Psalms 119:140

צְרוּפָ֖ה אִמְרָתְךָ֥ מְאֹ֗ד וְֽעַבְדְּךָ֥ אֲהֵבָֽהּ
Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
Select a Hebrew word above to see its details.

צְרוּפָ֖ה
צְרוּפָ֖ה
Root word tried, founder, goldsmith, try, goldsmiths, …
Dictionary form: צָרַף · tsaw-RAHP

Verb — Qal, Participle Passive, feminine singular, absolute state simple action — "he did" a settled state — try "___ed"

In the KJV here: pure
is tried ×3 founder ×2 a goldsmith ×1 and casteth ×1 and i will try ×1 and the goldsmith ×1 and tried ×1 and will refine ×1
More options
refine — Best general choice for purifying metal by heat.
purify — Emphasizes the resulting cleanliness; good in poetic or spiritual contexts.
test — Highlights assaying quality; suits trials of character or faith.
smelt — Technically precise for melting ore to separate metal.
assay — Formal/technical term for testing metal purity; literary register.
goldsmith — Use as a noun when the participle denotes the craftsman's trade.

BDB7250 H6884

BDB7249 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB7251

צָרַף verb smelt, refine, test (Late Hebrew id.; Phoenician מצרף smelter; Assyrian ƒurrupu, refined, ƒarpu, silver, naƒraptu, crucible; Arabic is pure, unmixed (especially of wine);

**compare pure silver, etc., SchulthGGA, 1902, 673; also ZimGGA, 1899, 250; KAT 3, 650 (Hebrew, etc., borrowed from Assyrian); very doubtful is Sabean צרף silver, money, compare MordtmHim. Inschr. pp. 14, 29 CISiv, No. 291, 1.1); —
Qal Perfect 3 masculine singular ׳צ Jer 6:29, suffix צְרָפָ֑תְהוּ Ps 105:19 2 masculine singular suffix צְרַפְתָּנִי Ps 17:3, etc.; Imperfect 1 singular אֶצְרֹף Isa 1:25, suffix אֶצְרְפֶנּוּ Judg 7:4 Imperative masculine singular צרופה Ps 26:2 Kt, צָרְפָה Qr; Infinitive absolute צָרוֺף Jer 6:29 construct לִצְרוֺף Dan 11:35, etc.; Participle active suffix צוֺרְכָּם Jer 9:6, etc.; pass. צָרוּף Ps 12:7, etc.; —
1. smelt, refine: Jer 6:29 (twice in verse) in vain hath he smelted continually (infinitive absolute; figurative of purifying people); so smelt away Isa 1:25 (accusative of dross; figurative); of silver Zech 13:9; Ps 66:10, כֶּסֶף צָרוּף בַּעֲלִיל Ps 12:7 (all simile); of ׳אִמְרַת י Ps 18:31 = 2Sam 22:31; Ps 119:140; Prov 30:5 (אִמְרַת אֱלוֺהַּ); refine (men, by trials) Dan 11:35 (+ לִבָרֵר, לַלְבֵּן).
2. test Judg 7:4 I will test them (the warriors) for thee (׳י subject); — perhaps also vJudg 7:3 (see I. צפר); more generally, of ׳י's testing, trying (the hearts of) men (often || בָּחַן) Jer 9:6; Isa 48:10; Zech 13:9; Ps 26:2; Ps 66:10.
3. test (and prove true) a man (subject ׳י's saying) Ps 105:19.
4. Participle active as noun smelter, refiner, hence = goldsmith Judg 17:4; Jer 10:9; Jer 10:14; Jer 51:17; Isa 40:19 (twice in verse) (but perhaps strike out vb, compare Du Che Marti), Isa 41:7; Isa 46:6; Prov 25:4 as a guild Neh 3:8; Neh 3:32. Niph`al Imperfect 3 masculine plural יִצָּֽרְפוּ Dan 12:10 many shall be refined (by suffering; + יִתְבָּֽרְרוּ, יִתְלַבְּנוּ). Pi`el Participle מְצָרֵף as noun a refiner, ׳כְּאֵשׁ מ Mal 3:2 (simile of ׳י), compare ׳מְ alone vMal 3:3 (+ מְטַהֵר כֶּסֶף).

