mitzvah: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal / Religious / Specialized
Quick answer
What does “mitzvah” mean?
A commandment of Jewish law.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A commandment of Jewish law; a religious duty or obligation.
A good deed, an act of human kindness, especially one that goes beyond what is required by law or social convention.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition. The word is used in communities with Jewish cultural awareness in both regions. American English may see slightly broader secular usage due to larger Jewish population centers.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word carries connotations of Jewish tradition when used in its core sense. The extended meaning often carries a warm, slightly elevated tone, implying a deed done out of moral integrity.
Frequency
Low frequency in general English. Higher frequency in texts, discourse, or communities related to Judaism, Jewish culture, or interfaith discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “mitzvah” in a Sentence
[Subject] performed/fulfilled/did a mitzvah by [gerund phrase].It is a mitzvah to [infinitive phrase].The mitzvah of [noun, e.g., charity, visiting the sick].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mitzvah” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He decided to mitzvah his old clothes to the charity shop. (Very rare, non-standard)
American English
- She's always mitzvahing people by driving them to appointments. (Very rare, colloquial and non-standard)
adjective
British English
- The mitzvah meal after the service was lovely. (Rare, meaning 'related to a mitzvah')
American English
- The kids worked on a mitzvah project for their school. (More common, meaning 'charitable' or 'good-deed')
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used in standard business contexts unless in a metaphorical, humorous way (e.g., 'It's a mitzvah to finally get that report done').
Academic
Used in religious studies, theology, Jewish history, and cultural studies papers discussing Jewish law and ethics.
Everyday
Used in communities with Jewish cultural exposure. Can be used semi-humorously among friends to elevate a simple helpful act. (e.g., 'Thanks for picking up my shopping, that was a real mitzvah!').
Technical
A precise term in Jewish law (Halakha) referring to any of the 613 commandments or rabbinically instituted commandments.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mitzvah”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mitzvah”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mitzvah”
- Misspelling as 'mitsvah', 'mizvah', or 'mitzva'.
- Using it as a direct synonym for any small favour without the connotation of moral/religious weight, which can sound inappropriate or forced.
- Incorrect plural: 'mitzvahs' is acceptable in anglicized usage, but 'mitzvot' (pronounced /mɪtsˈvoʊt/) is the correct Hebrew plural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. While the term originates in Jewish law, in its broader English sense of 'a good deed', anyone can perform a mitzvah. In Jewish theology, non-Jews are also bound by certain commandments (the Noahide laws).
A 'good deed' is a general term. A 'mitzvah' carries the additional weight of being a religious obligation or, in secular use, implies a deed of significant moral value, often going beyond mere politeness.
The most common English pronunciation is /ˈmɪtsvə/ (MITZ-vuh), with the emphasis on the first syllable. The Hebrew pronunciation /mɪtsˈvɑː/ (mits-VAH) is also used, especially in religious contexts.
No. While its core meaning is religious, it has been adopted into wider English to describe any exceptionally good or charitable act, often with a slightly elevated or semi-humorous tone.
A commandment of Jewish law.
Mitzvah is usually formal / religious / specialized in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A mitzvah on your head! (Yiddish-influenced expression of thanks for doing a good deed)”
- “It's a mitzvah! (Expression used to emphasize the goodness or necessity of an action)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'It's a MITZ-VAH (must do) to be good.' This links the sound to the meaning of obligation.
Conceptual Metaphor
GOODNESS IS A DIVINE COMMAND / A MORAL DEED IS A RELIGIOUS OBLIGATION.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary, religious meaning of 'mitzvah'?