מרכבה
merkava
The English word "chariot" is translated into Hebrew as מרכבה (merkava).
The term מרכבה refers to a vehicle used in warfare. In modern Hebrew, this same word is also the standard term used to describe a tank.
Meaning: vehicle used in warfare (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural "chariots", use the form מרכבות.
How do you pronounce it?
merkava
Did you know?
- The study of the Divine Chariot is known as מעשה מרכבה or 'the work of the chariot', which was once a secret tradition reserved for the elite.
- In modern Hebrew, if you call a modern car a מרכבה, it sounds highly poetic or even archaic, as if you are describing a grand carriage.
- In religious Hebrew, מרכבה refers to the 'Chariot' described in Ezekiel's vision, which is a divine, celestial phenomenon rather than a physical object.
Example conversation
Itai and Noa are looking at a history book.
- נועה Noaמה זה הציור הזה?ma ze hatziyur haze?What is this drawing?
- איתי Itayזו מרכבה מהתקופה העתיקה.zo merkava mehatkufa haatika.This is a chariot from the ancient period.
- נועה Noaהאם הם השתמשו בה במלחמה?ha'im hem hishtamshu ba bemilchama?Did they use it in war?
- איתי Itayכן, זו הייתה נשק חזק.ken, zo hayta neshek chazak.Yes, it was a powerful weapon.
