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    Love (Ahavah)

    אַהֲבָה (ahavah)

    Deep, loyal, covenantal love — the committed affection of heart and will.

    Hebrew
    Strong's H160
    Pronunciation: ah-hah-VAH
    Quick Answer

    Ahavah is the Hebrew word for love, describing deep, loyal, covenantal affection. It encompasses romantic love, family bonds, friendship, and supremely God's faithful love for His people.

    "And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." — Deuteronomy 6:5 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    Deuteronomy 6:5

    “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”
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    Song of Solomon 8:6

    “Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death.”
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    Jeremiah 31:3

    “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love.”
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    Strong's Concordance

    Strong's H160 — Love (Ahavah) (אַהֲבָה (ahavah))

    Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where אַהֲבָה (ahavah) appears.

    Open Strong's H160

    Etymology and Original Meaning

    Ahavah comes from the Hebrew root ahav, meaning 'to love.' Unlike Greek, which has multiple words for love (agape, phileo, eros, storge), Hebrew uses ahavah broadly — for God's love, romantic love, family love, and friendship. Context determines the shade of meaning, but the core idea is wholehearted, loyal commitment expressed in action.

    God's Love for Israel

    God's ahavah for Israel is the great love story of the Old Testament. 'I have loved thee with an everlasting love' (Jeremiah 31:3). Hosea portrays God as a faithful husband loving an unfaithful wife — a love that pursues, redeems, and restores despite betrayal. God chose Israel not because they were great but because of His love (Deuteronomy 7:7-8).

    The Greatest Commandment

    The Shema — 'Love the LORD thy God with all thine heart' (Deuteronomy 6:5) — is the foundation of biblical ethics. Jesus called it the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-38). This love is not sentimental feeling but total devotion — heart (emotions), soul (life), and might (resources). It demands everything because God deserves everything.

    Love Between People

    Ahavah also describes human love in all its richness. The Song of Solomon celebrates romantic love as 'strong as death' (Song of Solomon 8:6). Jonathan's love for David (1 Samuel 18:1) exemplifies covenant friendship. Leviticus commands, 'Love thy neighbour as thyself' (Leviticus 19:18). Hebrew love is holistic — it engages emotions, will, and action.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What does ahavah mean in Hebrew?

    Ahavah means love — deep, loyal, covenantal affection expressed through action. It covers the full range of love: God's love, romantic love, family bonds, and neighborly care.

    How is ahavah different from agape?

    Ahavah is the Hebrew word for love used broadly across contexts. Agape is the Greek word emphasizing unconditional, self-sacrificing love. They overlap significantly, with agape often translating ahavah in the Septuagint.

    Which Bible verse uses the word "Love (Ahavah)"?

    Deuteronomy 6:5 — "And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might" (KJV). It also appears in Song of Solomon 8:6, Jeremiah 31:3.

    Why does the Hebrew word behind "Love (Ahavah)" matter?

    Ahavah comes from the Hebrew root ahav, meaning 'to love.' Unlike Greek, which has multiple words for love (agape, phileo, eros, storge), Hebrew uses ahavah broadly — for God's love, romantic love, family love, and friendship. English uses one word, "Love (Ahavah)", where the Hebrew אַהֲבָה (ahavah) carries the fuller sense: deep, loyal, covenantal love — the committed affection of heart and will.

    Related Words

    Agape
    Mercy
    Covenant

    Related Reading

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    Word Meaning

    Love (Ahavah) (אַהֲבָה (ahavah))

    Deep, loyal, covenantal love — the committed affection of heart and will.

    Strong's

    Strong's H160 — Love (Ahavah)

    אַהֲבָה (ahavah) • Deep, loyal, covenantal love — the committed affection of heart and will.

    Commentary

    Deuteronomy 6:6 Commentary

    In-depth study • Old Testament Foundations

    Commentary

    Deuteronomy 6:7 Commentary

    In-depth study • Old Testament Foundations

    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of Seeing Dead Relatives in a Dream (KJV)

    Often the mind processing grief; test carefully against Scripture.

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    Old Testament Quiz

    From Genesis to Malachi — test your knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures.

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