דבר אלוהים
dvar Elohim/daˈvaʁ (ʔ)eloˈ(h)im/word by word
The English phrase "the word of God" is translated into Hebrew as דבר אלוהים (dvar Elohim).
This phrase refers to the divine message or revelation communicated by God to humanity.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of דבר (dvar), meaning "word" (in the construct state) and אלוהים (Elohim), meaning "God".
How does it change in a sentence?
In this construct state, it is used to indicate a relationship of possession or origin, specifically that the word belongs to or originates from God.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is dvar Elohim. The IPA is /daˈvaʁ (ʔ)eloˈ(h)im/.
Did you know?
- In Hebrew, the word דבר (davar) does not only mean 'word' but can also mean 'thing' or 'object'. This suggests that the 'word of God' is viewed as a tangible, substantive reality rather than just an abstract concept.
- The word אלוהים is grammatically a plural form, yet in the phrase דבר אלוהים it refers to a single deity. This reflects a linguistic pattern where plural nouns are used to express majesty or infinite power.
- The word אלוהים is derived from the singular root אל (el), which means 'power' or 'might'. Thus, calling someone 'the word of God' carries a linguistic echo of 'the word of power'.
Example conversation
Noam and Noa are discussing their faith in a library.
- נועם Noamנועה, את מאמינה שזהו דבר אלוהים?Noa, at ma'amina shezehu dvar elohim?Noa, do you believe that this is the word of God?
- נועה Noaכן, נועם, אני מרגישה את זה בלב.ken, Noam, ani margisha et ze balev.Yes, Noam, I feel it in my heart.
- נועם Noamדבר אלוהים נותן לי כוח.dvar elohim noten li koach.The word of God gives me strength.
- נועה Noaזה באמת נותן תקווה לכולנו.ze be'emet noten tikva le'kulanu.It really gives hope to all of us.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (דבר, אלוהים) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries אלוהים, CC BY-SA 4.0.
