כרוב
keruv
The Hebrew word for cherub is כרוב (keruv).
The term כרוב is used in religious or biblical contexts to refer to angelic beings.
Meaning: (biblical) winged creature attending on God (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
keruv
Did you know?
- In many modern Hebrew contexts, the word כרוב is also the name for 'cabbage', creating a confusing homonym between a celestial being and a common vegetable.
- While the English word 'cherub' often implies a small, chubby child, the Hebrew כרוב describes a much more formidable and complex being in sacred texts.
- While the English 'cherub' is associated with an angel, the Hebrew word כרוב shares a linguistic root with the Akkadian word for 'to bless'.
Example conversation
Daniel and Rotem are looking at religious art in a museum.
- דניאל Danielמה זה הדמות הזאת?ma ze hadmut hazot?What is this figure?
- רוטם Rotemזה כרוב מהתנ"ך.ze keruv mehatnach.This is a cherub from the Bible.
- דניאל Danielהוא נראה מאוד עתיק.hu nir'e me'od atik.He looks very ancient.
- רוטם Rotemכן, זה סגנון ישן.ken, ze signon yashan.Yes, it is an old style.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries כרוב, CC BY-SA 4.0.
