אָבִינוּ שֶׁבַּשָּׁמַיִם
Avinu Shebashamayim
“Our Father in Heaven”
Avinu Shebashamayim (אָבִינוּ שֶׁבַּשָּׁמַיִם) is a Hebrew phrase meaning “our father in heaven,” pronounced “a-VI-nu she-ba-sha-MA-yim.” The literal translation is “our father who is in the heavens.” The opening address of the Lord's Prayer as taught by Jesus in the Gospels. Also appears in Jewish liturgy as a way of addressing God.
| Hebrew | אָבִינוּ שֶׁבַּשָּׁמַיִם |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Avinu Shebashamayim |
| English Meaning | Our Father in Heaven |
| Literal Translation | Our Father who is in the heavens |
| Pronunciation | a-VI-nu she-ba-sha-MA-yim |
| Category | Prayers & Worship |
| Origin | The address appears in Matthew 6:9 and Luke 11:2. In Jewish liturgy, 'Avinu Shebashamayim' appears in various prayers, and the related 'Avinu Malkeinu' (Our Father, Our King) dates to the Talmudic period. The concept of God as 'Avinu' (Our Father) is found in Isaiah 63:16 and 64:7. |
| Scripture Reference | Matthew 6:9 |
When Jesus taught his disciples to pray 'Our Father in Heaven,' he was speaking in a Semitic language — likely Aramaic with Hebrew liturgical vocabulary. Avinu Shebashamayim captures the intimate yet majestic address: Avinu (our Father) combines the familial 'av' (father) with the plural possessive 'nu' (our), while Shebashamayim (who is in the heavens) locates this Father not on earth but in the transcendent realm. The phrase appears in Jewish liturgy independently of the Christian Lord's Prayer, notably in prayers like 'Avinu Malkeinu' (Our Father, Our King) recited during the High Holy Days. Both traditions share this foundational way of addressing God — as a parent who is also sovereign over all creation.
Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:9
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”
Where Does “Avinu Shebashamayim” Come From?
The address appears in Matthew 6:9 and Luke 11:2. In Jewish liturgy, 'Avinu Shebashamayim' appears in various prayers, and the related 'Avinu Malkeinu' (Our Father, Our King) dates to the Talmudic period. The concept of God as 'Avinu' (Our Father) is found in Isaiah 63:16 and 64:7.
When and How to Say “Avinu Shebashamayim”
In Christian worship, it opens the Lord's Prayer. In Jewish prayer, 'Avinu' is used in multiple liturgical contexts, especially the High Holy Days prayer 'Avinu Malkeinu.' The phrase bridges both traditions' understanding of God as an accessible, loving parent.
Cultural Context of Avinu Shebashamayim
Hebrew-speaking Christians in Israel pray the Lord's Prayer in Hebrew, bringing it back to a Semitic language close to what Jesus himself spoke. The phrase 'Avinu Shebashamayim' resonates in interfaith dialogue as a point of deep commonality between Jewish and Christian prayer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “Our Father in Heaven” in Hebrew?
“Our Father in Heaven” in Hebrew is Avinu Shebashamayim (אָבִינוּ שֶׁבַּשָּׁמַיִם), pronounced “a-VI-nu she-ba-sha-MA-yim.” The literal translation is “Our Father who is in the heavens.” The opening address of the Lord's Prayer as taught by Jesus in the Gospels. Also appears in Jewish liturgy as a way of addressing God.
How do you pronounce Avinu Shebashamayim?
Avinu Shebashamayim is pronounced “a-VI-nu she-ba-sha-MA-yim.” The literal meaning is “Our Father who is in the heavens.”
Did Jesus pray in Hebrew?
Jesus likely prayed in both Aramaic (his everyday language) and Hebrew (the liturgical language). Many scholars believe he used Hebrew for formal prayers and scripture quotation. The Lord's Prayer contains both Aramaic and Hebrew elements. When praying in the synagogue, he would have read and prayed in Hebrew.
What is Avinu Malkeinu?
Avinu Malkeinu (Our Father, Our King) is a powerful Jewish prayer recited during the High Holy Days and fast days. It addresses God with both intimate (Father) and sovereign (King) titles. Each line begins with 'Avinu Malkeinu' followed by a petition. It dates to the Talmudic period and is attributed to Rabbi Akiva.
What does the Lord's Prayer sound like in Hebrew?
The Lord's Prayer in Hebrew begins: 'Avinu shebashamayim, yitkadesh shimkha, tavo malkhutekha, ye'aseh retzonkha, ba'shamayim u'va'aretz...' — Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, in heaven and on earth. The Hebrew brings out the Semitic wordplay and rhythm of the original.
Sources & Further Study
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