לך לשלום
lekh le-shalom
The English phrase "go with God" can be expressed in Hebrew as לך לשלום (lekh le-shalom).
While often translated as "go with God," the Hebrew phrase is used to wish someone well by focusing on their state of being rather than divine accompaniment.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase means "go to peace".
Which one should you use?
The English expression "go with God" implies that God is accompanying the person, whereas the Hebrew לך לשלום focuses on the recipient's state of peace.
How do you pronounce it?
lekh le-shalom
Did you know?
- The root of the word שלום is shared with the word for 'payment' or 'reparation' in Hebrew, suggesting that peace requires a restoration of balance.
- In certain contexts, לך לשלום can be used sarcastically to tell someone to leave and not come back, similar to the English 'good riddance'.
- In many contexts, the phrase לך לשלום can be used as a polite way to tell someone to leave or to dismiss them from a conversation.
Examples in context
- תלך בשלום עם אלוהים, מיה.Go in peace with God, Mya.
- לך לשלום, אחי.lekh lashalom, akhi.Go with God, my brother.
Example conversation
Rotem is seeing Daniel off at the door.
- רוטם Rotemהיה נחמד שביקרת, דניאל.Haya nehmad shebikarta, Daniel.It was nice that you visited, Daniel.
- דניאל Danielגם אני נהניתי מאוד, רוטם.Gam ani neheniti me'od, Rotem.I enjoyed it very much too, Rotem.
- רוטם Rotemלך לשלום, נתראה בקרוב.Lech l'shalom, nitra'e bekarov.Go with God, see you soon.
- דניאל Danielתודה, להתראות!Toda, lehitra'ot!Thanks, goodbye!
