Quick Answer: How to Say Thank You in Hebrew
Thank you in Hebrew is:
Meaning: Thanks, gratitude, thanksgiving
How to Pronounce Todah
The Hebrew word תּוֹדָה (todah) is pronounced toh-DAH.
Pronunciation Breakdown
- תּוֹ (toh) - Sounds like "toh" (the "o" as in "go")
- דָה (dah) - Sounds like "DAH" (the "a" as in "father", emphasis on this syllable)
Stress: The emphasis is on the final syllable: toh-DAH
Practice Saying Todah
Try saying it slowly: toh (pause) DAH
Then say it faster: toh-DAH
Tip: You can also say "todah rabah" (תּוֹדָה רַבָּה) which means "thank you very much."
What Does Todah Mean?
While תּוֹדָה (todah) is translated as "thank you" or "thanks," its meaning in Hebrew encompasses more than simple gratitude:
🙏 Gratitude
Thankfulness and appreciation for a gift or favor
🎉 Thanksgiving
Expression of thanks, especially to God in worship
📝 Acknowledgment
Recognition and acknowledgment of a gift or blessing
💝 Offering
A thank offering or sacrifice given to God
Key Insight: Todah comes from the root י.ד.ה (y.d.h), which means "to give thanks" or "to acknowledge." In biblical context, todah often refers to a thank offering—a sacrifice given to God as an expression of gratitude. This shows that thanksgiving in Hebrew thought is not just words, but action.
How to Use Todah
Todah is used in various contexts in Hebrew. Here's how to use it:
1. In Everyday Conversation
The most common way to say thank you:
Thank you: תּוֹדָה (todah)
Thank you very much: תּוֹדָה רַבָּה (todah rabah) - "much thanks"
Note: "Rabah" means "much" or "great," so "todah rabah" is like saying "thanks a lot!"
2. In Worship and Prayer
Todah is frequently used in biblical worship:
Psalm 100:4:
בֹּאוּ שְׁעָרָיו בְּתוֹדָה
bo'u shearav betodah
"Enter his gates with thanksgiving"
Todah is used throughout the Psalms to express gratitude to God.
3. As a Thank Offering
In biblical times, todah could refer to a sacrifice:
Psalm 50:14:
וְשַׁלֵּם לְעֶלְיוֹן נְדָרֶיךָ
veshalem le'elyon nedareikha
"Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving"
Todah can refer to a thank offering given to God as an expression of gratitude.
Biblical Significance of Todah
Todah is central to the biblical understanding of worship and gratitude. Here are key biblical concepts involving todah:
Psalm 100:4 - Enter with Thanksgiving
בֹּאוּ שְׁעָרָיו בְּתוֹדָה חֲצֵרֹתָיו בִּתְהִלָּה
bo'u shearav betodah chatzerotav bitehillah
"Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise"
Todah is the proper attitude for approaching God—with gratitude and thanksgiving.
Psalm 50:23 - Sacrifice of Thanksgiving
זֹבֵחַ תּוֹדָה יְכַבְּדָנְנִי
zoveach todah yechabdenni
"The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me"
God values a heart of gratitude more than ritual sacrifices. Todah is a form of worship that honors God.
Practical Tips for Using Todah
How to Practice
- Practice pronunciation: Say "toh-DAH" slowly, emphasizing the final syllable
- Use it in daily life: Try saying "todah" or "todah rabah" when someone helps you
- Incorporate in prayer: Begin prayers with thanksgiving using todah
- Study the Psalms: Look up verses containing todah to see it in worship context
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