מלאכים
mal'akhim
The English phrase 'angels' is translated into Hebrew as מלאכים (mal'akhim).
מלאכים refers to spiritual beings believed to be messengers or servants of God.
What does it mean word for word?
The word מלאכים is the plural form of a noun meaning 'messengers'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is מלאך (mal'akh). The plural form מלאכים is created by adding the masculine-plural suffix -ים (-im). This plural form is used for both masculine and feminine angels.
How do you pronounce it?
mal'akhim
Did you know?
- Ancient Jewish texts often describe מלאכים as having a physical presence that can be terrifying, which is why many biblical encounters with them begin with the phrase 'Do not be afraid'.
- While מלאכים is the standard word for angels, Hebrew also uses the term שרפים for the highest order of angels, known as seraphim, which literally means 'burning ones'.
- Hebrew uses the same word מלאך for both the spiritual celestial beings and the human messengers used in ancient government correspondence.
Examples in context
- אפילו מלאכים לא מסוגלים לרצות את כולם.Even angels can't satisfy everyone.This sentence shows how to use מלאכים in a metaphorical sense about pleasing people.Tatoeba #5714974 by fekundulo, translation #1691304 by rkqb
- טיפשים ממהרים לדרוך במקם בו מלאכים מפחדים.Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.This sentence uses מלאכים within a well-known proverb.Tatoeba #5751629 by fekundulo, translation #237710 by CK
- מאמינים שישנם מלאכים השומרים עלינו מסביב.We believe that there are angels protecting us from all sides.
Example conversation
Noam and Agor are discussing religious art in a gallery.
- נועם Noamהציור הזה מציג מלאכים בשמיים.ha'tsiyur haze mitsayeg malachim bashamayim.This painting shows angels in the sky.
- עגור Adiכן, הם נראים מאוד יפים.ken, hem nir'im me'od yafim.Yes, they look very beautiful.
- נועם Noamזה נראה כמו עולם של מלאכים.ze nira kmo olam shel malachim.It looks like a world of angels.
- עגור Adiזה באמת נראה מרגש.ze be'emet nira meragesh.It really looks moving.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
