ה׳ עמך
Hashem immekha
The Hebrew phrase for "God be with you" is ה׳ עמך (Hashem immekha).
This phrase is used to wish someone divine protection or guidance, and it is often used when saying goodbye.
What does it mean word for word?
ה׳ עמך is a shortened form of "May God be with you". It consists of the name of God and the word for "with you".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form ה׳ עמך (Hashem immekha) is used when speaking to a male. If you are speaking to a group, use ה׳ עמכם (Hashem immekhem).
How do you pronounce it?
Hashem immekha
Did you know?
- In ultra-Orthodox communities, writing the full name of God instead of the symbol ׳ on a piece of paper can be seen as blasphemous if that paper is later thrown away.
- In the phrase ה׳ עמך, the letter ׳ is not a punctuation mark but a placeholder for the name of God, which is too sacred to be written out in full in many religious contexts.
- The phrasing of ה׳ עמך is so closely tied to the Tanakh that using it in a modern conversation makes the speaker sound as if they are quoting ancient scripture.
Examples in context
- כן, בוודאות! יהי ה' עמך גם.Yes, definitely! May the Lord be with you too.
Example conversation
Two friends are saying goodbye after a long walk.
- רוטם Rotemהיה נעים להסתובב איתך היום, נועם.Haya na'im lehistovev itcha hayom, Noam.It was nice walking with you today, Noam.
- נועם Noamגם אני נהניתי מאוד, רוטם.Gam ani neheniti me'od, Rotem.I enjoyed it very much too, Rotem.
- רוטם Rotemאני הולכת הביתה עכשיו. להתראות!Ani holechet habayta achshav. Lehitra'ot!I am going home now. Goodbye!
- נועם Noamלהתראות, ה׳ עמך.Lehitra'ot, Adonai imach.Goodbye, God be with you.