tried, founder, goldsmith, try, goldsmiths, …
ṣārap
to fuse (metal), i.e., refine (literally or figuratively)
  • to smelt, refine, test
    • (Qal)
      • to smelt, refine
        • "to test"to test (and prove true)"smelter, refiner, goldsmith (participle)
      (Niphal) to be refined"(Piel) to be a refiner
      • refiner (participle)

אִמְרָתְ ךָ֥
אִמְרָתְ
Root word word, speech, words, commandment
ךָ֥
Suffix — pronoun your / you (one man)
Dictionary form: אִמְרָה · im-RAW

Noun — Common, feminine singular, construct state "___ of …" — bound to the next word

In the KJV here: thy word
thy word ×9 the word ×4 my speech ×3 according to thy word ×2 and thy speech ×2 in thy word ×2 me according to thy word ×2 unto my speech ×2
More options
word — Broadest equivalent; fits most poetic and prose contexts.
saying — Emphasizes the spoken or quoted character of utterance.
promise — Preferred when divine faithfulness or pledge is in view.
command — Use when the word carries authoritative, directive force.
speech — Highlights extended or formal discourse rather than a single word.
declaration — Formal register; suits solemn or proclamatory contexts.

BDB559 H561 H565

BDB558 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB560

[אִמְרָה] noun feminine utterance, speech, word (in poetry, mostly singular collective, compare plural verb Ps 119:103, but here read probably Pluraln. compare ᵐ5 Ol Hi De Che) — construct אִמְרַת Isa 5:24 +; אִמְרָתִי Gen 4:23 + etc.; Plural absolute אֲמָרוֺת Ps 12:7 construct אִמֲרוֺת ib.; — utterance, speech Gen 4:23 (song of Lamech, || קוֺל); so Isa 28:23; Isa 32:9; Deut 32:2 (|| לֶקַח), Ps 17:9; Isa 29:4 (twice in verse) (|| also דִּבֶּד); especially saying(s), words(s) of ׳י (command & promise) Deut 33:9 (|| בְּרִית); Isa 5:24 (|| תּוֺרָה) 2Sam 22:31 = Ps 18:31; Ps 12:7; Ps 105:19 (|| דָּבָר; esp Ps 119:11; Ps 119:38; Ps 119:41 + 16 t.; Ps 138:2; Ps 147:15 (|| דָּבָר), Prov 30:5.

BDB560 H565

BDB559 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB561

[אֶמְרָה] noun feminine id., only אֶמְרָתוֺ אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה Lam 2:17.

word, speech, words, commandment
ʾimrâ
an utterance
  • utterance, speech, word
    • word of God, the Torah

מְאֹ֗ד
מְאֹ֗ד
Adverb very, greatly, sore, exceeding, great, …
Dictionary form: מְאֹד · meh-ODE

Adverb

In the KJV here: is very
very ×28 greatly ×25 was very ×20 a very ×14 exceeding ×8 exceedingly ×7 with a very ×7 and greatly ×6
More options
very — Most versatile; fits nearly any context naturally.
greatly — Best for verbs and actions; emphasizes degree of intensity.
extremely — Stronger than 'very'; good for heightened emotional contexts.
exceedingly — Modernizes KJV form; suits solemn or emphatic passages.
utterly — Use when totality or completeness is the focus.
intensely — Fits inner states like desire, love, or anguish.

BDB4483 H3966

BDB4482 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB4484

מְאֹד noun masculine muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly (compare Assyrian mu'du, abundance, HomZMG 1878, 711 ('treasures ana mu'di, in abundance') DlHWB 399): —

