A Hebrew Thank You
A simple way to thank someone in Hebrew is תּוֹדָה (todah): “Thanks!” The underlying verb, which expresses “giving thanks” הוֹדָה (hodah) appears all over the Hebrew Bible. As a noun, the term means “thanksgiving” and is used with reference to the “thanksgiving offering” in the context of worship. Based on this context, English translations may render todah as “praise.” (e.g., Ezra 3:11). In Psalm 28:7, the psalmist says, “My heart will rejoice and in my song I will thank you.” Expressing gratitude, thanks, and praise for God is a common activity in the Bible.
The Root of Thanksgiving
However, that the more basic root undergirding these words is יָדָה (yadah), which means to “throw” or “cast”—as if to point a finger by casting out an extended “hand” יָד (yad). In terms of announcing thanksgiving, the root suggests the idea of “speaking forth,” “admitting,” or “confessing.” The theme of gratitude is not obvious here, but it is present. The meaning of praise can be observed, but we must actively imagine someone lifting hands in a motion of gratitude to see such a meaning. In Genesis 29:35, when Leah gives birth to her fourth son, she declares, “it is time to thank Adonai.” And therefore, she named her son “Judah” (יְהוּדָה, Yehudah) because of her “gratitude” הוֹדָה (hodah). It just so happens, then, that the terms “Judeans” or “Jews” (יְהוּדִים; yehudim) come from the same root יָדָה (yadah): “thanksgiving.”
The True Meaning of Thanks
It turns out that a simple “thank you” is not so simple! So much more is implied in this short Hebrew word if we explore its origins and ancient context: images of hands being lifted up, offerings, confessions, gratitude stemming from God’s blessings, and songs that ring in our hearts. Gratitude is a profound action, and a fitting response to a life in the Lord. This is how you make your Biblical experience live and vivid! In our 60 courses in Jewish Context and Culture Program we explain all the beauty of the original text of the Bible. Sign up today! (CLICK HERE)
