How to Say "In the Name of God" in Hebrew

בשם אלוהים

be-shem Elohim

The English phrase "in the name of God" is translated into Hebrew as בשם אלוהים (be-shem Elohim).

This phrase is used to invoke the authority or power of a deity when performing an action or making a request.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase is composed of the preposition ב (in), the noun שם (name) and the noun אלוהים (God).

בְּשֵׁם הָאֵל is a variation meaning "In the Name of God" and בְּשֵׁם אֵל is a variation meaning "In the Name of El".

In this context, the preposition ב (be) functions as both "in" and "by", indicating the instrument or authority being used.

be-shem Elohim

When reading sacred texts aloud, some observant speakers will avoid saying the full word אלוהים to prevent taking the name in vain. They may substitute it with אל or even ה׳ to maintain a high level of reverence.
The word אלוהים is grammatically plural, yet it is used to refer to a single deity in the Hebrew Bible. This linguistic structure is known as the 'plural of majesty', intended to convey greatness rather than a multitude of gods.
In modern Israeli culture, the phrase בשם אלוהים is rarely used as a daily greeting or oath, as religious expressions are often replaced by secular alternatives in public speech.

בשם אלוהים הרחום והחנון.
In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful.
This sentence shows how to use בשם אלוהים in a religious or descriptive context.
Tatoeba #9839158 by omeritzics, translation #9839207 by shekitten
הַקְהֵל נִכְנֵס לַכִּנּוּס בְּשֵׁם הָאֵל.
The congregation enters the hall in the name of God.

Noa and Daniel are discussing a difficult moral decision.

נועה Noa

דניאל, אני מבקשת בשם אלוהים שתדiga את האמת.
Daniel, ani mevakeshet beshem elohim shetada'ig et ha'emet.
Daniel, I ask in the name of God that you tell the truth.
דניאל Daniel

אני לא יודע מה לומר.
ani lo yode'a ma lomar.
I don't know what to say.
נועה Noa

זהו רגע קריטי עבורנו.
zehu rega kriti avorenu.
This is a critical moment for us.
דניאל Daniel

בסדר, אני אגיד הכל.
beseder, ani agid hakol.
Alright, I will tell everything.

Sources

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