1. force, might, Deut 6:5 וּבְכָלמְֿאֹדֶ֑ךָ and with all thy might; hence 2Kgs 23:25.
2. in different idioms (298 t.) to express the idea of exceedingly, greatly, very (whether of magnitude or degree):
  a. (so mostly) as adverb accusative, qualifying both adjectives and obs., Gen 1:31 טוֺב מְאֹד good exceedingly, Gen 4:5 וַיִּחַד לְקַיִן מְאֹד and Cain was wroth exceedingly, Gen 7:18 מְאֹד וַיִּרְבּוּ הַמַּיִם וַיִּגְבְּרוּ, Gen 12:14; Gen 13:2 בַּמִּקְנֶה מְאֹד כָּבֵד וְאַבְרָם, vGen 13:13 מאד ׳חַטָּאִים לי, Gen 18:20; Gen 19:3; Gen 19:9; Gen 21:11; Gen 24:16; Gen 24:35, + often, Ps 46:2 נִמְצָא מְאֹד עֶזְרָה בְצָרוֺת as a help in troubles, to be found (= present) exceedingly; with an infinitive Isa 47:9 בְּעָצְמַת חֲבָרַיִח מְאֹד despite of thy spells being very numerous, Josh 9:13 מֵרֹב הַדֶּרֶךְ מְאֹד, 1Kgs 7:47 הַרְבֵּה מְאֹד Gen 15:1; Gen 41:49; Deut 3:5 +, for which in the later language is found לָרֹב מְאֹד Zech 14:14; 2Chr 4:18; 2Chr 9:9 (in 1Kgs 10:10 הַרְבֵּה מְאֹד); 2Chr 24:24; 2Chr 30:13, and even לְהַרְבֵּה מְאֹד 2Chr 11:12; 2Chr 16:8. מְאֹד is not usually separated from the word it qualifies by more than one or two words (as Gen 20:8 האנשׁים מאד וייראו, Num 11:10 מאד ׳ויחר אף י); see, however, Deut 30:14; Judg 12:2; 2Sam 12:5; 1Kgs 11:19; Ps 31:12. It precedes its verb, Ps 47:10 מְאֹד נַעֲלָה (hence Ps 97:9), Ps 92:6.
  b. עַדמְֿאֹד up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly, Gen 27:33 חֲדָדָה גְּדֹלָה ׳עַדמֿ, vGen 27:34; 1Sam 11:15 ׳וישׂמח ֗֗֗ עד מ, 1Sam 25:36 וְהוּא ׳שִׁכֹּר עַדמֿ, 2Sam 2:17; 1Kgs 1:4; Isa 64:8 (compare Lam 5:22), vLam 5:11; Ps 38:7; Ps 38:9; Ps 119:8; Ps 119:43; Ps 119:51; Ps 119:107; Dan 8:8; Dan 11:25.
  c. עַדלִֿמְאֹד (see עַד לְ) 2Chr 16:14.
  d. duplicated (Ges«GKC:113k»§ 113k), Gen 7:19 ׳מ ׳וְהַמַּיִם גָָּֽבְרוּ מ, Gen 30:43; Num 14:7; 1Kgs 7:47; 2Kgs 10:4; Ezek 37:10.
  e. בִּמְאֹד מְאֹד literally with muchness, muchness, Gen 17:2; Gen 17:6; Gen 17:20; Exod 1:7 (all P), Ezek 9:9; Ezek 16:13.

very, greatly, sore, exceeding, great, …
mĕʾōd
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or superlative; especially when repeated)
  • (adv) exceedingly, much
    • "(subst) might, force, abundance"(n m) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly
    • force, might
      • "exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree)
      • exceedingly
        • "up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly"with muchness, muchness

וְֽ עַבְדְּ ךָ֥
וְֽ
Prefix — connector and (sometimes: but, so, then)
עַבְדְּ
Root word servants, servant, bondmen, manservant, bondage, …
ךָ֥
Suffix — pronoun your / you (one man)
Dictionary form: עֶבֶד · eh-BED

Noun — Common, masculine singular, construct state "___ of …" — bound to the next word

In the KJV here: therefore thy servant
thy servant ×90 his servants ×68 thy servants ×56 servants ×53 my servant ×40 the servant ×40 his servant ×30 and his servants ×22
More options
servant — Broadest, most neutral choice for most contexts.
slave — Emphasizes legal ownership; use when bondage is explicit.
attendant — Highlights personal service to a superior; courtly contexts.
subject — Good for political/royal contexts; stresses subordination.
worker — Downplays social status; use cautiously, may be too weak.
bondservant — Retains covenantal nuance; useful in theological passages.

