Quick Answer: How to Say Lord in Hebrew
Lord in Hebrew is:
Meaning: My Lord, Master
Note: Adonai is used as a substitute for Yahweh (יְהוָה) when reading Scripture aloud.
How to Pronounce Adonai
The Hebrew word אֲדֹנָי (Adonai) is pronounced ah-doh-NAI.
Pronunciation Breakdown
- אֲדֹנ (adon) - Sounds like "ah-dohn" (the "a" as in "father", the "o" as in "go")
- ָי (ai) - Sounds like "NAI" (the "ai" as in "eye", emphasis on this syllable)
Stress: The emphasis is on the final syllable: ah-doh-NAI
Practice Saying Adonai
Try saying it slowly: ah-dohn (pause) NAI
Then say it faster: ah-doh-NAI
Tip: The "ai" ending sounds like the word "eye" in English.
What Does Adonai Mean?
The word אֲדֹנָי (Adonai) literally means "My Lord" or "My Master." It comes from the root א.ד.נ (a.d.n), which means "lord" or "master":
👑 My Lord
The possessive form showing personal relationship and ownership
🎯 Master
One who has authority, control, or ownership
🙏 Reverent Substitute
Used as a respectful replacement for Yahweh when reading Scripture
📖 Biblical Usage
Appears throughout the Hebrew Bible, especially in Psalms and prayers
Key Insight: Adonai comes from the root א.ד.נ (a.d.n), meaning "lord" or "master." The "-ai" ending is a first-person possessive suffix, making it "my lord" or "my master." When used as a substitute for Yahweh, Adonai expresses both reverence for God's sacred name and acknowledgment of his lordship over our lives. In English Bibles, when you see "LORD" (in all caps), it typically represents Yahweh, which would be read as "Adonai" in Hebrew.
How to Use Adonai
Adonai is used in various contexts in the Hebrew Bible. Here's how it appears:
1. As a Substitute for Yahweh
When reading Scripture aloud, Adonai is used instead of Yahweh:
In the text: יְהוָה (Yahweh)
Read aloud as: אֲדֹנָי (Adonai)
This practice shows reverence for God's sacred name and follows the Third Commandment: "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain."
2. In Worship and Prayer
Adonai is frequently used in the Psalms and prayers:
Psalm 8:1:
יְהוָה אֲדֹנֵינוּ מָה אַדִּיר שִׁמְךָ
Adonai Eloheinu mah adir shimkha
"O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name"
Here, both Yahweh and Adonai appear together, with Adonai being read in place of Yahweh.
3. Combined with Other Divine Names
Adonai often appears with other names of God:
Adonai Elohim: אֲדֹנָי אֱלֹהִים (Adonai Elohim) - "Lord God"
Adonai Tzva'ot: אֲדֹנָי צְבָאוֹת (Adonai Tzva'ot) - "Lord of Hosts"
These combinations emphasize different aspects of God's nature and authority.
Biblical Significance of Adonai
Adonai expresses both reverence for God and acknowledgment of his lordship. Here are key biblical concepts involving Adonai:
Psalm 110:1 - The Lord Said to My Lord
נְאֻם יְהוָה לַאדֹנִי
Ne'um Adonai la'Adoni
"The LORD says to my Lord"
This verse, quoted by Jesus in the New Testament, shows the distinction between Yahweh (Adonai) and a human lord (adoni).
Isaiah 6:1 - In the Year King Uzziah Died
וָאֶרְאֶה אֶת אֲדֹנָי יֹשֵׁב עַל כִּסֵּא רָם וְנִשָּׂא
Va'ereh et Adonai yoshev al kise ram venisa
"I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up"
Isaiah's vision of Adonai emphasizes God's majesty and sovereignty as the ultimate Lord and Master.
Practical Tips for Understanding Adonai
How to Study
- Practice pronunciation: Say "ah-doh-NAI" slowly, emphasizing the final syllable
- Recognize in English Bibles: "LORD" (all caps) often represents Yahweh, read as Adonai
- Study the Psalms: Look for Adonai in worship contexts to see how it's used
- Understand the relationship: Reflect on what it means to call God "my Lord" and "my Master"
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