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עברית
השד — meaning in English: The demon
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Guess the translation for
the devil
השתמשה
hishtamsha
היודע
hayode'a
השד
hashed
המציאות
hametsi'ut
בסך
besakh [hakol]
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literary
intermediate
Usage
Native Hebrew speakers commonly use the word השד in discussions about folklore or storytelling, especially around Halloween or during cultural festivities that involve tales of spirits and demons. It may also appear in literature and film, where characters confront or discuss demons as symbolic representations of inner struggles.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 'שֵׁד' (shed), also meaning 'demon,' but השד carries a more definitive connotation, often implying a specific demon characterized in folklore. You would choose השד when referring explicitly to that particular entity or when discussing established narratives.
Culture
The word השד has its roots in ancient Hebrew, where it was often associated with various mythologies and the supernatural. Interestingly, the concept of demons in Hebrew folklore can reflect moral lessons, showcasing the duality of human nature and the battle between good and evil. Additionally, in Jewish mysticism, demons like השד are sometimes regarded as agents of chaos, highlighting the cultural significance of maintaining balance in life.
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