אלהא רבא
elaha raba
The English phrase "God is great" is translated into Aramaic as אלהא רבא (elaha raba).
This phrase is used to express praise or admiration for the power and majesty of God.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun elaha (god) and the adjective raba (great/large).
How do you pronounce it?
elaha raba
Did you know?
- Ancient Aramaic was the 'lingua franca' of the Near East for centuries, meaning אלהא רבא would have been understood by people across different empires and ethnicities.
- The structure of אלהא רבא omits a verb like 'is'. In Aramaic, a noun followed by an adjective creates a complete sentence, making the phrase more punchy and direct than its English counterpart.
- Aramaic is one of the oldest languages still spoken today in small communities. Saying אלהא רבא connects a speaker to a living tradition that predates the Roman Empire.
Examples in context
- אלהא רבא.elhā rābā.God is great.
- אלהא רבא בשמיא.elhā rābā bishmaya.God is great in heaven.
Example conversation
Two friends are admiring a beautiful sunset together.
- Lilyחזי אלהא רבא!Hazi Alaha rabba!Look, God is great!
- Samiשפיר הוא לחדא.Shappir hu laḥda.It is very beautiful.
- Lilyאלהא רבא בבריתה.Alaha rabba b'britheh.God is great in His creation.
- Samiאמן, אלהא רבא.Amen, Alaha rabba.Amen, God is great.
