### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼahăbâh**, represented by `{{H160}}`, is a term for **love** or **affection**. It appears 40 times in 37 verses of the Bible. While it is the feminine form of `{{H158}}` `ʼahab`, it carries a rich meaning that encompasses everything from the passionate love between people to the foundational, everlasting love of God for His chosen nation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H160}}` is used to describe the full spectrum of love. It characterizes profound human affection, such as Jacob’s **love** for Rachel, which made seven years of service feel like only a few days [[Genesis 29:20]]. In the Song of Solomon, it is an intense, powerful force, described as strong as death and unable to be quenched by many waters [[Song of Solomon 8:6-7]]. The term also defines God's relationship with humanity. God's **love** for Israel is cited as the reason for their deliverance from Egypt [[Deuteronomy 7:8]]. This divine **love** is described as everlasting [[Jeremiah 31:3]] and is the motivation behind His redemption and pity [[Isaiah 63:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand on the concept of love and affection:
* `{{H157}}` **ʼâhab** (to have affection for...; love): This is the root verb from which `ʼahăbâh` is derived. It describes the action of loving, such as the command to **love** the LORD with all one's heart [[Deuteronomy 6:5]] and God's declaration, "I have loved thee with an everlasting love" [[Jeremiah 31:3]].
* `{{H1730}}` **dôwd** ((well-) beloved, love): This term often refers to a cherished person, the **beloved**, particularly in the Song of Solomon [[Song of Solomon 2:3]]. It can also signify a time of **love**, as when God entered into a covenant with Israel [[Ezekiel 16:8]].
* `{{H2617}}` **chêçêd** (loving-kindness, mercy): Often translated as loving-kindness, this term describes a loyal, covenantal love. It is directly connected to `ʼahăbâh` when God explains that His everlasting **love** is the reason He has drawn His people with **lovingkindness** [[Jeremiah 31:3]].
* `{{H8135}}` **sinʼâh** (hate, hatred): As a direct antonym, this word defines **love** by contrast. Proverbs juxtaposes the two, stating that **hatred** stirs up strife, but love covers all sins [[Proverbs 10:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H160}}` is immense, framing God's character and His relationship with His people.
* **Covenantal Foundation:** God’s **love** is not merely an emotion but the basis for His covenant. His choice to redeem Israel was a direct result of His **love** for them and His oath to their fathers [[Deuteronomy 7:8]]. This **love** is presented as the reason He establishes His people forever [[1 Kings 10:9]].
* **Redemptive Character:** The **love** of God is active and salvific. In His **love** and pity He redeemed His people [[Isaiah 63:9]], and He draws them with "bands of love" [[Hosea 11:4]]. Zephaniah portrays God as one who will "rest in his love" over His people [[Zephaniah 3:17]].
* **Ethical Imperative:** Beyond divine action, **love** is a core principle for human conduct. It is presented as a virtue that "covereth all sins" [[Proverbs 10:12]] and is a chief requirement from God, alongside doing justice and walking humbly [[Micah 6:8]].
* **Unconquerable Force:** The power of **love** is depicted as supreme. It is "strong as death," and its value is so great that if a man were to offer all the substance of his house for **love**, it would be utterly contemned [[Song of Solomon 8:6-7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H160}}` is far more than a simple term for affection. It is a cornerstone of biblical theology, defining relationships on both human and divine levels. It expresses the depth of personal devotion, the unbreakable power of romantic passion, and the eternal, redemptive, and covenant-making **love** that is a core attribute of God’s character.
TRV