Hebrew
UK: ˈhiːbruː | US: ˈhiːbruː
n. A member of an ancient Semitic people claiming descent from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; an Israelite.
n. The Semitic language of the Hebrews, now revived as the official language of Israel.
adj. Of or relating to the Hebrews or their language.
Hebrew = Heber<ancestor name> + ew<ethnic/language suffix>
- Heber: From the biblical figure Eber (ancestor of the Hebrews in Genesis), meaning "beyond" or "the other side" (referring to crossing the Euphrates).
- ew: A suffix denoting ethnic or linguistic affiliation (e.g., "Jew," "Hebrew").
Etymology Origin:
The term "Hebrew" traces back to the ancient Semitic root ʿ-b-r ("to cross over"), referencing the migration of Abraham's people from Mesopotamia to Canaan. The name Eber (Heber) became ethnonymic, later adapted into Greek (Hebraios) and Latin (Hebraeus). The suffix -ew evolved in English to denote ethnic identity, preserving the ancestral link to Eber.
The Hebrew Bible is a foundational text for Judaism and Christianity.
Modern Hebrew is spoken by millions in Israel.
Scholars study Hebrew inscriptions to understand ancient Near Eastern history.
Many Hebrew words have been borrowed into English (e.g., "cherub," "sabbath").
The Hebrew calendar is based on lunar cycles.