ברוך השם
barúkh hashém
The English phrase "praise be to God" is translated into Hebrew as ברוך השם (barúkh hashém).
ברוך השם is used as an interjection to express gratitude or to indicate that things are going well, such as when answering the question of how you are doing. Another way to express this sentiment is through the term הַלְלוּיָהּ, which is a way to say "Praise Be to God".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ברוך השם literally translates to "Blessed be the Name", where "the Name" refers to God.
Which one should you use?
הַלְלוּיָהּ is a more formal way to say "Praise Be to God".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase ברוך השם, the word השם (the name) is used as a substitute for the actual name of God to avoid writing or speaking it in a secular context.
How do you pronounce it?
barúkh hashém
Did you know?
- The word ברוך shares a linguistic root with the Arabic word مبارك (mubārak), which also means 'blessed' or 'prosperous'.
- When writing the phrase, some religious individuals will use a specific spelling or even omit letters to ensure they do not accidentally disrespect the holiness of the name being referenced.
- While ברוך השם is used in daily conversation, the related word הַלְלוּיָהּ is so globally recognized that it is used in English and many other languages as a loanword.
Examples in context
- ברוך השם, הכל בסדר.Baruch Hashem, hakol beseder.Praise be to God, everything is fine.
- מצאתי עבודה חדשה, ברוך השם.Matsati avoda chadasha, baruch Hashem.I found a new job, praise be to God.
- הילדים בריאים, ברוך השם.Haledim bri'im, baruch Hashem.The children are healthy, praise be to God.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a health test result.
- עגור Adiדניאל, קיבלת את התוצאות מהרופא?Daniel, kibalta et hatotsaot meharofe?Daniel, did you get the results from the doctor?
- דניאל Danielכן, ברוך השם, הכל נראה תקין.Ken, Baruch Hashem, hakol nira takin.Yes, thank God, everything looks normal.
- עגור Adiאני כל כך שמחה לשמוע!Ani kol kach smacha lishmoa!I am so happy to hear!
- דניאל Danielתודה רבה, עגור.Toda raba, Agur.Thank you very much, Agur.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ברוך השם, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ברוך, השם, CC BY-SA 4.0.
