מתנת אל
matnat el
The Hebrew phrase for 'gift of God' is מתנת אל (matnat el).
This phrase is used to describe a person or thing that is seen as a divine blessing.
What does it mean word for word?
The word מתנת (matnat) is a construct form of the noun מתנה (matana), meaning 'gift of'.
Which one should you use?
Replacing אל (el) with אלוהים (Elohim) creates the more common religious expression מתנת אלוהים.
How do you pronounce it?
matnat el
Did you know?
- While מתנת אל uses a poetic or archaic form of 'god', daily Hebrew often uses מתנת שמיים to mean 'a gift from heaven'.
- The root of אל might be related to the Proto-Semitic word for 'towards' or 'nigh', suggesting the word for 'god' originally described a being that is 'close' or 'near'.
- In Hebrew, the word אל can mean 'god' or 'towards' depending on the context. These two meanings come from entirely different ancient roots.
Examples in context
- רעיה היודעת לשתוק היא מתנת אלוהים.A wife who can be quiet is a gift of God.This sentence illustrates how to describe a person using the phrase מתנת אל.Tatoeba #4825443 by fekundulo, translation #4823598 by whitefishglobal
Example conversation
Maya and Itai are talking about a new baby.
- מאיה Mayaהתינוקת שלך כל כך מתוקה!Hatinoket shelcha kol kach metuka!Your baby girl is so sweet!
- איתי Itayתודה, היא באמת מתנת אל.Toda, hi be'emet matnat el.Thanks, she really is a gift of god.
- מאיה Mayaאני שמחה בשבילך, איתי.Ani smacha bishvilcha, Itai.I am happy for you, Itai.
- איתי Itayתודה רבה, מאיה.Toda raba, Maya.Thank you very much, Maya.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries אל, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
