אִם יִרְצֶה הַשֵּׁם
Im Yirtzeh Hashem
“God willing”
Im Yirtzeh Hashem (אִם יִרְצֶה הַשֵּׁם) is a Hebrew phrase meaning “god willing,” pronounced “im yir-TZEH ha-SHEM.” The literal translation is “if the name (god) wills it.” Used when discussing future plans to acknowledge that all outcomes ultimately depend on God's will. Equivalent to the Arabic 'Inshallah' and the Christian 'Deo volente.'
| Hebrew | אִם יִרְצֶה הַשֵּׁם |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Im Yirtzeh Hashem |
| English Meaning | God willing |
| Literal Translation | If the Name (God) wills it |
| Pronunciation | im yir-TZEH ha-SHEM |
| Category | Blessings & Spiritual |
| Origin | Rabbinic Hebrew, based on the concept expressed in James 4:15 ('If it is the Lord's will') and rooted in the Jewish understanding of divine sovereignty. The practice of using 'Hashem' (The Name) to refer to God developed in the Second Temple period as a way to avoid saying the divine name directly. |
In Hebrew-speaking culture, no discussion of future plans is complete without acknowledging the One who ultimately decides. Im Yirtzeh Hashem — 'If the Name wills it' — is the Jewish way of saying 'God willing,' and it permeates everyday conversation in religious Israeli communities. The phrase uses 'Hashem' (literally 'The Name') as a reverent circumlocution for God, reflecting the Jewish practice of not speaking God's actual name casually. Whether planning a wedding, booking a flight, or simply saying 'See you tomorrow,' appending Im Yirtzeh Hashem transforms a mundane statement into an act of faith — a recognition that humans propose but God disposes.
Where Does “Im Yirtzeh Hashem” Come From?
Rabbinic Hebrew, based on the concept expressed in James 4:15 ('If it is the Lord's will') and rooted in the Jewish understanding of divine sovereignty. The practice of using 'Hashem' (The Name) to refer to God developed in the Second Temple period as a way to avoid saying the divine name directly.
When and How to Say “Im Yirtzeh Hashem”
Appended to any statement about future plans: 'We'll see you next week, im yirtzeh Hashem.' 'The baby is due in March, im yirtzeh Hashem.' Common in religious Jewish communities worldwide, both in Hebrew and in Yiddish-influenced English ('God willing').
Cultural Context of Im Yirtzeh Hashem
In religious Israeli neighborhoods, Im Yirtzeh Hashem is as automatic as adding 'please' to a request. Secular Israelis less frequently use the phrase, but its cultural influence is pervasive. The abbreviation 'b'ezrat Hashem' (with God's help) serves a similar function and is even more common.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “God willing” in Hebrew?
“God willing” in Hebrew is Im Yirtzeh Hashem (אִם יִרְצֶה הַשֵּׁם), pronounced “im yir-TZEH ha-SHEM.” The literal translation is “If the Name (God) wills it.” Used when discussing future plans to acknowledge that all outcomes ultimately depend on God's will. Equivalent to the Arabic 'Inshallah' and the Christian 'Deo volente.'
How do you pronounce Im Yirtzeh Hashem?
Im Yirtzeh Hashem is pronounced “im yir-TZEH ha-SHEM.” The literal meaning is “If the Name (God) wills it.”
Is Im Yirtzeh Hashem the same as Inshallah?
They express the same concept — submission to God's will regarding future events — in sister Semitic languages. Hebrew 'Im Yirtzeh Hashem' (If the Name wills) and Arabic 'Inshallah' (If God wills) both acknowledge divine sovereignty over the future. In Israel, even some secular Jews use 'Inshallah' colloquially.
What does Hashem mean?
Hashem literally means 'The Name' and is used as a reverent way to refer to God without speaking the divine name (YHWH) directly. This practice reflects the Jewish tradition of treating God's name with extreme reverence, reserving its pronunciation for prayer and sacred contexts.
What is the difference between Im Yirtzeh Hashem and B'ezrat Hashem?
Im Yirtzeh Hashem means 'If God wills it' — expressing submission to God's decision about the future. B'ezrat Hashem means 'With God's help' — expressing reliance on God's assistance. The first acknowledges that the outcome is in God's hands; the second asks for God's active support. Both are common in religious speech.
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