ברך אותי
barech oti
The Hebrew phrase for "bless me" is ברך אותי (barech oti).
This phrase is used to make a request for a religious or spiritual blessing.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb ברך (barech), meaning "bless" and the direct object pronoun אותי (oti), meaning "me".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes based on who you are addressing: ברך אותי is used when addressing a male, ברכי אותי is the correct form when addressing a female and ברכו אותי is used when addressing a group of people.
How do you pronounce it?
barech oti
Did you know?
- The verb ברך used in this phrase shares an ancient root with the word for 'knee', meaning that to 'bless' is etymologically linked to the physical act of kneeling.
- In Jewish tradition, the act of asking for a blessing often involves a physical gesture where the person seeking the blessing kisses the hand of the elder or rabbi.
- While ברך אותי asks for a blessing, the word for 'blessing' ברכה is also used as a common female name in Israel.
Example conversation
Noa visits Itai, a spiritual mentor, for guidance.
- נועה Noaאיתי, אני זקוקה לעזרתך.Itai, ani zkukah le'ezratcha.Itai, I need your help.
- איתי Itayאני כאן בשבילך, נועה.Ani kan bishvilech, Noa.I am here for you, Noa.
- נועה Noaבבקשה, ברך אותי.Bevakasha, barekh oti.Please, bless me.
- איתי Itayיהי רצון שתמצאי שלום.Yahi ratzon she-timtzi shalom.May it be the will that you find peace.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ברך, CC BY-SA 4.0.
