מתנה מאלוהים
matana me-elohim
The Hebrew phrase for "gift from God" is מתנה מאלוהים (matana me-elohim).
This phrase is used to describe a blessing or a wonderful thing that is perceived as being sent by a divine power.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of matana (gift), me (from) and elohim (God).
Which one should you use?
מתנה מלמעלה is an informal alternative that means "a gift from above".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word matana (gift) is a feminine noun. If you were to add an adjective, such as "great", it would need to be in the feminine form gedola (גדולה).
How do you pronounce it?
matana me-elohim
Did you know?
- If you use the informal alternative מתנה מלמעלה (a gift from above), you are using a common Hebrew euphemism to avoid mentioning the name of God directly in casual conversation.
- The word אלוהים ('elohim') is grammatically plural, yet in this phrase it functions as a singular noun when referring to the one God.
- The root of the word מתנה (matana) has historical roots in ancient legal terminology. In old texts, it did not just mean a small present, but referred to the formal granting of land or property.
Examples in context
- החתונה הזו היא מתנה מלמעלה, מתאימה בדיוק לזוג המקסים הזה.This wedding is a gift from above, perfectly suitable for this lovely couple.
- הילד הזה הוא מתנה מאלוהים.ha-yeled ha-ze hu matana me-Elohim.This child is a gift from god.
- ההצלחה הזו היא מתנה מאלוהים.ha-hatzlacha ha-zo hi matana me-Elohim.This success is a gift from god.
- החיים שלנו הם מתנה מאלוהים.ha-chayim she-lanu hem matana me-Elohim.Our lives are a gift from god.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a new job opportunity.
- עגור Adiדניאל, קיבלתי את העבודה שרציתי!Daniel, kibalti et ha-avoda she-ratsiti!Daniel, I got the job I wanted!
- דניאל Danielזה נשמע כמו מתנה מאלוהים.Ze nishma kmo matana me-Elohim.That sounds like a gift from God.
- עגור Adiאני כל כך שמחה שזה קרה.Ani kol kach smecha she-ze kara.I am so happy that this happened.
- דניאל Danielאת באמת ראויה לזה, עגור.At be-emet ra-uya le-ze, Agur.You really deserve it, Agur.
