תהילים
Tehilim
The Hebrew word for the biblical book Psalms is תהילים (Tehilim).
תהילים is used as a proper name to refer to the Book of Psalms in the Bible.
Meaning: book of the Bible (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The word תהילים is a plural noun derived from a root meaning 'praise', so it literally translates to 'praises'.
How does it change in a sentence?
תהילים is a plural noun used as a proper name.
How do you pronounce it?
Tehilim
Did you know?
- While the English 'Psalms' comes from the Greek 'psalmos' meaning 'song with a stringed instrument', the Hebrew תהילים focuses entirely on the act of 'praise'.
- The root of תהילים is linked to the Hebrew verb 'לְהַלֵּל' (lehalel), which means 'to praise' and is the same root used in the common Hebrew expression 'Halleluyah'.
- In modern Hebrew, the word הלל (halel) is used not only for religious praise but also to mean 'to boast' or 'to brag' about oneself.
Examples in context
- Adonai ro'i lo echsar (אֲדֹנָי רֹעִי לֹא אֶחְסָר)The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
- קראתי את ספר תהילים.karati et sefer tehillim.I read the book of Psalms.
- תהילים הוא ספר נפלא.tehillim hu sefer nifla.Psalms is a wonderful book.
- הוא אוהב ללמוד תהילים.hu ohev lilmod tehillim.He loves studying Psalms.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their religious studies at a library.
- עידו Idoרוטם, מה את קוראת עכשיו?Rotem, ma at korat achshav?Rotem, what are you reading now?
- רוטם Rotemאני קוראת תהילים.Ani korat tehillim.I am reading Psalms.
- עידו Idoזה ספר מאוד מרגש.Ze sefer meod meragesh.It is a very moving book.
- רוטם Rotemכן, עידו, זה נכון.Ken, Ido, ze nachon.Yes, Ido, that is true.
