Hebrew word · Strong's H157

אָהַב

ʼâhab · aw-hab' · verb · “to love”

In a sentence

Ahav means to love — the verb behind the great Shema command. It covers love for God, for neighbor, for spouse, even for things one delights in.

Ahav is the standard Hebrew verb to love. It can be deep covenant love (God’s love for Israel), neighborly love (loving your neighbor as yourself), marital love, or simple liking — God loves justice; Isaac loved savory food.

Its highest use is the command: “you shall love (ve-ahavta) the LORD your God with all your heart.” Israel’s whole life is to be lived in this love — and Jesus declares it the greatest commandment.

Strong's reference

Definition: to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

KJV usage: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend.

Reference gloss from Strong's Concordance (1890, public domain).

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

Deuteronomy 6:5 “And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Leviticus 19:18 “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” Proverbs 8:17 “I love those who love me, and those who seek me early shall find me.”

Original BibleDawn word study. Original-language data and the public-domain Strong's (1890) gloss are referenced; see sources.