אלוהים כאן
Elohim kan
The phrase "God is here" in Hebrew is אלוהים כאן (Elohim kan).
The phrase is used to make a statement asserting that a deity is present in a specific location.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun Elohim (God) and the adverb kan (here).
How does it change in a sentence?
In Hebrew, the verb "to be" (is) is omitted in the present tense, so אלוהים כאן literally translates to "God here" but functions as "God is here".
How do you pronounce it?
Elohim kan
Did you know?
- While אלוהים כאן is a direct statement, in many religious Jewish contexts, one might avoid saying the name of God aloud to show respect.
- The word אלוהים is grammatically plural, even though it is used to refer to a single deity in monotheistic contexts.
- In modern Hebrew, כאן is often used specifically for broadcasts and media, as in the name of the national public broadcaster 'Kan'.
Examples in context
- אלוהים פה – Elohim Po!God is here!
- אלוהים כאן איתנו.Elohim kan itanu.God is here with us.
Example conversation
Two friends are visiting a peaceful temple.
- מאיה Mayaאיתי, תראה כמה השקט כאן מיוחד.Itay, tir'e kama hasheket kan meyuhad.Itay, look how special the silence is here.
- איתי Itayאני באמת מרגיש שׁאלוהים כאן.Ani be'emet margish she'elohim kan.I really feel that God is here.
- מאיה Mayaגם אני מרגישה את זה, מאיה.Gam ani margisha et ze, Maya.I feel it too, Maya.
- איתי Itayזה מקום מאוד קדוש.Ze makom me'od kadosh.This is a very holy place.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries אלוהים, כאן, CC BY-SA 4.0.
