a primitive root; to breathe after, i.e. to love (sensually); dote, lover.
Transliteration:ʻăgab
Pronunciation:aw-gab'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew root H5689, *ʻăgab* (עֲגַב), is a primitive root carrying the core meaning of "to breathe after" or "to pant for." This foundational sense extends to "to love sensually" or "to dote," often implying an intense, passionate, and typically illicit or misguided desire. Unlike broader terms for love (e.g., `{{H0157}}` *ahab*), *ʻăgab* specifically connotes a lustful, unbridled, and often inappropriate affection. The derived nominal forms refer to a "lover" in this sensual context. Its semantic range is consistently negative within the biblical corpus, emphasizing spiritual harlotry, idolatrous pursuit, and unfaithful desire, rather than a pure or covenantal affection.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of H5689 are concentrated in the prophetic books, particularly Ezekiel and Jeremiah, where the term is employed metaphorically to describe Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness to Yahweh.
In [[Ezekiel 23:5]], [[Ezekiel 23:9]], [[Ezekiel 23:12]], [[Ezekiel 23:16]], and [[Ezekiel 23:20]], the word is used repeatedly to depict Oholah (Samaria) and Oholibah (Jerusalem) "doting" or "lusting" after their foreign paramours—the Assyrians, Babylonians, and Egyptians. For example, [[Ezekiel 23:5]] states, "And Oholah played the harlot while she was Mine, and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians her neighbors." The phrase "doted on them" (וַתַּעְגְּבִי עֲלֵיהֶם) vividly portrays Israel's passionate and unholy alliances with pagan nations, which are seen as acts of spiritual adultery against God. The imagery in [[Ezekiel 23:20]], describing Oholibah's lust for Egyptian lovers whose "flesh is like the flesh of donkeys" and "discharge like the discharge of horses," underscores the debased and repulsive nature of this spiritual infidelity from God's perspective.
Similarly, [[Jeremiah 4:30]] uses the term in a context of Jerusalem's futile attempts to attract "lovers" (foreign nations) for help, who ultimately despise her. "And you, O desolate one, what will you do? Though you dress yourself in scarlet, though you adorn yourself with ornaments of gold, though you enlarge your eyes with paint, in vain you beautify yourself; your lovers despise you; they seek your life." Here, the implied "doting" or "lusting" after these alliances is portrayed as a desperate and ultimately self-destructive act.
Across its occurrences, H5689 consistently highlights an intense, illicit, and unfaithful desire, serving as a powerful metaphor for Israel's idolatry and reliance on foreign powers instead of their covenant God.
### Related Words & Concepts
H5689 often appears in close conceptual proximity to other terms describing spiritual and physical unfaithfulness.
* **`{{H2181}}` (zanah):** "to commit fornication," "to play the harlot." This is a primary term for spiritual infidelity and is frequently used alongside or in contexts similar to H5689, emphasizing the act of prostitution.
* **`{{H5003}}` (na'aph):** "to commit adultery." This term specifically refers to the breaking of marital vows, aligning with the covenantal understanding of God's relationship with Israel as a marriage.
* **`{{H8441}}` (ta'avah):** "desire," often denoting an illicit or lustful craving. While broader, it captures the essence of the passionate longing inherent in *ʻăgab*.
* **`{{H2623}}` (hesed):** "loyal love," "covenant faithfulness." This term stands in stark contrast to *ʻăgab*, representing the fidelity and steadfast devotion that Israel was called to exhibit towards Yahweh, but failed to do so.
* **`{{H0157}}` (ahab):** "to love." While it can denote pure love, its absence in contexts where *ʻăgab* is used underscores the perversion of love into lust and idolatry.
The concepts associated with H5689 include idolatry, spiritual harlotry, apostasy, covenant breaking, and illicit desire.
### Theological Significance
The theological import of H5689 lies in its stark portrayal of Israel's spiritual condition. By using such a vivid and often graphic term, the prophets underscore the depth and repulsive nature of the nation's sin in God's eyes. Idolatry and reliance on foreign alliances are not merely intellectual errors or minor transgressions; they are depicted as acts of passionate, unbridled lust and spiritual adultery against Yahweh, the faithful covenant Husband.
This word emphasizes that Israel's unfaithfulness was not a passive turning away, but an active, passionate, and often self-debasing pursuit of other "lovers"—false gods and human powers. The "doting" implies an irrational, obsessive desire that leads to destructive consequences. It highlights the exclusive nature of the covenant relationship with Yahweh; any affection directed elsewhere is a profound betrayal. The imagery serves to shock the audience, revealing the divine perspective on their actions as an abhorrent violation of sacred vows. The use of H5689 thus serves as a powerful indictment of Israel's spiritual rebellion and a solemn warning against the seductive power of illicit desires that draw one away from the one true God.
### Summary
H5689, *ʻăgab*, is a primitive Hebrew root meaning "to breathe after," "to love sensually," or "to dote." In biblical usage, particularly in the prophetic books of Ezekiel and Jeremiah, it is employed almost exclusively in a negative, metaphorical sense to describe Israel's spiritual harlotry and idolatry. The term vividly portrays the nation's passionate, unfaithful pursuit of foreign gods and alliances, likening it to a harlot's unrestrained and illicit yearning for lovers. Theologically, H5689 underscores the depth of Israel's betrayal of their covenant with Yahweh, portraying idolatry as a profound act of spiritual adultery. It serves as a stark reminder of the exclusive nature of God's covenant love and the severe consequences of divided loyalties and unbridled, illicit desires.
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