Mazel Tov
/ˌmɑːzəl ˈtɔːv/noun
An exclamation expressing congratulations or good wishes, especially in Jewish contexts.
Did you know?The Hebrew word mazal originally referred to a constellation or celestial influence, reflecting an ancient worldview in which the heavens shaped human fortune.
Etymological Timeline
2nd–1st Millennium BCE
Akkadian
mazālu
“A station, position, or place—possibly connected with the position of a heavenly body.”
Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew
מַזָּל (mazzāl)
“A constellation or celestial sign associated with fate or fortune.”
Late Biblical/Rabbinic Hebrew
Hebrew
מַזָּל טוֹב (mazzal tov)
“Good constellation; good fortune or auspicious destiny.”
Medieval Period
Yiddish
mazel tov
“A congratulatory blessing or expression of good fortune.”
19th–20th Century
English
mazel tov
“An English borrowing used to congratulate someone, particularly at Jewish celebrations.”