לאלוהים התהילה
le-elohim ha-tehila
The English phrase "to God be the glory" is expressed in Hebrew as לאלוהים התהילה (le-elohim ha-tehila).
This phrase is primarily used in religious contexts, such as in Christian liturgy, hymns or prayer, to attribute success or beauty to the divine.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition ל (to/for), the noun אלוהים (God) and the noun phrase התהילה (the glory).
How does it change in a sentence?
Removing the definite article ה (the) from התהילה to create לאלוהים תהילה makes the phrase sound more like a poetic or biblical invocation rather than a declarative statement.
How do you pronounce it?
le-elohim ha-tehila
Did you know?
- The word אלוהים used in this phrase is grammatically plural, despite referring to a single deity. This is a specific linguistic device in Hebrew called a plural of majesty used to convey intensity and greatness.
- The root of תהילה relates to singing or chanting. This implies that in the Hebrew mindset, 'glory' is not just a static quality but something that must be actively voiced or sung.
- In modern Israeli secular society, using the word תהילה in a casual setting would sound like a line from an ancient epic film. It is almost entirely reserved for liturgy and scripture today.
Examples in context
- לאלוהים התהילה על הנס הזה.la'elohim hatehila al hanes haze.To God be the glory for this miracle.
- בכל הצלחה שלנו, לאלוהים התהילה.bechol hatzlacha shelanu, la'elohim hatehila.In all our success, to God be the glory.
Example conversation
Two friends discuss a successful medical recovery.
- עגור Adiשמעתי שאתה מרגיש הרבה יותר טוב, עידו.shama'ti she-ata margish harbe yoter tov, Ido.I heard you are feeling much better, Ido.
- עידו Idoכן, אני כבר יכול ללכת לבד.ken, ani kvar yakhol lalechet levad.Yes, I can already walk by myself.
- עגור Adiזה באמת נס רפואי.ze be-emet nes refu'i.It really is a medical miracle.
- עידו Idoאכן כן, לאלוהים התהילה.akhen ken, l'elohim ha-tehila.Indeed, to God be the glory.
