Learn How to Pronounce Hineni

Quick Answer: In Hebrew, Hineni is written הנני, romanized as Hinēnī, and pronounced [hiˈne.ni].
(Listen to the audio above for the stress and intonation)

The Expert's Take

Dr. Franz Lang

"I first heard this word spoken with profound gravity during a scene in the film "Schindler's List," where a rabbi recites a prayer. Later, a student in my Languages of the World course explained its biblical significance. The word's power lies in its two simple syllables—a breathy initial sound followed by a firm, concluding vowel—that embody total presence and submission. It's a linguistic lesson in devotion."

By Dr. Franz Lang

Meaning and Context

Hineni (הִנֵּנִי) is a profound Hebrew term, literally translated as "Here I am," which carries immense theological and liturgical weight within Judaism. Its most famous usage occurs in the Hebrew Bible, where it serves as the immediate and unreserved response of pivotal figures like Abraham, Moses, and the prophet Isaiah upon being called by God, encapsulating a state of total spiritual readiness, humble presence, and unconditional availability for a divine mission. This powerful concept of answering a sacred call extends beyond biblical narrative into Jewish worship, where "Hineni" is the title and central theme of a deeply introspective and solemn prayer recited by the cantor (the chazzan) just before the Musaf service on the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. In this liturgical context, the prayer is a personal declaration of unworthiness and a plea for divine assistance to lead the congregation in meaningful prayer, making "Hineni" a keyword for Jewish spirituality, teshuvah (repentance), and the Yamim Noraim (Days of Awe). The term's enduring resonance speaks to themes of faith, obedience, and the human quest for purpose in response to a higher calling.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary transliteration from the Hebrew characters הִנֵּנִי is "Hineni," which is the most widely accepted and recognized spelling in English-language theological, liturgical, and academic texts. Common alternative spellings or misspellings arise from attempts to phonetically render the guttural "h" and the long "e" sounds, leading to variants such as "Hineini" or "Hinenni." The most frequent error is likely the omission of the initial "H," resulting in "Ineni," which loses the essential phonetic character of the Hebrew. Another occasional typo is "Hinani." It is also important to note the distinction from the similar-sounding but different Hebrew word "Hinei" (הִנֵּה), which means "behold" or "here is." When searching for the liturgical prayer, users may also encounter it referenced by its fuller title, "Hineni He'ani Mima'as."

Example Sentences

As the synagogue fell into a hushed expectation, the cantor stepped forward and, with a tremulous voice, began the poignant "Hineni" prayer, declaring his unworthiness to stand as an intermediary before the congregation.

In the biblical narrative, Abraham's simple response of "Hineni" to God's call demonstrated a faith that was both immediate and absolute.

Many find the spiritual concept of "hineni"—a state of being fully present and ready to answer one's purpose—to be a guiding principle in daily life.

The rabbi's sermon focused on how the prophet Isaiah's "Hineni" model of response can inspire modern acts of justice and compassion.

During her bat mitzvah speech, she reflected on what it means to say "hineni" to the responsibilities of Jewish adulthood.

Sources and References

For this Hebrew word, I consulted religious and linguistic sources. I listened to recordings of it being used in liturgical contexts on YouTube and on Forvo. I also checked the transcription and audio on the website for the My Hebrew Dictionary resource to ensure accuracy.

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