Quick Answer: How to Say Love in Hebrew
Love in Hebrew is:
Meaning: Love, affection, devotion, commitment
How to Pronounce Ahavah
The Hebrew word אַהֲבָה (ahavah) is pronounced ah-hah-VAH.
Pronunciation Breakdown
- אַ (ah) - Sounds like "ah" (the "a" as in "father")
- הֲ (ha) - Sounds like "hah" (the "h" is pronounced, "a" as in "father")
- בָה (vah) - Sounds like "VAH" (the "v" as in "very", emphasis on this syllable)
Stress: The emphasis is on the final syllable: ah-hah-VAH
Practice Saying Ahavah
Try saying it slowly: ah (pause) hah (pause) VAH
Then say it faster: ah-hah-VAH
Tip: The "h" sounds are pronounced softly, like a gentle breath.
What Does Ahavah Mean?
While אַהֲבָה (ahavah) is translated as "love," its meaning in Hebrew goes deeper than romantic or emotional love. Ahavah encompasses:
❤️ Affection
Deep emotional attachment and care
🤝 Devotion
Commitment and loyalty to another
🙏 Covenant Love
Faithful, committed love that endures
💝 Action
Love expressed through deeds and service
Key Insight: Ahavah comes from the root א.ה.ב (a.h.b), which means "to love." In Hebrew thought, love is not just a feeling—it's an action, a commitment, and a choice. This is why the greatest commandment says "You shall love the Lord your God" - love is something we do, not just something we feel.
How to Use Ahavah
Ahavah is used in various contexts in Hebrew. Here's how to use it:
1. To Express Love for God
The most famous use of ahavah in Scripture:
Deuteronomy 6:5:
וְאָהַבְתָּ אֵת יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ
veahavta et Adonai Eloheikha
"You shall love the Lord your God"
This is the Shema, the most important commandment in Judaism, calling us to love God with all our heart, soul, and strength.
2. To Express Love for Others
Ahavah is also used for loving your neighbor:
Leviticus 19:18:
וְאָהַבְתָּ לְרֵעֲךָ כָּמוֹךָ
veahavta lere'akha kamokha
"You shall love your neighbor as yourself"
3. In Everyday Conversation
While ahavah is primarily used in biblical and formal contexts, you might hear:
I love you: אֲנִי אוֹהֵב אוֹתָךְ (ani ohev otakh) - to a female
I love you: אֲנִי אוֹהֵב אוֹתְךָ (ani ohev otkha) - to a male
Note: Modern Hebrew uses "ohev" (I love) from the same root as ahavah.
Biblical Significance of Ahavah
Ahavah is central to the biblical understanding of God's relationship with humanity and our relationships with each other. Here are key biblical concepts involving ahavah:
Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Greatest Commandment
וְאָהַבְתָּ אֵת יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ בְּכָל לְבָבְךָ וּבְכָל נַפְשְׁךָ וּבְכָל מְאֹדֶךָ
veahavta et Adonai Eloheikha bekhol levavkha uvekhol nafshekha uvekhol me'odekha
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might"
This commandment shows that love for God requires our entire being—heart, soul, and strength.
Hosea 11:1 - God's Love for Israel
כִּי נַעַר יִשְׂרָאֵל וָאֹהֲבֵהוּ
ki na'ar Yisrael va'ohavehu
"When Israel was a child, I loved him"
God's ahavah for His people is like a parent's love for a child—unconditional and enduring.
Practical Tips for Using Ahavah
How to Practice
- Practice pronunciation: Say "ah-hah-VAH" slowly, emphasizing the final syllable
- Meditate on the meaning: Remember that ahavah is action-oriented, not just emotional
- Study the Shema: Memorize Deuteronomy 6:5 to understand ahavah in context
- Apply it practically: Think about how to show ahavah (love in action) to God and others
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