from עֲגַב; love (concretely), i.e. amative words; much love, very lovely.
Transliteration:ʻegeb
Pronunciation:eh'-gheb
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word עֶגֶב (transliterated as ʻegeb, `{{H5690}}`) is a noun derived from the verbal root עֲגַב (`{{H5689}}`). The base definition provided indicates "love (concretely), i.e. amative words; much love, very lovely." While "love" generally carries positive connotations, the root עֲגַב (`{{H5689}}`) itself is consistently used in biblical texts to denote a passionate, often illicit, and morally censurable form of desire, bordering on lust or infatuation. This negative nuance of the root profoundly shapes the semantic range of ʻegeb. Therefore, ʻegeb does not refer to pure, covenantal, or benevolent love, but rather to an intense, concrete expression of desire that is often misdirected, excessive, or unholy. It can signify the "amative words" or seductive expressions associated with such illicit passion, or the object of such "much love" in a pejorative sense, implying a dangerous infatuation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun עֶגֶב (`{{H5690}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Ezekiel:
* **[[Ezekiel 23:16]]**: "And as soon as she saw them with her eyes, she doted upon them, and sent messengers unto them into Chaldea." (KJV)
* The context of Ezekiel 23 is a powerful prophetic allegory concerning two sisters, Oholah (representing Samaria, the northern kingdom of Israel) and Oholibah (representing Jerusalem, the southern kingdom of Judah). Both sisters are depicted as engaging in spiritual harlotry by pursuing alliances with and adopting the idolatrous practices of foreign nations.
* In [[Ezekiel 23:16]], the word עֶגֶב is used to describe Oholibah's (Jerusalem's) intense, lustful infatuation with the Babylonians. The phrase "she doted upon them" (וַתַּעְגֵּב עֲלֵיהֶם בְּעֵינֶיהָ) directly employs the root verb עֲגַב (`{{H5689}}`) in conjunction with the noun עֶגֶב (implied by the verbal form, though some translations render it as "her lust" or "her doting"). The verse literally reads "and she lusted upon them with her eyes, with her lust." This intensifies the meaning, emphasizing the depth and nature of her illicit desire.
* This single, potent occurrence firmly establishes ʻegeb as describing a passionate, idolatrous, and spiritually unfaithful desire. It is a "love" that leads to betrayal of the divine covenant and invites divine judgment. It highlights the seductive power of idolatry and the human propensity to turn away from God in pursuit of illicit affections and alliances.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the verbal root from which עֶגֶב (`{{H5690}}`) is derived:
* **עֲגַב (`{{H5689}}`)**: This verb means "to love passionately, to lust after, to be infatuated with." It appears frequently in Ezekiel 23 (e.g., [[Ezekiel 23:5]], [[Ezekiel 23:9]], [[Ezekiel 23:12]], [[Ezekiel 23:20]]) and also in Jeremiah 4:30. In all these instances, it consistently describes a morally reprehensible, often idolatrous or adulterous, form of desire. The noun ʻegeb is the concrete manifestation or expression of this specific type of "love."
* **Contrast with other words for love**: It is crucial to distinguish ʻegeb from other Hebrew words for love, such as אַהֲבָה (`{{H160}}`, general love, often covenantal or familial) or חֶסֶד (`{{H2617}}`, loyal love, steadfast love, often used for God's covenantal faithfulness). Unlike these terms, ʻegeb carries an inherent negative connotation, always implying an improper, illicit, or destructive form of desire.
* **Concepts**: The word is intimately connected with biblical concepts of idolatry, spiritual adultery, harlotry, unfaithfulness, and the pursuit of foreign gods or alliances that violate the covenant with Yahweh. It speaks to the seductive nature of sin and the consequences of misdirected affections.
### Theological Significance
The singular, yet powerful, occurrence of עֶגֶב (`{{H5690}}`) in [[Ezekiel 23:16]] imbues it with profound theological significance. It functions as a stark descriptor of spiritual infidelity. In the prophetic indictment against Judah, ʻegeb encapsulates the nation's passionate, lustful pursuit of foreign powers and their idolatrous practices, a blatant betrayal of their covenant relationship with Yahweh. This "love" is not a virtuous affection but a destructive infatuation that leads to moral degradation and divine judgment.
Theologically, ʻegeb serves as a warning against the dangers of misplaced affections. It illustrates how the human heart, when not wholly devoted to God, can be seduced by the allure of false gods or worldly alliances, leading to a form of "spiritual harlotry." This word underscores the intensity of the sin of idolatry, portraying it not merely as a ritualistic transgression but as a passionate, unholy desire that rivals and ultimately rejects the true God. It highlights God's righteous anger against such unfaithfulness and the inevitable consequences that follow when His people abandon Him for illicit "loves."
### Summary
The Hebrew word עֶגֶב (`{{H5690}}`) is a noun derived from the verb עֲגַב (`{{H5689}}`), which consistently denotes an illicit, lustful, or infatuated desire. Appearing only once in the Bible, in [[Ezekiel 23:16]], ʻegeb describes the intense, passionate, and morally reprehensible infatuation of Judah (Oholibah) with foreign nations and their idolatrous ways. Far from expressing pure love, ʻegeb signifies a concrete manifestation of spiritual harlotry and unfaithfulness, representing the seductive power of sin and the destructive consequences of misplaced affections that betray the covenant relationship with God. It serves as a powerful theological term for idolatrous lust and spiritual infidelity.
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