עֲגַב

עֲגַב

to breathe after, i.e. to love (sensually)

Definition

The Hebrew verb עֲגַב (ʻăgab) describes an intense, passionate, and often illicit form of love or desire. It specifically conveys the idea of 'breathing after' or 'lusting after' someone, typically in a sensual or idolatrous context. In Ezekiel 23, it is used repeatedly to describe the promiscuous and idolatrous 'love affairs' of the allegorical sisters Oholah and Oholibah with foreign nations (e.g., Ezekiel 23:5, 7, 9). In Jeremiah 4:30, it depicts Judah's desperate but futile attempts to 'make herself beautiful' and 'love' (i.e., seek alliances with) her lovers (foreign powers) in a time of judgment.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used exclusively in prophetic literature, appearing seven times in total: once in Jeremiah and six times in Ezekiel. Its usage is consistently negative, describing improper or misplaced passion. In Ezekiel 23, it forms a key thematic word in the extended allegory of Israel and Judah's spiritual adultery, illustrating their illicit political and religious alliances with foreign empires. In Jeremiah 4:30, it portrays the nation's doomed and shameful attempts to attract rescue from other nations instead of repenting before God.

Etymology

As a primitive root, עֲגַב (ʻăgab) is the base from which the noun עֲגָבִים (ʻăgābîm, H5686), meaning 'lusts' or 'loves,' is derived. The core meaning relates to breathing heavily or panting after something, which developed into the sense of passionate, covetous desire. Cognates in other Semitic languages support this sense of strong, eager longing.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it powerfully illustrates the biblical concept of idolatry as spiritual adultery. It depicts sin not as a mere mistake but as a passionate, misplaced devotion that breaks covenant with God. Understanding this intense Hebrew term enriches the reading of prophetic texts, revealing the depth of betrayal God feels when his people 'lust after' other gods or powers (Ezekiel 23), and the futility of seeking salvation from anyone but Him (Jeremiah 4:30). In its ancient Near Eastern context, the term's use in covenant language was stark. A nation's political treaties and religious syncretism with foreign powers were understood through the metaphor of marital fidelity. To 'lust after' (ʻăgab) another nation was not merely a political alliance but a profound breach of covenant loyalty to Yahweh, akin to a wife's adulterous passion for other men. This contrasts with modern, often sanitized, understandings of diplomatic relations. אָהַב (ʼāhab, H157) — a broader term for love, which can be covenantal, familial, or romantic, not inherently negative. חָשַׁק (ḥāšaq, H2836) — to delight in, desire, or be attached to; often used in positive covenantal contexts (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:7). תַּאֲוָה (taʼăwâ, H8378) — a strong craving or desire, often for something forbidden.

Word Details