אַוָּה
longing
Definition
The Hebrew noun אַוָּה (ʼavvâh) refers to a strong, often intense longing or desire. In its biblical usage, it primarily denotes a deep craving, which can be either positive or negative depending on the context. In Deuteronomy, it describes a God-permitted desire to eat meat (Deuteronomy 12:15, 12:20, 12:21) and the heartfelt longing of a Levite to serve at the central sanctuary (Deuteronomy 18:6). However, in prophetic literature, the word takes on a negative connotation, depicting an uncontrolled, lustful desire, as seen in the imagery of a wild donkey in heat (Jeremiah 2:24) and the corrupt cravings of Israel (Hosea 10:10).
Biblical Usage
אַוָּה is used 7 times in the Old Testament, primarily in the Pentateuch (Deuteronomy) and the Prophets (Jeremiah, Hosea). In Deuteronomy, it is used in legal contexts concerning permissible desires (for meat) and spiritual devotion (for priestly service). In the prophets, it is used metaphorically to condemn Israel's idolatrous and wayward passions. The usage in 1 Samuel 23:20, where Saul's men desire to hand David over, also fits this pattern of a strong, self-interested craving. The word consistently indicates a powerful inward impulse.
Etymology
The noun אַוָּה (ʼavvâh) is derived from the root verb אָוָה (ʼāvâh, H183), which means 'to wish for, crave, or long for.' This root conveys the core idea of an intense inward inclination or desire. The noun form captures this as a settled state or object of longing.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it highlights the human capacity for deep desire, which God both accommodates and regulates. In Deuteronomy, legitimate desires (for food, for worship) are framed within God's covenant law, showing that human longing finds its proper place under divine authority. Conversely, its use in the prophets illustrates how misdirected desire—turned away from God toward idolatry and sin—leads to corruption and judgment. Understanding this word enriches the reading of passages about the heart's inclinations, contrasting God-honoring longing with sinful lust.
In its ancient Near Eastern context, a strong desire or longing was not seen as merely a neutral emotion but as a powerful force that could drive behavior. The positive use in Deuteronomy regarding meat reflects a pastoral society where eating meat was a special occasion, not a daily right. The negative prophetic metaphors (like the wild donkey) would have been vivid and shocking to an agrarian audience, powerfully communicating the shame and chaos of uncontrolled, idolatrous passion.
תַּאֲוָה (taʼăvâh, H8378) — A very close synonym, also meaning 'desire' or 'craving,' often used in parallel; it can have a wider range from neutral to negative. חֶמְדָּה (ḥemdâh, H2532) — Denotes 'desire' or 'delight,' often for something precious or beautiful. נֶפֶשׁ (nephesh, H5315) — Can mean 'appetite' or 'desire' as an extension of its core meaning 'soul' or 'life.'
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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