דּוֹדִי
Dodi
“My beloved”
Dodi (דּוֹדִי) is a Hebrew phrase meaning “my beloved,” pronounced “do-DEE.” The literal translation is “my beloved / my darling.” A poetic term of endearment most famous from the Song of Solomon. Also the key word in the Shabbat hymn 'Lecha Dodi.'
| Hebrew | דּוֹדִי |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Dodi |
| English Meaning | My beloved |
| Literal Translation | My beloved / My darling |
| Pronunciation | do-DEE |
| Category | Love & Relationships |
| Origin | Biblical Hebrew, most prominently featured in the Song of Solomon (Song of Songs). The 'Lecha Dodi' hymn was composed by Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz in 16th-century Safed, drawing on the Song of Solomon's imagery to welcome Shabbat as a beloved. |
Few Hebrew words carry as much romantic and spiritual weight as dodi — 'my beloved.' It's the word the woman in the Song of Solomon uses to describe her lover: 'Dodi li va'ani lo' — 'My beloved is mine and I am his.' But dodi doesn't stay confined to romantic poetry. Every Friday evening in synagogues worldwide, Jews sing 'Lecha Dodi' — 'Come, my beloved' — addressing the Sabbath itself as a bride and beloved. This remarkable dual identity makes dodi a word that bridges human romance and divine love, eros and spirituality, in a way that is distinctly Hebrew.
Where Does “Dodi” Come From?
Biblical Hebrew, most prominently featured in the Song of Solomon (Song of Songs). The 'Lecha Dodi' hymn was composed by Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz in 16th-century Safed, drawing on the Song of Solomon's imagery to welcome Shabbat as a beloved.
When and How to Say “Dodi”
Used in romantic poetry and as a term of endearment. Most famously appears in the Song of Solomon and the Shabbat hymn 'Lecha Dodi.' Less common as an everyday term of endearment than ahuvati or motek, but deeply resonant when used.
Cultural Context of Dodi
The Lecha Dodi hymn, sung every Friday evening, personifies Shabbat as a queen and bride. The congregation turns toward the door at the final verse to 'greet' the Shabbat bride. This fusion of romantic and sacred language is characteristic of Jewish mystical tradition, where the relationship between God and Israel is often described in marital terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “My beloved” in Hebrew?
“My beloved” in Hebrew is Dodi (דּוֹדִי), pronounced “do-DEE.” The literal translation is “My beloved / My darling.” A poetic term of endearment most famous from the Song of Solomon. Also the key word in the Shabbat hymn 'Lecha Dodi.'
How do you pronounce Dodi?
Dodi is pronounced “do-DEE.” The literal meaning is “My beloved / My darling.”
What does Lecha Dodi mean?
Lecha Dodi means 'Come, my beloved' (or 'Go, my beloved') — it's a hymn sung on Friday evening to welcome the Sabbath, personified as a bride. Written by Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz in 16th-century Safed, it draws imagery from the Song of Solomon. The full refrain: 'Lecha Dodi likrat kallah, penei Shabbat nekabelah' — 'Come, my beloved, to greet the bride; let us welcome the Sabbath.'
Where does dodi appear in the Song of Solomon?
Dodi appears frequently in Song of Solomon: 'Ani l'dodi v'dodi li' (I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine — 6:3), 'Kol dodi' (The voice of my beloved — 2:8), 'Dodi tzach v'adom' (My beloved is radiant and ruddy — 5:10). It's the primary term for the male lover throughout the poem.
Is dodi used as a name in Hebrew?
Yes — Dodi is used as a given name in Israel, as is the related name David (which shares the root). The name conveys 'beloved' or 'darling.' The name Dodai appears in 1 Chronicles 27:4 as one of David's commanders.
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