לקדש
lekadesh
The Hebrew verb for 'consecrate' is לקדש (lekadesh).
The verb לקדש is used to express the act of declaring something holy or making something holy through a specific procedure.
Meaning: declare holy, or make holy by some procedure (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word לקדש consists of the prefix ל- (le-), which indicates the infinitive 'to' form.
How do you pronounce it?
lekadesh
Did you know?
- In a Jewish wedding, the groom does not just marry the bride but uses a form of this root to 'consecrate' her exclusively to himself.
- In Hebrew, the concept of 'consecrating' often implies a sense of 'separation' from the mundane world, rather than just adding a religious quality.
- In modern Israel, the verb לקדש is used in the phrase לקדש את השם (lekadesh et hashem), which means to act in a way that brings honor to God through one's behavior.
Examples in context
- הם באו לקדש את המקום.hem ba'u lekadesh et hamakom.They came to consecrate the place.
- הטקס נועד לקדש את השבת.hatakes noad lekadesh et hasabat.The ceremony is intended to consecrate the Sabbath.
Example conversation
Maya and Ido are discussing a traditional ceremony.
- מאיה Mayaמתי נתחיל לקדש את השבת?matai natchil le'kadash et ha'shabbat?When will we start to consecrate the Sabbath?
- עידו Idoנעשה זאת מיד אחרי ארוחת הערב.na'ase zot miyad akharei aruhat ha'erev.We will do it immediately after dinner.
- מאיה Mayaהאם כולם יודעים איך לקדש?ha'im kulam yod'im eikh le'kadash?Does everyone know how to consecrate?
- עידו Idoכן, אני אעזור להם, מאיה.ken, ani e'ezor lahem, Maya.Yes, I will help them, Maya.