BDB5735 H5650

BDB5734 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB5736

I. עֶ֫בֶד799 noun masculine slave, servant (on formation LagBN 77); — ׳ע Gen 9:25 +, עָ֑בֶד Gen 44:10 +; suffix עַבְדִּי Gen 26:24 +; עַבְדְּךָ Gen 19:19 +; עַבְדֶּ֫ךָ Gen 18:3 +; plural עֲבָדִים Gen 9:25 +, עַבְדֵי Gen 21:25 +, suffix עֲבָדַי Lev 25:42 +, עַבְדֵיכֶם Josh 9:11 +, etc.; —

1. slave, servant of household Gen 39:17; Gen 39:19; Gen 41:12; Gen 50:2; Exod 21:2 +; man-servant, || אמה Exod 20:10; Lev 25:6; Deut 5:14; Job 31:13 +; || שׁפחה Gen 12:16; Gen 32:6; Jer 34:11; Isa 14:2 +; + אדון Deut 23:16; Isa 24:2; Mal 1:6 +; מִקְנַת כֶּסֶף Exod 12:44 or יְלִיד בַּיִת Jer 2:14 עֶבֶד עֲבָדִים servant of servants, humblest servant, Gen 9:25 בֵּית עֲבָדִים house of slaves, especially Israel in Egypt Exod 13:3; Exod 13:14 (D ?) Deut 5:6; Deut 6:12; Deut 7:8; Deut 8:14; Deut 13:6; Deut 13:11; Josh 24:17; Judg 6:8; Jer 34:13; Mic 6:4 וזכרת כי עבד היית מצרים ב(ארץׅ and thou shalt remember that thou wast a slave in (the land of) Egypt Deut 5:15; Deut 15:15; Deut 16:12; Deut 24:18; Deut 24:22 king of Babylon is slave to ׳י Jer 25:9; Jer 27:6; Jer 43:10 the borrower to the lender Prov 22:7 figurative of beast Job 40:28 of things Gen 47:19.
2. Subjects, of chief Gen 26:15; Gen 26:19; Gen 26:25; Gen 26:32; Gen 27:37; Gen 32:17 (twice in verse) +; of king Gen 21:25; Exod 7:28; Exod 7:29; 1Kgs 9:27; Deut 29:1 +; vassal kings 2Sam 10:19 tributary nations 2Sam 8:2; 2Sam 8:6; 2Sam 8:14 = 1Chr 18:2; 1Chr 18:6; 1Chr 18:13 specifically officers of king 1Sam 19:1; 1Sam 21:8; 2Sam 11:13; Prov 14:35 +; עַבְדֵי פַרְעֹה Gen 40:20; Gen 41:10 שָׁאוּל ׳ע 1Sam 16:17; 1Sam 18:22; 1Sam 28:7 הַמֶּלֶךְ ׳ע 1Kgs 1:47; Esth 3:3 +; עֶבֶד הַמֶּלֶךְ 2Kgs 22:12 = 2Chr 34:20 (a court offical); opposed to שַׂר Prov 19:10; Eccl 10:7 מֶלֶךְ Prov 30:22 ambassadors Num 22:18; 2Sam 10:2 soldiers of army 1Sam 17:8; 1Sam 25:10; 2Sam 2:12, + officers of army 1Sam 29:3; 1Kgs 11:26; 2Kgs 25:8; Isa 36:9.
3. Servants, worshippers, of God: עַבְדֵי יהוה 2Kgs 9:7; 2Kgs 10:23; Isa 54:17, compare Gen 50:17; Isa 56:6 עֲבָדָיו Deut 32:36 = Ps 135:14; Isa 65:15; Isa 66:14; Ps 34:23; Ps 69:37; Neh 2:20 || עַמּוֺ Ps 105:25 compare Deut 32:43 עֲבָּדַי Isa 65:8; Isa 65:9; Isa 65:13 (twice in verse); Isa 69:13; Isa 69:14 עֲבָדֶיךָ 1Kgs 8:23; Isa 63:17 (|| שִׁבְטֵי נחלתך), Ps 89:51; Ps 90:13; Ps 90:16; Ps 102:15; Ps 102:29; Ps 119:91; Ps 79:2; Ps 79:10 (|| חֲסִידֶיךָ); delivered from Egypt Lev 25:42; Lev 25:55 (twice in verse); Lev 26:13 (P); עַבְדְּךָ Ps 119:125; Ps 143:2, || בֶּןאֲֿמָתֶ֑ךָ Ps 86:16; Ps 116:16 (twice in verse); specifically angels Job 4:18 and ancient worthies, patriarchs Exod 32:13 (J) Deut 9:27 Abraham Gen 26:24 (J) Ps 105:6; Ps 105:42 Isaac Gen 24:14 (J); Jacob, Israel Ezek 28:25; Ezek 37:25; 1Chr 16:13 Moses Exod 14:31; Josh 18:7 (J) Num 12:7; Num 12:8 (E) Deut 34:5 (?) Josh 1:1; Josh 1:2; Josh 1:7; Josh 1:13; Josh 1:15; Josh 8:31; Josh 8:33; Josh 9:24; Josh 11:12; Josh 11:15; Josh 12:6 (twice in verse); Josh 13:8; Josh 14:7; Josh 22:2; Josh 22:4; Josh 22:5 (all D), 1Kgs 8:53; 1Kgs 8:56; 2Kgs 18:12; 2Kgs 21:8; 1Chr 6:34; 2Chr 1:3; 2Chr 24:6; 2Chr 24:9; Neh 1:8; Neh 9:14; Neh 10:30; Ps 105:26; Mal 3:22; Dan 9:11 Joshua Josh 24:29 (E) Judg 2:8 Caleb Num 14:24 (J); Job Job 1:8; Job 2:3; Job 42:7; Job 42:8 (3 t. in verse); David 2Sam 3:18; 2Sam 7:5; 2Sam 7:8; 2Sam 7:26 + 27 t.; Hezekiah 2Chr 32:16 Zerubbabel Hag 2:23 Eliakim Isa 22:20. — The צֶמַח Zech 3:8 compare Zech 6:12 is also servant of ׳י as Messianic builder of temple (see BrMP 442 ff).
