תּוֹדָה
Todah
“Thank you”
Todah (תּוֹדָה) is a Hebrew phrase meaning “thank you,” pronounced “to-DAH.” The literal translation is “thanks, gratitude, acknowledgment.” Used in all situations requiring gratitude, from a barista handing you coffee to a prayer of thanksgiving to God.
| Hebrew | תּוֹדָה |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Todah |
| English Meaning | Thank you |
| Literal Translation | Thanks, gratitude, acknowledgment |
| Pronunciation | to-DAH |
| Category | Greetings & Common |
| Origin | Biblical Hebrew. Todah appears throughout the Hebrew Bible as both a thanksgiving offering (Leviticus 7:12) and as praise to God (Psalm 100:4). The root י-ד-ה also gives us Yehudah (Judah) — 'praised.' |
| Scripture Reference | Psalm 100:4 |
The Hebrew word for 'thank you' has a secret life that most people never discover. Todah doesn't just mean gratitude — in biblical Hebrew, it's the word for a specific type of worship offering. The Todah sacrifice (Leviticus 7:12) was a thanksgiving offering brought to God after deliverance from danger. So when you say todah to the waiter bringing your hummus, you're using a word that originally described standing before God with an offering of praise after He saved your life. This connection between everyday courtesy and divine worship is quintessentially Hebrew.
Scripture Reference: Psalm 100:4
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving (todah) and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”
Where Does “Todah” Come From?
Biblical Hebrew. Todah appears throughout the Hebrew Bible as both a thanksgiving offering (Leviticus 7:12) and as praise to God (Psalm 100:4). The root י-ד-ה also gives us Yehudah (Judah) — 'praised.'
When and How to Say “Todah”
Used constantly in modern Hebrew for all situations requiring thanks. Can be enhanced: Todah Rabah (thank you very much), Todah Lael (thank God), or Todah al hakol (thanks for everything).
Cultural Context of Todah
Israelis say todah dozens of times daily — to bus drivers, shopkeepers, soldiers, and strangers. In Jewish prayer, the Modeh Ani (from the same root) is the first prayer said upon waking: 'I give thanks before You, living and eternal King.'
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say “Thank you” in Hebrew?
“Thank you” in Hebrew is Todah (תּוֹדָה), pronounced “to-DAH.” The literal translation is “Thanks, gratitude, acknowledgment.” Used in all situations requiring gratitude, from a barista handing you coffee to a prayer of thanksgiving to God.
How do you pronounce Todah?
Todah is pronounced “to-DAH.” The literal meaning is “Thanks, gratitude, acknowledgment.”
How do you say thank you very much in Hebrew?
Thank you very much in Hebrew is Todah Rabah (תּוֹדָה רַבָּה), pronounced 'to-DAH ra-BAH.' Rabah means 'much' or 'great.' For even more emphasis, add 'Lekha' (to a male) or 'Lakh' (to a female).
What is the connection between todah and worship?
Todah shares the root י-ד-ה with several worship-related words: lehodot (to thank/praise), vidui (confession), and Yehudah (Judah, meaning 'praised'). In the Temple, the Todah offering was a sacrifice of thanksgiving brought after surviving danger.
Is todah used differently in modern vs. biblical Hebrew?
In biblical Hebrew, todah primarily referred to praise directed toward God or the thanksgiving sacrifice. In modern Hebrew, it has been democratized into everyday politeness. The theological depth remains — religious Israelis know that saying todah still echoes ancient worship.
Sources & Further Study
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