from עֲגַב; love (abstractly), i.e. amorousness; inordinate love.
Transliteration:ʻăgâbâh
Pronunciation:ag-aw-baw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term עֲגָבָה (ʻăgâbâh, `{{H5691}}`) is derived from the verb עָגַב (`{{H5689}}`), which carries the core sense of desiring intensely, lusting, or being passionately enamored. As a noun, ʻăgâbâh signifies "amorousness" or "inordinate love." This is not a term for wholesome affection or covenantal loyalty; rather, it denotes an excessive, unrestrained, and often illicit form of desire. It points to a passion that is misdirected, morally corrupt, and obsessive. Unlike אַהֲבָה (`{{H160}}`, love in general) or חֶסֶד (`{{H2617}}`, steadfast love), ʻăgâbâh is inherently negative, describing a desire that transgresses divine boundaries and leads to spiritual or moral compromise.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻăgâbâ (`{{H5691}}`) appears exclusively in the book of Ezekiel, specifically within the highly allegorical chapter 23. In this chapter, the prophet Ezekiel employs the vivid and graphic imagery of two sisters, Oholah (Samaria, representing the northern kingdom of Israel) and Oholibah (Jerusalem, representing the southern kingdom of Judah), to portray the spiritual harlotry and idolatry of God's people.
* In [[Ezekiel 23:11]], it is stated concerning Oholibah (Jerusalem): "And when her sister Oholibah saw this, she was more corrupt in her inordinate love (עֲגָבָה) than she, and in her whoredoms more than her sister in her whoredoms." Here, ʻăgâbâh describes Jerusalem's excessive and depraved spiritual lust for foreign nations and their idolatrous practices, surpassing even the sin of Samaria. It highlights the intense, almost compulsive nature of her unfaithfulness to Yahweh.
* Similarly, in [[Ezekiel 23:20]], the text states: "For she doted upon their paramours, whose flesh is as the flesh of asses, and whose issue is like the issue of horses." While the word ʻăgâbâ itself is not present in this specific verse, the context clearly describes the *result* and *expression* of Oholibah's ʻăgâbâ, emphasizing the extreme and debased nature of her spiritual obsession with foreign alliances and their detestable gods. The imagery is intentionally shocking, designed to convey the profound offense of Israel's idolatry in God's eyes.
In both instances, ʻăgâbâ underscores the willful and passionate pursuit of that which is forbidden, likening spiritual idolatry to sexual perversion and infidelity within a covenant relationship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ʻăgâbâh (`{{H5691}}`) includes several terms related to illicit desire, unfaithfulness, and idolatry:
* **עָגַב (`{{H5689}}`):** The verbal root, meaning "to lust, to be enamored of." This verb is frequently used in Ezekiel and Jeremiah to describe Israel's spiritual infidelity, such as in [[Jeremiah 4:30]] and multiple occurrences in Ezekiel 23 (e.g., [[Ezekiel 23:5]], [[Ezekiel 23:7]], [[Ezekiel 23:9]], [[Ezekiel 23:12]], [[Ezekiel 23:16]], [[Ezekiel 23:20]]).
* **זְנוּת (`{{H2183}}`):** "Whoredom, harlotry." This term is a common metaphor for spiritual unfaithfulness and idolatry, often appearing alongside ʻăgâbâh in Ezekiel 23 to intensify the imagery of betrayal.
* **תּוֹעֵבָה (`{{H8441}}`):** "Abomination, detestable thing." This word refers to practices or objects that are utterly repugnant to God, frequently associated with idolatry and moral depravity.
* **נֶאֻף (`{{H5004}}`):** "Adultery." This term is used for both literal marital infidelity and, metaphorically, for spiritual unfaithfulness to God.
* **Contrast with אַהֲבָה (`{{H160}}`):** While אַהֲבָה denotes genuine love, whether divine, familial, or covenantal, ʻăgâbâh stands in stark opposition, representing a perversion of love, twisted into an obsessive and destructive lust.
* **Contrast with חֶסֶד (`{{H2617}}`):** This term signifies steadfast love, loyal-love, or covenant loyalty. ʻăgâbâh represents a complete abandonment of such loyalty towards God, replaced by a passionate pursuit of that which is contrary to His will.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻăgâbâh (`{{H5691}}`) is profound, serving as a powerful descriptor of Israel's spiritual apostasy. It elevates idolatry beyond a mere lapse in judgment or a theological error; instead, it portrays it as a passionate, illicit affair, a profound betrayal of the covenant relationship between Yahweh and His people.
The graphic sexual imagery associated with ʻăgâbâ in Ezekiel 23 underscores the depth of offense that Israel's idolatry caused God. It equates the pursuit of foreign gods and alliances with the most egregious forms of human betrayal and sexual depravity. This metaphor highlights that Israel's actions were not passive or coerced, but driven by an active, "inordinate" desire for that which was forbidden.
Furthermore, the use of ʻăgâbâ emphasizes the destructive consequences of such misdirected desire. The allegories in Ezekiel show that this spiritual lust leads inevitably to divine judgment, desolation, and the shattering of the covenant relationship. It serves as a stark warning against the allure of idolatry and the severe repercussions of unbridled desire when it deviates from its proper object, God Himself.
### Summary
ʻăgâbâh (`{{H5691}}`) is a potent Hebrew term signifying "inordinate love" or "amorousness," characterized by excessive, unrestrained, and illicit desire. Its primary biblical occurrences are found in [[Ezekiel 23:11]] and [[Ezekiel 23:20]], where it is employed within the allegory of Oholah and Oholibah to graphically depict the spiritual harlotry and idolatry of Israel and Judah. Derived from the verb עָגַב (`{{H5689}}`, to lust), ʻăgâbâh is closely associated with concepts such as זְנוּת (`{{H2183}}`, whoredom) and תּוֹעֵבָה (`{{H8441}}`, abomination), underscoring its negative and idolatrous connotations. Theologically, ʻăgâbâh serves as a powerful metaphor for Israel's profound unfaithfulness to God, portraying their idolatry as a passionate, lustful betrayal of the covenant. It vividly illustrates the gravity of misdirected desire and the purity demanded by the divine-human relationship, ultimately leading to severe divine judgment.
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