### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻăgab**, represented by `{{H5689}}`, is a primitive root used to describe a sensual, doting love. Its definition is "to breathe after, i.e. to love (sensually); dote, lover." It appears **7 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively within prophetic warnings against unfaithfulness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H5689}}` consistently portrays a misplaced and idolatrous infatuation. The prophet Ezekiel uses it repeatedly to describe personified Israel and Judah "doting" on foreign powers, which is equated with spiritual adultery. For instance, Aholah "doted{H5689} on her lovers{H157}, on the Assyrians" [[Ezekiel 23:5]], and Aholibah "doted{H5689} upon their paramours{H6370}" [[Ezekiel 23:20]]. This doting is not a noble affection but an illicit lust for political allies and their idols. The consequence is dire, as the very "lovers{H5689}" Jerusalem courts will ultimately despise her and seek her life [[Jeremiah 4:30]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the context of spiritual unfaithfulness surrounding `{{H5689}}`:
* `{{H2181}}` **zânâh** (to commit adultery): This root is used figuratively for idolatry, with the Jewish people seen as Jehovah's spouse. It is often used in parallel with `{{H5689}}`, as when Aholah "played the harlot{H2181}" and "doted{H5689} on her lovers" [[Ezekiel 23:5]].
* `{{H8457}}` **taznûwth** (harlotry): Derived from `{{H2181}}`, this noun specifies the act of harlotry, which figuratively means idolatry. The prophets condemn the "whoredoms{H8457}" committed with those on whom the nation "doted{H5689}" [[Ezekiel 23:7]].
* `{{H6370}}` **pîylegesh** (concubine, paramour): This term denotes an illicit or secondary partner. Its use in Ezekiel clarifies the debased nature of the doting, as the nation "doted{H5689} upon their paramours{H6370}" who are described in crude, physical terms [[Ezekiel 23:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5689}}` is centered on its depiction of covenant betrayal.
* **Spiritual Adultery:** The word is a key descriptor for Israel's unfaithfulness. To "dote" on the Assyrians or Chaldeans was to abandon God for worldly powers, an act consistently framed as harlotry ([[Ezekiel 23:5]], 23:16).
* **Misplaced Infatuation:** `{{H5689}}` describes a desire that is not only illicit but foolish. The objects of this doting are foreign armies and their idols, showing a preference for fleeting, worldly power over the covenant-keeping God [[Ezekiel 23:7]].
* **Source of Ruin:** The doting love described by `{{H5689}}` leads directly to judgment. God delivers the unfaithful nation "into the hand{H3027} of her lovers{H157}, into the hand{H3027} of the Assyrians{H804}, upon whom she doted{H5689}" [[Ezekiel 23:9]], showing that the object of idolatrous affection becomes the instrument of punishment.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5689}}` is a specialized term for an obsessive and sensual infatuation that, in a biblical context, signifies spiritual idolatry. It powerfully illustrates how turning from God to rely on worldly strength is not merely a strategic error but a profound act of unfaithfulness. The word serves as a stark warning that such misplaced doting love leads only to betrayal and self-destruction.
TRV