מלאך
mal'akh
The Hebrew word for angel is מלאך (mal'akh).
מלאך is the primary word for an angel, specifically a messenger from a deity. Just as in English, it can be used metaphorically to describe a person who is exceptionally kind or helpful.
Meaning: messenger from a deity (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word מלאך literally means messenger.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of מלאך is מלאכים.
How do you pronounce it?
mal'akh
Did you know?
- The plural form מלאכים is used not only for celestial beings but can also refer to human emissaries or ambassadors in ancient biblical texts.
- While מלאך is the general term for an angel, Hebrew uses distinct names for specific hierarchies, such as the שרים or 'princes' who lead the heavenly hosts.
- The word for angel, מלאך, is derived from a root that shares a common ancestry with the Arabic verb for 'to send'.
Examples in context
- את נראית כמו מלאך.You look like an angel.This sentence shows how to use מלאך to describe someone's appearance.Tatoeba #4878667 by fekundulo, translation #4867168 by Amastan
- לא כל נכד מלאך. לפעמים הנכדים נודניקים.Not every grandchild is an angel, sometimes grandchildren are enemies.This sentence uses מלאך to contrast an angelic nature with more difficult behavior.Tatoeba #2058414 by fekundulo, translation #2654631 by KoreanBeaver
- את מלאך!You're an angel!This sentence demonstrates using מלאך as a compliment for a person's character.Tatoeba #584224 by Eldad, translation #1557 by CE
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries מלאך, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
