سبحوا الرب
sabbiḥū ar-rabb
The English phrase "praise the lord" is translated into Arabic as سبحوا الرب (sabbiḥū ar-rabb).
The phrase سبحوا الرب is most commonly used in a liturgical or religious context, such as in Christian hymns or scripture, rather than in everyday casual speech.
Meaning: phrase used to thank God (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb سبحوا (sabbiḥū) is the imperative plural form meaning "praise" or "glorify", and الرب (ar-rabb) means "the Lord".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Egypt and the Levant, the phrase الحمدلله على كل حال is used to mean "Praise be to God in all circumstances".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form سبحوا الرب uses a plural imperative. If you are addressing only one person, you would use the singular imperative form سبح الرب (sabbiḥ ar-rabb) instead.
How do you pronounce it?
sabbiḥū ar-rabb
Did you know?
- The root of the verb سبحوا is linked to the word for 'swimming' or 'floating' in Arabic, suggesting a sense of drifting in divine wonder or moving in a celestial orbit.
- The word الرب (ar-rabb) shares an ancient root with the English word 'rabbi', which is a title for a teacher or master in Hebrew.
- In Arabic, the word الرب can be used to describe an earthly 'master' or 'owner' of a household as well as the divine Lord.
Examples in context
- سبحوا الرب في كل حين.Sabbiḥū al-rabba fī kulli ḥīn.Praise the lord at all times.
Example conversation
Nour and Ziad are discussing a successful recovery from an illness.
- نور Nourلقد تعافى والدي أخيراً يا زياد.Laqad ta'afa walidi akhiran ya Ziyad.My father has finally recovered, Ziad.
- زياد Ziadهذا خبر رائع، سبحوا الرب!Hadha khabar ra'i', sabbihoo ar-rabb!That is great news, praise the Lord!
- نور Nourنعم، نحن ممتنون جداً.Na'am, nahnu mumtannuna jiddan.Yes, we are very grateful.
- زياد Ziadأنا سعيد جداً من أجلك يا نور.Ana sa'id jiddan min ajliki ya Nour.I am very happy for you, Nour.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries الرب, CC BY-SA 4.0.
