### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼôhab**, represented by `{{H159}}`, signifies **affection** or **love**. According to its base definition, this affection can be understood in either a good or a bad sense. The term is exceptionally rare, appearing just **1 time** in a single verse in the entire Bible, which gives its context significant weight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its sole biblical appearance, `{{H159}}` is used to describe illicit, sensual love. The passage in Proverbs presents a temptation, inviting someone to "solace ourselves with **loves**" [[Proverbs 7:18]]. This specific application clearly illustrates the "bad sense" of affection mentioned in its definition, framing the word as a descriptor for forbidden passion rather than righteous or holy love.
### Related Words & Concepts
The single verse where `{{H159}}` is found also contains several other important words that provide a fuller picture of its context:
* `{{H1730}}` **dôwd** (love, beloved): This related term for love is used in the same verse, where the invitation is to "take our fill of **love**" [[Proverbs 7:18]]. It is frequently used in a positive sense elsewhere, such as to identify the **beloved** in Song of Solomon [[Song of Solomon 5:1]].
* `{{H3212}}` **yâlak** (to walk, come): This word issues the invitation, "**Come**" [[Proverbs 7:18]], initiating the call to sin. This stands in contrast to its use in other passages that call people to **walk** righteously with God [[Micah 6:8]].
* `{{H5965}}` **ʻâlaç** (to rejoice, solace self): This describes the action to be taken with the loves, to "**solace** ourselves" [[Proverbs 7:18]], indicating a self-gratifying joy.
* `{{H7301}}` **râvâh** (to slake the thirst, satiate): This word expresses the desire for an abundance of this illicit love, to "**take our fill**" [[Proverbs 7:18]]. In a positive context, the same word is used to describe how God’s followers shall be **abundantly satisfied** in His house [[Psalms 36:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H159}}` is derived almost entirely from its highly specific and negative context.
* **Warning Against Illicit Desire:** The word's singular use in scripture functions as a clear warning against adulterous and forbidden affections, setting them in opposition to the wisdom promoted in the book of Proverbs.
* **The Duality of Satisfaction:** The words used alongside `{{H159}}` highlight a recurring biblical theme. Terms for fulfillment, like "take our fill" `{{H7301}}`, can point to either sinful indulgence [[Proverbs 7:18]] or righteous satisfaction in God [[Psalms 36:8]], demonstrating that human appetites must be directed toward holy ends.
* **A Portrait of Folly:** By appearing in a narrative of seduction, `{{H159}}` becomes a component of biblical folly. It is part of an invitation to "come" `{{H3212}}` that leads away from God, contrasting with invitations to walk in His ways [[Isaiah 30:21]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H159}}` is a narrowly defined term for **loves** whose meaning is cemented by its one and only appearance in a negative context. While its root conveys affection, its scriptural role is to serve as a specific example of misdirected passion. The verse where it is found powerfully illustrates how human desires for joy, fulfillment, and intimacy can be channeled toward either sin or righteousness.
TRV