בעזרת השם
be'ezrat hashem
The Hebrew phrase for "if God wills it" is בעזרת השם (be'ezrat hashem).
בעזרת השם is used when discussing future plans or hopes to acknowledge that human agency is subject to divine will.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "with the help of the Name", where "the Name" is a euphemism for God.
Which one should you use?
While בעזרת השם focuses on God's help, the phrase אם ירצה השם is a more direct way to say "if God wills it".
How do you pronounce it?
be'ezrat hashem
When do people say it?
In Hebrew text, the phrase בעזרת השם is frequently written in its abbreviated form as ב"ה.
Did you know?
- The abbreviation בּ"ה" is often written in the top corner of a letter or document to invoke divine assistance before the main text even begins.
- When writing the abbreviation ב"ה", some people include double quotation marks to indicate that the letters are a shorthand for a sacred name. This visual cue acts as a way to show respect for the divine name being abbreviated.
- In some religious circles, speakers will instinctively add בעזרת השם to almost any sentence referring to the future to avoid seeming overconfident or arrogant.
Examples in context
- נחזור למשפחה בעזרת השם.nekhzor la-mishpakha be'ezrat hashem.We will return to the family, if God wills it.
- בעזרת השם, הכל יהיה בסדר.be'ezrat hashem, hakol yihiye be'seder.If God wills it, everything will be alright.
- אני אצליח במבחן בעזרת השם.ani etslakh ba-mivchan be'ezrat hashem.I will succeed in the exam, if God wills it.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their plans for a vacation.
- נועם Noamנועם, בוא נסגור את הטיול לירושלים.Noam, bo nesgor et ha-tiyul le-Yerushalayim.Noam, let's finalize the trip to Jerusalem.
- עגור Adiנצא לדרך ביום ראשון, בעזרת השם.Netze la-derech be-yom rishon, be'ezrat haShem.We will set out on Sunday, if God wills it.
- נועם Noamאני מקווה שהמזג אוויר יהיה יפה.Ani mekave she-ha-mezeg avir yihye yafe.I hope the weather will be nice.
- עגור Adiבטוח שיהיה מזג אוויר נהדר.Betach she-yihye mezeg avir nehedar.I am sure the weather will be great.
