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Glite Dictionary
📜 Hebrew expression ✡️ Jewish custom
Hebraism

Hebraism

1 9.9
A word or phrase used in Hebrew
  • noun
  • /ˈhiːbreɪɪzəm/
: hebraísmo
  • Many biblical passages contain at least one Hebraism that is unfamiliar to modern readers.

Examples

  • The term Hebraism refers to features unique to Hebrew.

  • Scholars study each Hebraism to better understand ancient Hebrew thought and language.

  • The translator preserved the original Hebraism to maintain the text's cultural flavor.

  • Many scholars study Hebraisms in ancient texts.

  • The expression "to see one's face in the flesh" is a Hebraism that signifies becoming personally acquainted with someone.

  • In biblical texts, the term "children of wrath" serves as a Hebraism, referring to those prone to divine disfavor from a young age.

  • The phrase "the blessed cup" is an example of a Hebraism that emphasizes a special significance attributed to the cup in religious rituals.

Surface Forms

Hebraism singular
Hebraisms plural

Morphology

Hebraism = Hebrew (transparent) = Hebrew + ism

The '-ism' suffix readily yields the sense 'a feature or expression characteristic of Hebrew', so the derivation is clear for learners.

Etymology

Hebraism comes from Hebrew 'people and language of ancient Israel' and the ending -ism, which can mark a 'style' or 'type' of language. So, Hebraism means a word, phrase, or expression that shows the way of speaking of Hebrew.