שמע
shamá/ʃaːˈmaʕ/
shema refers to the central prayer in Judaism that declares the oneness of God. In Hebrew, the phrase is שמע (shamá).
The term refers to a fundamental declaration of faith within the Jewish tradition, expressing the oneness of God.
What does it mean word for word?
The word שמע is a command in the imperative mood meaning 'Hear', 'Listen' or 'Hearken'.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is shamá. The IPA is /ʃaːˈmaʕ/.
Did you know?
- The root of שמע is also the basis for the Hebrew word for 'reputation', as a person's 'hearing' or what is heard about them defines their social standing.
- The command שמע is part of a ritual practice where many people cover their eyes with their hands while reciting it to enhance focus.
- In many Jewish traditions, the word שמע is whispered or spoken in a low voice during the final moments of life to ensure the person's last conscious act is a declaration of faith.
Examples in context
- הוא מדקלם את שמע ישראל.hu medaklem et shema yisrael.He recites the Shema Yisrael.
- אנו אומרים שמע לפני השינה.anu omrim shema lifnei hashena.We say the Shema before sleep.
Example conversation
Daniel and Noa are talking about their morning routine.
- דניאל Danielנועה, כבר אמרת שמע היום?Noa, kvar amart Shema hayom?Noa, have you already said the Shema today?
- נועה Noaכן, דניאל, עשיתי זאת בבוקר.Ken, Daniel, asiti zot ba-boker.Yes, Daniel, I did it in the morning.
- דניאל Danielזה נותן לי הרבה כוח.Ze noten li harbe koach.It gives me a lot of strength.
- נועה Noaאני מסכימה איתך לגמרי.Ani maskima itcha legamrei.I completely agree with you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry שמע, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
