לברך
levarech
To bless in Hebrew is לברך (levarech).
The verb לברך is used to express the act of conferring a blessing on someone or something.
Meaning: confer blessing on (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The present tense forms of this verb depend on the gender and number of the subject: מְבָרֵךְ (mevarech) is used for the masculine singular, while מְבָרֶכֶת (mevarechet) is used for the feminine singular. If you wish to use the noun form for 'a blessing', use ברכה (bracha).
How do you pronounce it?
levarech
Did you know?
- Unlike in English, where you might say 'bless you' after a sneeze, Hebrew speakers typically say לבריאות, which literally means 'to health'.
- The root of לברך is also shared with the word for 'knee', ברך. This suggests that the act of blessing is historically linked to the physical act of kneeling.
- In many Jewish traditions, the act of 'blessing' is not just a wish for the future, but a formal recitation of a 'bracha' (blessing) over specific foods or events, which is a mandatory ritualized part of daily life.
Examples in context
- יברכך ה' וישמרךMay the Lord bless you and protect you.
- אני רוצה לברך את כולם.ani rotze leverakh et kulam.I want to bless everyone.
- הוא בא לברך את החתן.hu ba leverakh et hachatan.He came to bless the groom.
- הם יתחילו לברך את האורחים.hem yatchilu leverakh et ha'orcheim.They will start to bless the guests.
Example conversation
Daniel and Maya are preparing for a traditional family ceremony.
- דניאל Danielמאיה, את תרצי לברך את הבית?Maya, at tirtsi livarech et habayit?Maya, would you like to bless the house?
- מאיה Mayaכן, אני אשמח לברך אותו.Ken, ani eshmach livarech oto.Yes, I would be happy to bless it.
- דניאל Danielזה יהיה מאוד מרגש.Ze yihiye meod meragesh.It will be very moving.
- מאיה Mayaאני בטוחה שזה יעזור לנו.Ani betucha sheze yaazor lanu.I am sure it will help us.
