יראת כבוד
yir'at kavod
The English word awe is translated into Hebrew as יראת כבוד (yir'at kavod).
The term יראת כבוד describes a feeling of amazement.
Meaning: feeling of amazement (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
This is a compound noun. The first part, יראת, means 'fear of' and the second part, כבוד, means 'honor' or 'glory'.
Which one should you use?
While יראת כבוד refers to a respectful awe, it is distinct from other terms. It is different from פחד, which is used for standard fear or dread and it is different from יראת אלוהים, which specifically refers to the religious 'fear of God'.
How do you pronounce it?
yir'at kavod
Did you know?
- The word כבוד can be used as a euphemism to avoid mentioning private bodily functions, as treating these topics with 'honor' is a sign of modesty.
- The concept of 'awe' in יראת כבוד is rooted in the idea of weight. Because the word כבוד comes from the root meaning 'heavy', the phrase implies that the object of your awe is so significant that it carries a profound spiritual or emotional weight.
- The word כבוד is not just a component of the phrase for awe, but is also used as a formal honorific. In modern Hebrew, one might address a judge using a term derived from this same root, much like using 'Your Honor' in English.
Examples in context
- הנוף הזה מעורר יראת כבוד.ha'nof haze me'orer yirat kavod.This landscape evokes awe.
- הייתה לי יראת כבוד מול הגודל שלו.hayta li yirat kavod mul ha'godel shelo.I felt awe before its size.
Example conversation
Itay and Rotem are looking at a massive mountain range.
- איתי Itayרוטם, תראי כמה ההרים האלה מרשימים.Rotem, tri i kama ha'harim ha'ele marshimim.Rotem, look how impressive these mountains are.
- רוטם Rotemזה מעורר בי יראת כבוד.ze me'orer bi yirat kavod.It evokes awe in me.
- איתי Itayאני מסכים, זה פשוט מדהים.ani maskim, ze pashut madhim.I agree, it is simply amazing.
- רוטם Rotemאיתי, אנחנו חייבים להישאר כאן עוד קצת.Itay, anachnu chayavim le'isha'er kan od ktzat.Itay, we must stay here a little longer.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries כבוד, CC BY-SA 4.0.
