Istenhez

Istenhez is a Hungarian phrase formed from the noun Isten (God) plus the directional dative suffix -hez, meaning “to God” or “toward God.” It is used to indicate the recipient or target of an action, especially in religious or spiritual contexts. The form is common in prayers, hymns, and liturgical language, as well as in everyday speech when someone speaks to or appeals to God.

In usage, Istenhez typically accompanies verbs that express addressing, praying, or appealing. For example, imádkozni Istenhez means “to pray to God,” fohászkodni Istenhez means “to beseech God,” and fordulni Istenhez means “to turn to God.” The phrase can appear in various tenses and constructions, reflecting the action directed at God. It is distinct from other dative forms such as Istennek (the dative indicating the indirect object or beneficiary, as in köszönhet Istennek, “thanks to God”).

Linguistically, Istenhez illustrates Hungarian case and directional suffixes, where -hez(-höz/-höz) marks movement toward or direction of the named entity. While primarily found in religious discourse, the form can occur in poetry and prose that evoke prayer, devotion, or spiritual dialogue.

See also: Hungarian grammar, dative construction, -hoz/-hez/-höz suffix.