Quick Answer: Hebrew Family Terms
Hebrew Family Terms:
Father: אָב (av) - ahv
Mother: אֵם (em) - ehm
Son: בֵּן (ben) - behn
Daughter: בַּת (bat) - baht
Note: These are foundational family terms that appear frequently throughout the Hebrew Bible.
Introduction to Hebrew Family Terms
Hebrew family terms are foundational vocabulary that appear throughout the Bible. Understanding these words helps you read Scripture in its original language and connect with biblical family relationships.
Key Insight: Hebrew family terms are simple, powerful words that carry deep meaning. The words for father (av) and mother (em) are among the shortest words in Hebrew, reflecting their foundational importance. The terms for son (ben) and daughter (bat) are also simple and appear frequently in biblical genealogies and narratives.
Hebrew Family Terms: Complete List
Here are the four essential Hebrew family terms with pronunciation:
| English | Hebrew | Transliteration | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Father | אָב | av | ahv |
| Mother | אֵם | em | ehm |
| Son | בֵּן | ben | behn |
| Daughter | בַּת | bat | baht |
Detailed Breakdown of Each Term
Let's explore each family term in detail:
אָב (Av) - Father
The Hebrew word for father is אָב (av), pronounced ahv.
My father: אָבִי (avi) - "my father"
Our father: אָבִינוּ (avinu) - "our father"
Note: "Avinu" is used in the Lord's Prayer in Hebrew and in the phrase "Avinu Malkeinu" (Our Father, Our King).
אֵם (Em) - Mother
The Hebrew word for mother is אֵם (em), pronounced ehm.
My mother: אִמִּי (imi) - "my mother"
Our mother: אִמֵּנוּ (imenu) - "our mother"
Note: The word "em" is one of the shortest words in Hebrew, reflecting its foundational importance.
בֵּן (Ben) - Son
The Hebrew word for son is בֵּן (ben), pronounced behn.
My son: בְּנִי (bni) - "my son"
Sons of Israel: בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל (bnei Yisrael) - "sons of Israel"
Note: "Ben" is also used in names like "Benjamin" (son of the right hand) and appears in many biblical genealogies.
בַּת (Bat) - Daughter
The Hebrew word for daughter is בַּת (bat), pronounced baht.
My daughter: בִּתִּי (bti) - "my daughter"
Daughters of Zion: בְּנוֹת צִיּוֹן (bnot Tzion) - "daughters of Zion"
Note: "Bat" is the feminine form of "ben" and appears frequently in biblical narratives about women.
Biblical Significance of Family Terms
Family terms appear throughout the Bible and carry deep theological significance. Here are key biblical concepts:
Exodus 20:12 - Honor Your Father and Mother
כַּבֵּד אֶת אָבִיךָ וְאֶת אִמֶּךָ
Kabeid et avicha ve'et imecha
"Honor your father and your mother" (Exodus 20:12)
This is the fifth commandment, emphasizing the importance of honoring parents in Hebrew culture and biblical teaching.
Psalm 2:7 - You Are My Son
בְּנִי אַתָּה אֲנִי הַיּוֹם יְלִדְתִּיךָ
Bni atah ani hayom yelidticha
"You are my son; today I have begotten you" (Psalm 2:7)
This verse is quoted in the New Testament in reference to Jesus as the Son of God, showing the theological significance of the father-son relationship.
Isaiah 7:14 - The Virgin Shall Bear a Son
הִנֵּה הָעַלְמָה הָרָה וְיֹלֶדֶת בֵּן
Hineh ha'almah harah veyoledet ben
"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son" (Isaiah 7:14)
This messianic prophecy uses the word "ben" (son) to refer to the coming Messiah, showing how family terms connect to God's redemptive plan.
Practical Tips for Learning Hebrew Family Terms
How to Practice
- Memorize the four terms: Start with av (father) and em (mother), then ben (son) and bat (daughter)
- Practice pronunciation: Say each word aloud, focusing on the simple vowel sounds
- Learn possessive forms: Practice "my father" (avi), "my mother" (imi), etc.
- Study biblical usage: Look up verses containing family terms to see them in context
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