כְּתָבָא קַדִּישָׁא
Kthaba Qaddisha
The English word 'bible' is translated into Aramaic as כְּתָבָא קַדִּישָׁא (Kthaba Qaddisha).
This phrase is used as a name for the Christian holy book. In Aramaic, the term 'Peshitta' means 'simple'.
Meaning: Christian holy book (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun כְּתָבָא, meaning 'writing' or 'scripture' and the adjective קַדִּישָׁא, meaning 'holy'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the emphatic state (the definite article) for both the noun and the adjective, which is standard for a specific title, resulting in the meaning 'The Holy Writing'.
How do you pronounce it?
Kthaba Qaddisha
Did you know?
- The term כְּתָבָא comes from a root meaning 'to carve' or 'to engrave', reflecting an ancient time when 'writing' meant cutting marks into stone or clay.
- Aramaic is the language spoken by Jesus and his disciples, making כְּתָבָא קַדִּישָׁא a phrase that echoes the linguistic environment of the New Testament's origins.
- In Aramaic, the word for 'holy' in קַדִּישָׁא does not just mean 'sacred' but literally carries the meaning of being 'set apart' or 'consecrated'.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their books.
- Rosyמַיְקָאל, אֵיתָא לָךְ כְּתָבָא קַדִּישָׁא?Michael, eitha lach K'thaba Qaddisha?Michael, do you have a Bible?
- Michaelהֵינָא, כְּתָבָא קַדִּישָׁא עִמִּי.Heina, K'thaba Qaddisha immi.Yes, the Bible is with me.
- Rosyאֵיתָא לָךְ לְמֵיפְתָּר לִי?Eitha lach l'meiftar li?Can you lend it to me?
- Michaelאָר, קָבֵל כְּתָבָא קַדִּישָׁא.Ar, qabel K'thaba Qaddisha.Yes, take the Bible.
