Bóg dał, Bóg wziął.
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What it means
“God gave, God took.” Said when someone dies or when something precious is lost. An expression of resignation and acceptance of God’s will.
English equivalent
The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.
Vocabulary
- dać — to give
- wziąć — to take
Grammar note
Both verbs are perfective past tense: 'dał' (gave), 'wziął' (took). The parallel structure reinforces the symmetry of giving and taking.
Cultural context
Echoes the Book of Job (1:21). Commonly said at funerals or in response to bereavement.
Beginner
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