The Usage of the Hebrew Verb אָהַב (ʾāhav) in the Hebrew Bible

The Hebrew verb אָהַב (ʾāhav), meaning “to love”, is one of the most significant and frequently used verbs in the Hebrew Bible. It expresses a wide range of meanings related to love, including affection between people, devotion to God, and even preferences for things or actions. This article explores the different contexts in which אָהַב appears in the Hebrew Bible, analyzing its grammatical forms, theological implications, and key occurrences.

1. Grammatical Forms of אָהַב

The verb אָהַב is a Qal verb, typically appearing in different tenses and moods:

• Past (Perfect): אָהַב (ʾahav) – “he loved”
• Present (Participle): אוֹהֵב (ʾohev) – “he loves”
• Future (Imperfect): יֶאֱהַב (yeʾehav) – “he will love”
• Imperative (Command): אֱהַב (ʾehav) – “love!”

This verb is used with direct objects (e.g., loving a person) and with prepositions such as אֶת־ (ʾet-, indicating a direct object) and בְּ (be-, indicating delight in something or someone).

2. Categories of Love in the Hebrew Bible

A. Human Love for Others

The verb אָהַב frequently describes love between individuals, such as the love between parents and children, husbands and wives, or deep friendships.

• Genesis 22:2 – “Take your son, your only son, whom you love (אָהַב), Yitsḥaq…”
• 1 Samuel 18:1 – “And Yehonatan loved (אָהַב) him as his own soul.”
• Genesis 29:20 – “So Yaʿaqov served seven years for Raḥel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of his love (אָהַב) for her.”

B. Love Between Humans and God

• Deuteronomy 6:5 – “And you shall love (אָהַב) the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.”
• Deuteronomy 10:19 – “And you shall love (אָהַב) the foreigner, for you were foreigners in the land of Mitsrayim.”

C. God’s Love for His People

• Malachi 1:2 – “I have loved (אָהַב) you, says the LORD.”
• Hosea 3:1 – “The LORD said to me, ‘Go, love (אָהַב) a woman loved by another man and an adulteress, just as the LORD loves (אָהַב) the children of Yisra’el…'”

D. Love for Objects and Actions

• Psalms 11:7 – “For the LORD is righteous, He loves (אָהַב) righteousness.”
• Proverbs 15:9 – “The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but He loves (אָהַב) the one who pursues righteousness.”

3. Theological Implications of אָהַב

• Covenantal Love: Love in the Hebrew Bible is often covenantal rather than purely emotional. This is particularly evident in Deuteronomy, where love for God is tied to obedience and faithfulness.
• Divine Love as Unconditional: Unlike human love, which can be conditional, God’s love (אָהַב) for Israel is persistent even when they are unfaithful.
• Love as an Ethical Mandate: The Hebrew Bible repeatedly commands love—not just in personal relationships but toward strangers, the poor, and the marginalized (e.g., Deuteronomy 10:19).

4. Key Differences Between אָהַב and חָשַׁק (ḥāshaq)

While אָהַב is the most common word for love in the Hebrew Bible, another verb, חָשַׁק (ḥāshaq), also appears and conveys a strong, deep attachment, often used for God’s choice:

• Deuteronomy 7:7 – “The LORD did not set His love (חָשַׁק) upon you nor choose you because you were more numerous than all the peoples…”
• Genesis 34:8 – “Shekhem’s soul was deeply attached (חָשַׁק) to Dinah…”

5. Hebrew Word Study: Love in the Bible and Its Meaning

The Hebrew verb אָהַב (ʾāhav) is a central theme in biblical theology and ethics. It encompasses:

• Romantic, parental, and friendly love between people.
• Covenantal devotion to God and God’s love for humanity.
• Love as a moral and ethical command, extending to strangers and righteousness.

Understanding the nuances of אָהַב provides deeper insight into biblical relationships, divine compassion, and human responsibility in the framework of faith.