אָוָה
to wish for
Definition
The Hebrew verb אָוָה (ʼâvâh) fundamentally means 'to desire' or 'to wish for,' but its usage in the Old Testament often carries a strong, sometimes negative, intensity. It can describe a simple, legitimate longing, such as the desire to eat meat (Deuteronomy 12:20) or to drink water (2 Samuel 23:15). However, it frequently depicts an inordinate, covetous craving, as seen in the Israelites' intense, discontented lust for meat in the wilderness (Numbers 11:4, 34), which provoked God's anger. In the Ten Commandments, it is the verb used for 'coveting' a neighbor's possessions (Deuteronomy 5:21), highlighting its potential for sinful, uncontrolled desire.
Biblical Usage
אָוָה is used 25 times, primarily in narrative and legal texts. It appears in contexts of physical appetite (food, drink), territorial ambition (2 Samuel 3:21; 1 Kings 11:37), and covetousness. A clear pattern is its association with desires that lead to conflict, discontent, or divine judgment. The majority of its uses are in the Pentateuch (Numbers, Deuteronomy) and the historical books (Samuel, Kings). Its usage shifts from neutral or positive desire to negative craving based on the object and the heart attitude behind it.
Etymology
A primitive root, אָוָה is related to the idea of inclination or longing. Cognates in other Semitic languages suggest a basic meaning of 'to wish' or 'to want.' Its meaning in biblical Hebrew developed to encompass a wide spectrum of desire, from innocent wishing to passionate, often selfish, craving.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it probes the nature of human desire and its alignment with God's will. It is central to the Tenth Commandment, making it a key term for understanding the sin of covetousness, which Jesus later identifies as a matter of the heart (Mark 7:21-23). Understanding אָוָה enriches Bible reading by revealing that not all desire is wrong, but desire becomes sinful when it is self-centered, uncontrolled, and leads us away from God's provision and commands. It highlights the internal source of much external sin.
In the ancient Near Eastern context, strong desire (אָוָה) for food, land, or power was a common driver of human action and conflict. The biblical use of this word, especially in law and narrative, often serves as a commentary on the human condition, showing how unchecked desires can disrupt community, lead to injustice, and violate covenant relationships with God and neighbor.
חמד (chamad, H2530) — Often used interchangeably for 'covet' or 'desire,' but can imply taking delight in an object. חשק (chashaq, H2836) — Emphasizes attachment, longing, or being joined to something, often in a positive sense (e.g., God's delight in His people). תאב (ta'av, H8378) — A more general term for craving or having an appetite, frequently for food.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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