The meaning of “אַהֲבָה”
Understanding ʼahăbâh reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
feminine of אַהַב and meaning the same love. - {affection (in a good or a bad sense)} 1) love 1a) human love for human o...
אַהֲבָה
feminine of אַהַב and meaning the same love. - {affection (in a good or a bad sense)} 1) love 1a) human love for human object 1a1) of man toward man 1a2) of man toward himself 1a3) between man and woman 1a4) sexual desire 2) God's love to His people
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 29:20 | “And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.” Word: אַהֲבָה (ʼahăbâh) | |
| 2 Samuel 13:15 | “Then Amnon hated her exceedingly; so that the hatred wherewith he hated her was greater than the love wherewith he had loved her. And Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone.” Word: אַהֲבָה (ʼahăbâh) | |
| Psalms 109:5 | “And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.” Word: אַהֲבָה (ʼahăbâh) | |
| Song of Solomon 5:8 | “I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if ye find my beloved, that ye tell him, that I am sick of love.” Word: אַהֲבָה (ʼahăbâh) | |
| Hosea 9:15 | “All their wickedness is in Gilgal: for there I hated them: for the wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of mine house, I will love them no more: all their princes are revolters.” Word: אַהֲבָה (ʼahăbâh) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Love
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Love / Loyal-love
Hebrew uses ahavah (אַהֲבָה) for love generally, but the covenant term chesed (חֶסֶד) describes God's steadfast, loyal love—faithful covenant commitment beyond mere emotion.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Divine love
The Greek agape (ἀγάπη) denotes self-sacrificial, unconditional love—the highest form of love, characterizing God's nature (1 John 4:8) and the love Christians are called to demonstrate.