לַיְלָה טוֹב
Laylah Tov
“Good Night”
Laylah Tov (לַיְלָה טוֹב) is a Hebrew phrase meaning “good night,” pronounced “LYE-lah TOV.” The literal translation is “night good.” Used when parting for the evening or before going to sleep. Functions both as a farewell and a bedtime wish.
| Hebrew | לַיְלָה טוֹב |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Laylah Tov |
| English Meaning | Good Night |
| Literal Translation | Night good |
| Pronunciation | LYE-lah TOV |
| Category | Greetings & Common |
| Origin | Biblical Hebrew. Laylah appears over 200 times in the Hebrew Bible, from Genesis through the prophets. |
| Scripture Reference | Psalm 134:1 |
When the stars appear over the Judean hills and the bustle of Israeli streets begins to quiet, the parting words you'll hear are Laylah Tov — good night. The Hebrew word laylah (night) carries a rich biblical resonance that the English equivalent lacks. Night in Hebrew thought is not simply the dark half of the day; it's the backdrop for some of Scripture's most dramatic encounters. Jacob wrestled with the angel through the laylah. God passed over Egypt in the laylah. The Psalms speak of meditating on God's word through the watches of the laylah.
Scripture Reference: Psalm 134:1
“Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who minister by night (laylah) in the house of the LORD.”
Where Does “Laylah Tov” Come From?
Biblical Hebrew. Laylah appears over 200 times in the Hebrew Bible, from Genesis through the prophets.
When and How to Say “Laylah Tov”
Used when parting in the evening or before sleep. Laylah Tov signals that the conversation or evening is ending. You can add 'Chalomot Metukim' (sweet dreams) for a warmer farewell.
Cultural Context of Laylah Tov
Jewish bedtime rituals include the Shema prayer and the Hashkiveinu blessing, which asks God for protection through the night. In Israeli homes with children, bedtime often includes 'Laylah Tov' followed by a kiss and the Shema.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “Good Night” in Hebrew?
“Good Night” in Hebrew is Laylah Tov (לַיְלָה טוֹב), pronounced “LYE-lah TOV.” The literal translation is “Night good.” Used when parting for the evening or before going to sleep. Functions both as a farewell and a bedtime wish.
How do you pronounce Laylah Tov?
Laylah Tov is pronounced “LYE-lah TOV.” The literal meaning is “Night good.”
How do you say good night in Hebrew?
Good night in Hebrew is Laylah Tov (לַיְלָה טוֹב), pronounced 'LYE-lah TOV.' It literally means 'night good,' following Hebrew's adjective-after-noun word order. You can also say 'Laylah Tov v'Chalomot Metukim' — good night and sweet dreams.
What is the difference between Erev Tov and Laylah Tov?
Erev Tov (good evening) is a greeting used when meeting someone in the evening hours. Laylah Tov (good night) is used when parting or saying goodbye at night. Think of Erev Tov as 'hello' for the evening and Laylah Tov as the nighttime 'goodbye.'
What is the Hebrew bedtime prayer?
The traditional Jewish bedtime prayer is the Kriat Shema Al HaMitah, which includes reciting the Shema (Hear O Israel), the Hashkiveinu prayer asking God for peaceful sleep, and Psalm 91. Many also recite the Hamapil blessing thanking God for sleep.
Sources & Further Study
Related Hebrew Words
More Greetings & Common Phrases
Explore other Hebrew phrases in the Greetings & Common category
Related Hebrew Phrases
Learn a New Hebrew Phrase Every Day
Join 12,000+ Christians discovering the depth of Scripture through Biblical Hebrew.
Subscribe Free