mitsvah: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowformal, religious
Quick answer
What does “mitsvah” mean?
A commandment from God in Jewish law.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A commandment from God in Jewish law; a good deed performed out of religious duty.
A charitable or praiseworthy act, often used more broadly to refer to any kind or helpful action.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. In predominantly Jewish communities in the US, the word may be slightly more common in casual speech.
Connotations
Identical religious and moral connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general English, but higher frequency within Jewish communities and related discourses in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “mitsvah” in a Sentence
to perform a mitzvahto do someone a mitzvahit is a mitzvah to + INFVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mitsvah” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Potentially in CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) contexts metaphorically: 'The company sees this initiative as a kind of mitzvah.'
Academic
Used in religious studies, theology, and Jewish history contexts with its technical meaning.
Everyday
Used within Jewish communities or by those familiar with the term. In general conversation, it might be used to elevate a simple good deed: 'Helping her with her shopping was a real mitzvah.'
Technical
Specific term in Judaism referring to any of the 613 commandments, or more broadly to any rabbinic law or good deed.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mitsvah”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mitsvah”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mitsvah”
- Misspelling as 'mitsvah' (more common) or 'mitzva'. The standard transliteration is 'mitzvah'.
- Using it as a direct synonym for any 'good deed' without awareness of its religious weight.
- Incorrect plural: 'mitzvahs' or 'mitzvot' are both accepted, but 'mitzvot' (Hebrew plural) is more formal/religious.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but it originates from and is most commonly used within Jewish contexts. In wider English, it is understood as a formal or cultured way to say 'a good deed'.
'Mitzvah' means commandment or good deed. 'Bar mitzvah' (son of the commandment) or 'bat mitzvah' (daughter of the commandment) refers to the coming-of-age ceremony and status for Jewish boys and girls.
Both 'mitzvahs' (anglicised) and 'mitzvot' (the original Hebrew plural, pronounced 'mits-VOTE') are acceptable. 'Mitzvot' is preferred in religious or formal writing.
No, 'mitzvah' is solely a noun in standard English. You 'perform' or 'do' a mitzvah.
A commandment from God in Jewish law.
Mitsvah is usually formal, religious in register.
Mitsvah: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪtsvə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪtsvə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's a mitzvah!”
- “Do someone a mitzvah.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'It's MITS-VAH-lous to do a mitzvah!' linking the word to 'marvellous' and a good deed.
Conceptual Metaphor
A RELIGIOUS COMMANDMENT IS A BURDEN/WORK; A GOOD DEED IS A GIFT.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST accurate description of 'mitzvah'?