fbpx

Hebrew word of the week: Yod, yud

Although yod is the smallest Hebrew letter (similar to the Greek iota ı),** its ancient form was much larger, looking more like yad “hand” (from shoulder to middle finger).
[additional-authors]
August 5, 2015

Although yod is the smallest Hebrew letter (similar to the  Greek iota ı),** its ancient form was much larger, looking more like yad “hand” (from shoulder to middle finger). It is the most frequent letter in modern Hebrew spelling (about 11 percent of words), representing the consonant y and vowels i and e. 

It is often missing in short i vowels in biblical Hebrew, as dbr (which in modern Hebrew is usually dybr) is dibber “spoke.” The consonant y in modern Hebrew is often written with two yods, as myyn = miyen (verb), meaning “sorted,” as opposed to myn = min (noun), “sort, kind.”

*Yod also has the numerical value 10, thus “kittah” yod (10th grade). 

**Hence, the English words jot or iota, for “write quickly” or “tiny amount.” A Hebrew expression “qotso shel” yod means “trifle detail.”

Yona Sabar is a professor of Hebrew and Aramaic in the department of Near Eastern Languages & Cultures at UCLA.

Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.

Editor's Picks

Latest Articles

I’m So (Sorta) Sorry

The classic case of a “nonapology” apology is when the allegedly contrite offender says something to the effect of “I’m so sorry that you’re upset.” Note that the speaker doesn’t actually acknowledge doing anything wrong.

Off the Hook

Without noticing it, my body has gone from a shiny new Audi to a dented rent-a-wreck. I went from “Let me get it” to “Just give me two minutes to catch my breath.”

AIPAC’s New Challenge

AIPAC’s leaders face fundamental strategic questions unlike those they have confronted in the modern era.… Their ability to adapt to these new circumstances will define not only their future, but that of the U.S.-Israel relationship in this uncertain era.

“Genocidaire: A Twilight Zone Episode”

Once an accusation this explosive becomes accepted as fact, it changes the moral status of the accused. Israelis become genocidaires. Zionists become supporters of genocide. Jews who support Israel become apologists for genocide.

The Dark Side of DEI

It’s racist to hand someone a job based on skin color alone. They will be doomed to fail because representing one’s identity is not the same thing as mastering a profession.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.