עֶרֶב טוֹב
Erev Tov
“Good Evening”
Erev Tov (עֶרֶב טוֹב) is a Hebrew phrase meaning “good evening,” pronounced “EH-rev TOV.” The literal translation is “evening good.” Used as an evening greeting from late afternoon until bedtime in both social and professional settings.
| Hebrew | עֶרֶב טוֹב |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Erev Tov |
| English Meaning | Good Evening |
| Literal Translation | Evening good |
| Pronunciation | EH-rev TOV |
| Category | Greetings & Common |
| Origin | Biblical Hebrew. The word erev appears in Genesis 1:5 alongside boker — 'And there was evening (erev) and there was morning (boker), the first day.' |
| Scripture Reference | Genesis 1:5 |
As the Mediterranean sun dips below the horizon, Israelis shift from the daytime 'Boker Tov' to the evening's own greeting: Erev Tov. The word erev is deeply embedded in the Hebrew sense of time — in the Jewish calendar, the day actually begins at sunset, not sunrise. This means that Erev Tov isn't just a polite 'good evening' — it's a greeting that coincides with the start of a new day in Hebrew reckoning. When someone says Erev Tov on Friday evening, they're greeting you at the very threshold of Shabbat, the holiest day of the week.
Scripture Reference: Genesis 1:5
“And there was evening (erev) and there was morning (boker), the first day.”
Where Does “Erev Tov” Come From?
Biblical Hebrew. The word erev appears in Genesis 1:5 alongside boker — 'And there was evening (erev) and there was morning (boker), the first day.'
When and How to Say “Erev Tov”
Used from late afternoon through the evening hours. On Friday evenings, Erev Tov often gives way to 'Shabbat Shalom.' Before holidays, you'll hear 'Erev Chag' (holiday eve).
Cultural Context of Erev Tov
In Israel, Friday evening is the most significant 'erev' of the week — it's Erev Shabbat, when families gather for dinner, candles are lit, and the pace of life dramatically slows. The transition from weekday to Shabbat happens at sunset.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “Good Evening” in Hebrew?
“Good Evening” in Hebrew is Erev Tov (עֶרֶב טוֹב), pronounced “EH-rev TOV.” The literal translation is “Evening good.” Used as an evening greeting from late afternoon until bedtime in both social and professional settings.
How do you pronounce Erev Tov?
Erev Tov is pronounced “EH-rev TOV.” The literal meaning is “Evening good.”
When should you say Erev Tov vs. Shabbat Shalom?
Erev Tov is the general 'good evening' greeting used any night of the week. On Friday evenings (Erev Shabbat), most Israelis switch to 'Shabbat Shalom.' Using Erev Tov on Friday evening isn't wrong, but Shabbat Shalom is more culturally appropriate.
Why does the Jewish day begin in the evening?
The Jewish day starts at sunset because of Genesis 1:5 — 'And there was evening and there was morning, one day.' Evening (erev) comes first in the biblical creation account. This is why Shabbat begins Friday at sunset and holidays start the evening before.
How do you pronounce Erev Tov correctly?
Erev Tov is pronounced 'EH-rev TOV.' The stress in 'erev' falls on the first syllable, and 'tov' rhymes with 'stove' without the 's.' The 'r' in erev is a guttural sound, similar to a French 'r.'
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