רִבּוֹנָא
ribbonamasculine
The English word "lord" can be translated into Aramaic using רִבּוֹנָא (ribbona). Wiktionary also lists מָרֵי (marei).
Meaning: God (name)
Ways to say it
| Aramaic | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| רִבּוֹנָא | ribbona | masculine |
| מָרֵי | marei | masculine |
In Aramaic, these terms are used to refer to God as a name or title. Specifically, רִבּוֹנָא is used as a title for God within liturgical or religious contexts.
Which one should you use?
רִבּוֹנָא is the singular form, while מָרֵי is the plural masculine form. Additionally, מָרָא can refer to an aristocrat or a property owner.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Eastern Aramaic dialects, the term Mar is an alternative variation for "Lord". In Western Aramaic dialects, the term Mari is commonly used alongside Maran to mean "Lord".
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
רִבּוֹנָא is the singular masculine form of the word, whereas מָרֵי is the plural masculine form.
How do you pronounce it?
ribbona
Did you know?
- In many Eastern Christian traditions, the title Mar is not just a religious term for God, but is used as a respectful prefix before a person's name, functioning much like the English word 'Saint'.
- In the phrase מָרַן, the word for 'lord' and the possessive pronoun for 'our' are fused into a single word, which is a common feature in Aramaic prayer.
- While רִבּוֹנָא refers to God in a religious sense, the root of the word relates to the concept of a 'sovereign' or 'master' of a household.
Examples in context
- רִבּוֹנָא שְׁמַע קוְלִי.Ribbonā šmə' qolī.Lord, hear my voice.
- בִּשְׁם רִבּוֹנָא הַכֹּל טוֹב.Bišm Ribbonā hakol tov.In the name of the Lord, everything is good.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their faith.
- Gabrielגַּבְרִיאֵל, רִבּוֹנָא הִנּוּן טוֹב.Gabriel, Ribona hinnon tov.Gabriel, the Lord is good.
- Mariamמַרְיָם, אֲנָא מַדָּעֵי זֶה.Mariam, ana mad'ei ze.Mariam, I know this.
- Gabrielרִבּוֹנָא נָתַן לָן חַיֵּי.Ribona natan lan khaye.The Lord gave us life.
- Mariamאָמֵן, הוּא שַׁפְעִיר לָן.Amen, hu shap'ir lan.Amen, He is gracious to us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lord” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
