The Hebrew eye
Learn Hebrew with our Israeli teachers
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The eye as a rich Hebrew symbol
Modern Hebrew has many expressions which use the word ayin (עַיִן) “eye” metaphorically as a symbol for one’s spirit or consciousness. Ayin tova “a good eye” refers to a kindhearted person. Ayin tzara “a narrow eye” describes a stingy or spiteful person.
Be-gova enayim “at eye level” means to speak to someone using terms he will understand, like a doctor explaining a situation using simple expressions, rather than complex medical terminology.
Our eyes were watching JerusalemIsrael’s national anthem Hatikvah is a familiar song and one of the most famous lines of this poem is ayin le-tzion tzofiah (עַיִן לְצִיּוֹן צוֹפִיָּה) “an eye gazing towards Zion”. Could Jews scattered throughout the Diaspora, living thousands of miles from Israel really see Zion with their eyes? Of course not. This phrase is metaphorical, referring to the eternal devotion that Jews maintained as they turned towards Jerusalem to pray three times a day.
See today’s Hebrew for yourselfThese are just a few examples of the many “eye” expressions which show you the richness of the Hebrew language. There is so much more to Hebrew than what first meets the eye. In the 73 years since the creation of the State of Israel, Hebrew has expanded unimaginably. With these expressions you can feel how the language has developed. We invite you to enroll in our live online Hebrew course and learn to see the richness of Hebrew.
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