אֱלֹהִים יְבָרֵךְ אוֹתְךָ
Elohim Yevarekh Otkha
“God bless you”
Elohim Yevarekh Otkha (אֱלֹהִים יְבָרֵךְ אוֹתְךָ) is a Hebrew phrase meaning “god bless you,” pronounced “e-lo-HIM ye-va-REKH ot-KHA.” The literal translation is “god will bless you.” A direct blessing invoking God's favor upon another person. Used in both religious and heartfelt secular contexts.
| Hebrew | אֱלֹהִים יְבָרֵךְ אוֹתְךָ |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Elohim Yevarekh Otkha |
| English Meaning | God bless you |
| Literal Translation | God will bless you |
| Pronunciation | e-lo-HIM ye-va-REKH ot-KHA |
| Category | Blessings & Spiritual |
| Origin | Biblical Hebrew. The root ב-ר-כ (to bless) appears hundreds of times in the Hebrew Bible. God blesses humanity in Genesis 1:28, and the Aaronic blessing in Numbers 6:24 uses the same root: 'Yevarekh'kha Adonai' (The LORD bless you). |
| Scripture Reference | Numbers 6:24 |
In a culture where blessings are not just niceties but are considered to carry genuine spiritual power, telling someone 'Elohim Yevarekh Otkha' — God bless you — is no small thing. Hebrew blessings have a performative quality rooted in the biblical tradition: when Isaac blessed Jacob, the words couldn't be taken back. The Hebrew verb yevarekh (will bless) comes from the root ב-ר-כ, which is woven throughout Jewish liturgy, from the morning's Modeh Ani to the evening's Birkat Hamazon. To speak a blessing in Hebrew is to participate in an unbroken chain of benediction stretching back to Abraham.
Scripture Reference: Numbers 6:24
“The LORD bless you (yevarekh'kha) and keep you.”
Where Does “Elohim Yevarekh Otkha” Come From?
Biblical Hebrew. The root ב-ר-כ (to bless) appears hundreds of times in the Hebrew Bible. God blesses humanity in Genesis 1:28, and the Aaronic blessing in Numbers 6:24 uses the same root: 'Yevarekh'kha Adonai' (The LORD bless you).
When and How to Say “Elohim Yevarekh Otkha”
Used when parting from someone dear, after receiving good news, when someone sneezes (though 'Livriut' — to health — is more common for sneezes), or as a sincere well-wish. In religious contexts, it's part of formal blessings and prayers.
Cultural Context of Elohim Yevarekh Otkha
In Israel, both religious and secular Jews invoke blessings, though with different levels of theological intent. 'Elohim Yevarekh Otkha' is more commonly heard in religious circles. Secular Israelis might say 'Kol hakavod' (all respect/honor) as a non-religious way to express appreciation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “God bless you” in Hebrew?
“God bless you” in Hebrew is Elohim Yevarekh Otkha (אֱלֹהִים יְבָרֵךְ אוֹתְךָ), pronounced “e-lo-HIM ye-va-REKH ot-KHA.” The literal translation is “God will bless you.” A direct blessing invoking God's favor upon another person. Used in both religious and heartfelt secular contexts.
How do you pronounce Elohim Yevarekh Otkha?
Elohim Yevarekh Otkha is pronounced “e-lo-HIM ye-va-REKH ot-KHA.” The literal meaning is “God will bless you.”
How do you say God bless you to a woman in Hebrew?
To a woman, you say 'Elohim Yevarekh Otakh' (אֱלֹהִים יְבָרֵךְ אוֹתָךְ). The difference is in the object pronoun: Otkha (אוֹתְךָ) for a male, Otakh (אוֹתָךְ) for a female. Hebrew always adjusts pronouns based on the gender of the person addressed.
What is the difference between Elohim and Adonai?
Elohim and Adonai are both names for God but with different nuances. Elohim emphasizes God's power and role as Creator (it's the name used in Genesis 1). Adonai means 'my Lord' and emphasizes God's personal relationship and sovereignty. Jews traditionally say 'Adonai' when reading the Tetragrammaton (YHWH).
What do Israelis say when someone sneezes?
The most common response to a sneeze in Israel is 'Livriut' (לבריאות), meaning 'To health!' Some people say 'Labriut' (same word, slightly different pronunciation). The English-style 'God bless you' (Elohim Yevarekh Otkha) is less commonly used for sneezes.
Sources & Further Study
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