באלוהים
be'elohim
The Hebrew phrase for "on God" is באלוהים (be'elohim).
This slang expression is used to emphasize that one is telling the truth or to show strong agreement with a statement.
How do you pronounce it?
be'elohim
Did you know?
- The word אלוהים 'Elohim' is a cognate of the Arabic word الله 'Allah', reflecting their shared Afroasiatic linguistic roots.
- The word אלוהים 'Elohim' uses a plural grammatical form even when referring to a single deity, a linguistic feature known as the 'plural of majesty'.
- Depending on the tone, באלוהים can shift from a swear of truth to an expression of extreme frustration, similar to how an English speaker might say 'for God's sake'.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a difficult test.
- עידו Idoהמבחן הזה היה קשה מדי.hamivchan haze haya kashe miday.This test was way too hard.
- מאיה Mayaבאלוהים, לא הצלחתי לסיים הכל.ba-elohim, lo hitzlachti lesayem hakol.On god, I couldn't finish everything.
- עידו Idoכולם אומרים שהיה קשה.kulam omrim she-haya kashe.Everyone says it was hard.
- מאיה Mayaמקווה שנעבור את זה.mekava shena'avor et ze.I hope we pass it.
