אֹ֫הַב
o.hav
beloved
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
Supported# Analysis of אֹהַב (Ohav) – "Beloved" The Hebrew word אֹהַב carries the meaning "beloved," designating someone who is loved or cherished. Based on the lexicon data provided, this term appears only once in the biblical text, which limits our ability to observe variations in its use or context. The singular occurrence makes it a relatively rare designation in Hebrew Scripture. Given its limited attestation, the word likely carries significant weight in the single passage where it appears. The term represents a relational concept—describing not an inherent quality but a status conferred through being loved by another. This stands in contrast to abstract discussions of love itself, focusing instead on the person who receives affection. Without additional occurrences to compare, we cannot determine whether the word was reserved for particular relationships (familial, royal, or divine) or used more broadly. The rarity of this specific form in biblical Hebrew suggests that other related terms or constructions were preferred for expressing similar ideas. The single documented use makes this word a notable but peripheral element of biblical Hebrew vocabulary for expressing emotional and relational bonds.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence across the text