גם זה יעבור
The English phrase "this too shall pass" is translated into Hebrew as גם זה יעבור.
This proverb is used to convey the idea that nothing lasts forever. It serves a dual purpose: it can be used to offer comfort to someone experiencing difficult times, or as a reminder of the fleeting nature of good times.
Meaning: nothing lasts forever (proverb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of גם (also/too), זה (this) and יעבור (will pass/will go by).
Which one should you use?
גַם זֹאת תַּעֲבֹר is a formal variation used to express the same sentiment.
Did you know?
- While now associated with Hebrew, this proverb is often linked to a legendary story about a king who asked his advisors for a ring that would make a happy man sad and a sad man happy.
- In modern Israel, the phrase גם זה יעבור is frequently used as a colloquial expression of resilience during national crises or periods of instability.
- The verb יעבור (will pass) shares the same root as the Hebrew word for 'crossing' a street or 'passing' an exam, linking the passage of time to physical movement.
Examples in context
- גם זה יעבור.This, too, shall pass.This example shows how to use the phrase גם זה יעבור.Tatoeba #13866002 by rul, translation #1509868 by Biga
- אל תדאג, גם זה יעבור.al tedag, gam ze ya'avor.Don't worry, this too shall pass.
Example conversation
Noa is comforting Ido during a stressful week at work.
- נועה Noaנראה שאין סוף ללחץ בעבודה.Nir'e she'ein sof la'lachatz ba'avoda.It seems like there is no end to the stress at work.
- עידו Idoאני פשוט לא יכול יותר.Ani pashut lo yachol yoter.I just can't take it anymore.
- נועה Noaתנשום עמוק, עידו. גם זה יעבור.Tineshym amok, Ido. Gam ze ya'avor.Take a deep breath, Ido. This too shall pass.
- עידו Idoאת צודקת, תודה נועה.At tzodeket, toda Noa.You're right, thanks Noa.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “this too shall pass” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
