שאלוהים יברך אותך
she'elohim yevarekh otkha
The English phrase "may God bless you" is translated into Hebrew as שאלוהים יברך אותך (she'elohim yevarekh otkha).
What does it mean word for word?
The verb יברך means "will bless". In Hebrew, the future tense is used here to express a wish or a prayer.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form שאלוהים יברך אותך is the masculine singular form, used when you are addressing a single male.
How do you pronounce it?
she'elohim yevarekh otkha
Did you know?
- The root of the word יברך is shared with the word for 'knee', ברך. This reflects an ancient connection between the act of blessing and the physical gesture of kneeling.
- While שאלוהים יברך אותך is grammatically correct, a Hebrew speaker would more likely use the phrase ה' יברך אותך in a religious context, often substituting the name of God with a single letter to avoid writing it in places where it might be desecrated.
- In many Jewish communities, people avoid saying the full name of God, אלוהים, in casual conversation. Instead, they might use a modified version like אלוקים to show respect and avoid taking the name in vain.
Examples in context
- שאלוהים יברך אותך בכל טוב.she'Elohim yevarech otcha be'chol tov.May God bless you with all good.
Example conversation
Noam is wishing Maya well before her journey.
- נועם Noamנסיעה טובה, מאיה.nesi'ah tovah, Maya.Have a good trip, Maya.
- מאיה Mayaתודה רבה, נועם.todah rabah, Noam.Thank you very much, Noam.
- נועם Noamשאלוהים יברך אותך בדרכים.she'Elohim yevarech otach b'drachim.May God bless you on the roads.
- מאיה Mayaאמן, תודה לך.amen, todah lecha.Amen, thank you.
