Hebrew: meaning, definitions and examples
🇮🇱
Hebrew
[ ˈhiːbruː ]
language
Hebrew is a Northwest Semitic language native to Israel. It is the language of the Hebrew Bible and serves as the liturgical language of the Jewish people. Modern Hebrew has undergone changes and adaptations over the years, making it distinct from its ancient form.
Synonyms
Ivrit, Judaeo-Hebrew
Examples of usage
- I am learning Hebrew to communicate with my friends in Israel.
- Hebrew is one of the oldest languages still in use today.
- The textbook covers basic Hebrew grammar.
- Hebrew is often studied for religious purposes.
Etymology
The word 'Hebrew' derives from the Latin 'Hebraeus', which in turn comes from the Greek 'Hebraios', a reference to the ancient people of Israel, the Hebrews. The linguistic roots trace back to a Semitic language with its earliest forms seen around 1200 BCE, although its connections extend deep into the history of the Jewish people. Originally, Hebrew was not widely spoken outside of religious contexts; however, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it became a modern spoken language again, led by figures such as Eliezer Ben-Yehuda. The resurrection of Hebrew as a spoken language facilitated the establishment of a national identity among Jews in the land of Israel and contributed significantly to cultural revival after centuries of diaspora.