4. Servant of ׳י, in a special sense: of Levitical singers using benedictions in temple Ps 113:1; Ps 134:1; Ps 135:1 usually of prophets, עֲבָדַי הַנְּבִיאִים my servants the prophets 2Kgs 9:7; 2Kgs 17:13; Jer 7:25; Jer 26:5; Jer 29:19; Jer 35:15; Jer 44:4; Ezek 38:17; Zech 1:6 עֲבָדָיו הַנְּבִיאִים 2Kgs 17:23; 2Kgs 21:10; 2Kgs 24:2; Jer 25:4; Amos 3:7; Dan 9:10 עֲבָדֶיךָ הנביאים Ezra 9:11; Dan 9:6 specifically Ahia 1Kgs 14:18; 1Kgs 15:29 Elijah 2Kgs 9:36; 2Kgs 10:10 Jonah 2Kgs 14:25 Isaiah Isa 20:3 עַבְדּוֺ, || מלאכיו Isa 44:26 as one calling to fear ׳י Isa 50:10.
5. Israel as a people is servant of ׳׃י יִשְׂרָאֵל Isa 41:8; Isa 41:9; Isa 44:21 (twice in verse); Isa 49:3; Ps 136:22 יעקב Isa 44:1; Isa 44:2; Isa 45:4; Isa 48:20; Isa 46:27; Isa 47:28 עַבְדִּי = עֶבֶד יהוה, || מַלְאָכִי, as having a mission to the nations Isa 42:19 (twice in verse); and chosen as witness of ׳י Isa 43:10. But there is also an ideal servant chosen and endowed with the divine Spirit to be a covenant of Israel and a light of the nations Isa 42:1 (compare vIsa 42:2-6); formed to bring back Jacob, raise up the tribes, and become salvation to the end of the earth Isa 49:5; Isa 49:6; Isa 49:7 bearing the sins of all as a lamb and a trespass-offering, and yet prospering and justifying many as interposing martyr Isa 52:13; Isa 53:11: many understand of ideal Israel, contrasted with the actual; al. of personified || with Zion the wife and mother, distinguished from unworthy Israel as Zion from her apostate children; al. of ideal prophetic writer; al. of ideal prophetic person; al. (especially in Isa 53) of an actual prophecy known to writer and his readers; [in any case it is Messianic, see Matt 8:16; Matt 8:17; Matt 12:16-21; Luke 4:17-22; Phil 2:5-11]; see DeIsa ii. 174 DaExpos. 1884, 358 ff. Di Du Che and others on Isa 42; Isa 53, DrIs 168 ff. BrMP 345 ff., also GieBeitr. 146 ff. BertholIsa 53.
6. In polite address of equals or superiors the Hebrews used עַבְדְּךָ thy servant = 1 person singular, I, Gen 18:3; 1Sam 20:7; 1Sam 20:8 (twice in verse); 2Kgs 8:13 +; עֲבָדֶיךָ thy servants = we Gen 42:11; Isa 36:11 also עַבְדּוֺ his servant = I, 1Sam 26:18; 1Sam 26:19; 2Sam 14:22; 2Sam 24:21 +; also in addressing God, especially in prayer Exod 4:10; Num 11:11; Judg 15:18; 1Sam 3:9; 1Sam 3:10; 1Sam 25:39; 2Sam 24:10; Ps 19:12; Ps 19:14; Ps 27:9; Ps 31:17; Ps 35:27; Ps 69:18; Ps 109:28; Ps 143:2 +.
7. Phrases are: עבד (היה), with לְ person, become servant to Gen 9:26; Gen 9:27; Gen 44:10; Gen 44:16; Gen 44:17; Gen 44:33; Gen 47:19; Gen 47:26 (J) Deut 6:21; Deut 15:17; 2Sam 8:14; 2Kgs 17:3; 2Kgs 24:1; 1Chr 18:2; 1Chr 18:6; 1Chr 18:13; 2Chr 10:7; Prov 11:29; Prov 12:9; Prov 22:7 היה לעבד, with לְ person, Gen 44:9 (J) Gen 50:18 (E) 1Sam 8:17; 1Sam 17:9 (twice in verse); 1Sam 27:12; 2Sam 8:2; 2Sam 8:6; Jer 34:16 כבשׁ לעבדים 2Chr 28:10; Neh 5:5; Jer 34:11 ׳לקח לע Gen 43:18 (J) 2Kgs 4:1; Job 40:28.

