שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל
Shema Yisrael
“Hear, O Israel”
Shema Yisrael (שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל) is a Hebrew phrase meaning “hear, o israel,” pronounced “she-MA yis-ra-EL.” The literal translation is “hear/listen, israel.” The opening words of Judaism's most important declaration of faith (Deuteronomy 6:4). Recited twice daily in Jewish prayer and considered the most essential Jewish creed.
| Hebrew | שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Shema Yisrael |
| English Meaning | Hear, O Israel |
| Literal Translation | Hear/Listen, Israel |
| Pronunciation | she-MA yis-ra-EL |
| Category | Blessings & Spiritual |
| Origin | Biblical — Deuteronomy 6:4. Spoken by Moses to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. The commandment to recite it daily comes from Deuteronomy 6:7: 'when you lie down and when you rise up.' |
| Scripture Reference | Deuteronomy 6:4 |
If Judaism had to be distilled into a single sentence, it would be this one: Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad — 'Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God, the LORD is One.' These six Hebrew words are the bedrock of Jewish faith, recited morning and evening by observant Jews for over 3,000 years. They are the first words Jewish parents teach their children and traditionally the last words a Jew speaks before death. The Shema is not technically a prayer — it's a declaration, a commandment to listen and internalize the truth of God's oneness. The word 'shema' itself means more than passive hearing; it implies deep listening that leads to action and obedience.
Scripture Reference: Deuteronomy 6:4
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.”
Where Does “Shema Yisrael” Come From?
Biblical — Deuteronomy 6:4. Spoken by Moses to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. The commandment to recite it daily comes from Deuteronomy 6:7: 'when you lie down and when you rise up.'
When and How to Say “Shema Yisrael”
Recited twice daily (morning and evening services), before sleep, and on one's deathbed. Written on parchment inside mezuzot (doorpost scrolls) and tefillin (phylacteries). Central to both Jewish and Christian understanding of monotheism.
Cultural Context of Shema Yisrael
The Shema has been called Judaism's 'pledge of allegiance.' Throughout history, Jewish martyrs recited it as their last words — from the Romans' persecution of Rabbi Akiva to the Holocaust. It's inscribed in every mezuzah on Jewish doorposts worldwide and recited by Jewish astronauts in space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “Hear, O Israel” in Hebrew?
“Hear, O Israel” in Hebrew is Shema Yisrael (שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל), pronounced “she-MA yis-ra-EL.” The literal translation is “Hear/Listen, Israel.” The opening words of Judaism's most important declaration of faith (Deuteronomy 6:4). Recited twice daily in Jewish prayer and considered the most essential Jewish creed.
How do you pronounce Shema Yisrael?
Shema Yisrael is pronounced “she-MA yis-ra-EL.” The literal meaning is “Hear/Listen, Israel.”
What is the full text of the Shema?
The full first line is: 'Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad' — 'Hear O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is One.' This is followed by three biblical paragraphs: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (love God), Deuteronomy 11:13-21 (reward and punishment), and Numbers 15:37-41 (commandment of tzitzit/fringes).
When do you recite the Shema?
Observant Jews recite the Shema at least twice daily — during the morning (Shacharit) and evening (Ma'ariv) prayer services, as commanded in Deuteronomy 6:7: 'when you lie down and when you rise up.' It's also recited before going to sleep and is traditionally the last prayer said before death.
What does 'shema' mean beyond just 'hear'?
In Hebrew, shema means far more than passive hearing. It encompasses listening attentively, understanding, internalizing, and responding with obedience. When God says 'Shema Yisrael,' the command is not merely 'hear these words' but 'listen deeply, take this to heart, and let it transform how you live.'
Sources & Further Study
Related Hebrew Words
More Blessings & Spiritual Phrases
Explore other Hebrew phrases in the Blessings & Spiritual category
Related Hebrew Phrases
Shema Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Echad
Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One
Bible Versesבָּרוּךְ אַתָּה אֲדֹנָיBarukh Atah Adonai
Blessed are You, Lord
Blessings & SpiritualהַלְלוּיָהּHallelujah
Praise the Lord
Blessings & Spiritualיְהוָה רֹעִיAdonai Ro'i
The Lord is my shepherd
Blessings & SpiritualLearn a New Hebrew Phrase Every Day
Join 12,000+ Christians discovering the depth of Scripture through Biblical Hebrew.
Subscribe Free