The main Hebrew word for love is אהב (ahav or ahab).
Parsing:
Root: אהב (ahav)
It can appear as a verb, noun, or adjective depending on its form and context.
Range of meanings:
To love (romantic, familial, or platonic)
To like or prefer
To be fond of
To show loyalty or devotion
Usage in Scripture:
This word appears approximately 250 times in the Hebrew Bible. It is used in various contexts:
God's love for humanity:
"I have loved you with an everlasting love" (Jeremiah 31:3)
Human love for God:
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart..." (Deuteronomy 6:5)
Romantic love:
"Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her" (Genesis 24:67)
Familial love:
"Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons..." (Genesis 37:3)
Love for neighbours or friends:
"Love your neighbour as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18)
Significance:
The word אהב (ahav) is central to understanding the relationship between God and His people in the Old Testament. It's not just an emotion but often implies action and commitment. This concept of love is foundational to Jewish and Christian theology.
It's worth noting that while אהב (ahav) is the main word for love, there are other Hebrew words that can also express different aspects of love, such as חסד (chesed), which often refers to God's covenant love or lovingkindness.