BDB9746 H5649 H5650

BDB9745 | BIBLICAL ARAMAIC | BDB9747

[עֲבַד Dp.105, or עֲבֵד K§ 54, 3. γ)] noun masculine slave, servant (Biblical Hebrew עֶ֫בֶד); — construct עֲבֵד Dan 6:21 servant of God; plural suffix of king, עבדיך Kt (K§ 53 Anm. b)), עַבְדָּךְ Qr Ezra 4:11, עַבְדָךְ Qr Dan 2:4 suffix of God, עַבְד֫וֺתִי, Dan 3:26; Dan 3:28; Ezra 5:11, of king Dan 2:7.

servants, servant, bondmen, manservant, bondage, …
ʿebed
a servant
  • slave, servant
    • slave, servant, man-servant
      • "subjects"servants, worshippers (of God)"servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc)"servant (of Israel)"servant (as form of address between equals)

אֲהֵבָֽ הּ
אֲהֵבָֽ
Root word love, loved, loveth, lovers, friends, …
הּ
Suffix — pronoun her / it
Dictionary form: אָהַב · aw-HAHB

הּ
Mapiq — the "her" dot The dot inside the final הּ (mapiq) makes the ה a real consonant: it is the suffix "her / its" attached to this word.

Verb — Qal, Perfect (Qatal), third person masculine singular simple action — "he did" completed action — try "he ___ed" or "he has ___ed" the built-in subject is "he (or it)"

In the KJV here: loveth it
loveth ×17 loved ×10 love ×8 he loved ×7 i love ×7 to love ×7 thy lovers ×6 and love ×5
More options
love — Most versatile; suits emotional, covenantal, and divine contexts.
cherish — Warmer, tender nuance; good for intimate or familial bonds.
adore — Conveys deep devotion; strong emotional or worshipful register.
be fond of — Lighter affection; fits preferences or less intense attachments.
be devoted to — Emphasizes loyalty; suits covenantal or faithful-love contexts.
delight in — Highlights pleasure or enjoyment; good when desire is implied.

