English word 'altar' is translated into Hebrew as מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbéakh). Wiktionary also lists בָּמָה (bamá).
Meaning: flat-topped structure used for religious rites (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hebrew | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| מִזְבֵּחַ | mizbéakh | masculine |
| בָּמָה | bamá | feminine |
מִזְבֵּחַ refers to a flat-topped structure used for religious rites and is commonly used in religious contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The word מִזְבֵּחַ is derived from the root ז–ב–ח, which relates to sacrificing or slaughtering.
Which one should you use?
מִזְבֵּחַ is the standard term for a sacrificial altar, whereas בָּמָה refers more specifically to a raised platform or high place used for worship.
How does it change in a sentence?
מִזְבֵּחַ is a masculine noun, and its plural form is מִזְבְּחוֹת.
How do you pronounce it?
mizbéakh
Did you know?
- In a surprising linguistic parallel, the Hebrew word for the high place of worship, בָּמָה, is also the root for the modern word for a 'stage'.
- If you use the word מִזְבֵּחַ in a modern context, it can sometimes evoke the imagery of a 'slaughterhouse' because of its linguistic connection to the act of butchering.
- In the Hebrew Bible, the word בָּמָה is frequently used as a derogatory term to describe shrines dedicated to pagan idols.
Example sentences for Hebrew are not verified yet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “altar” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