BDB143 H157

BDB142 | BIBLICAL HEBREW | BDB144

אָהֵב216 verb love —

Qal Perfect אָהֵ֑ב Gen 27:9 + 7 t; אָשֵהבּ Gen 27:14 אָהַב Gen 37:3 + 3 t.; אֲֵ˜הבָךָ Deut 15:16 3 feminine singular אָֽהֲבָה Song 1:7 +, etc.; Imperfect (הָֿ֑ב) יֶאֱהַב Prov 3:12 +; 1 singular אֵהָ֑ב Prov 8:17 (compare Ew§ 192 d Ges«GKC:68»§ 68. 1); וָָֽאֹהַ֖ב Mal 1:2 וָאֹהֲבֵהוּ Hos 11:1 אֹהֲבֵם Hos 14:5 וָאֹהֲבֵם Ps 119:167 2 masculine plural תְּאֵהֲבוּ Prov 1:22 (compare KöI p. 394 Ges«GKC:63»§ 63 R 2); תֶּאֱהָ֑בוּ Zech 8:17 תָּאֱהָבוּן Ps 4:3 Imperative אֱהַבֿ Hos 3:1 אֱהָבֶהָ Prov 4:6 אֶהֱבוּ Ps 31:24; Amos 5:15 אֱהָ֑בוּ Zech 8:19 Infinitive construct אֱהֹב Eccl 3:8 אַהֲבָה Deut 10:12 +; אֲהֲבַת Mic 6:8 + etc.; compare also below
  n. אהבה below; Participle אֹהֵב (אוֺהֵב) Deut 10:18 + 26 t.; feminine construct אֲהֻבַת Hos 3:1 is probably active compare BaNB 174 ff; suffix אֹהֲבִי Isa 41:8 etc.; feminine אֹהֶ֫בֶת Gen 25:28 אֹהַ֫בְתִּי Hos 10:11 etc.; Passive participle אָהוּב Neh 13:26 אֲהוּבָה Deut 21:15 (twice in verse); Deut 21:16. — love (mostly with accusative, followed by לְ + object Lev 19:18; Lev 19:34; 2Chr 19:2 (late), followed by בְּ Eccl 5:9 absolute Eccl 3:8 & see below), (affection both pure & impure, divine & human); —
1. human love to human object; absolute, opposed to hate שָׂנֵא Eccl 3:8 of love to son Gen 22:2; Gen 25:28; Gen 37:3; Gen 37:4; Gen 44:20 (JE) Prov 13:24 so also 2Sam 13:21 ᵐ5 Ew Th We, compare Dr, of David's loving Amnon; never to parent, but mother-in-law Ruth 4:15 of man's love to woman; wife Gen 24:67; Gen 29:20; Gen 29:30 (compare vGen 29:18):32 (JE), also Deut 21:15 (twice in verse); Deut 21:16; Judg 14:16; 1Sam 1:5; 2Chr 11:21; Esth 2:17; Hos 3:1; Eccl 9:9 but also Gen 34:3 (J) Judg 16:4; Judg 16:15; 2Sam 13:1; 2Sam 13:4; 2Sam 13:15 (where of carnal desire) 1Kgs 11:1 compare v1Kgs 11:2; Hos 3:1 רֵעַ ׳א loving a paramour, see BaNB 176; woman's love to man 1Sam 18:20 (so v1Sam 18:28 ᵑ0, but read וְבִי כָליִֿשְׂרָאֵל אֹהֵב אֹתוֺ ᵐ5 We Dr) Song 1:3; Song 1:4; Song 1:7; Song 3:1; Song 3:2; Song 3:3; Song 3:4 (5 t. subject נַפְשִׁי); compare also figurative of adulterous Judah Jer 2:25; Isa 57:8; Ezek 16:37 of love of slave to master Exod 21:5 (JE) Deut 15:16 inferior to superior 1Sam 18:22 compare v1Sam 18:16 love to neighbour Lev 19:18 (וְאָהַבְתָּ לְרֵעֲךָ כָּמוֺ֑ךָ), partic to stranger Lev 19:34 (both P), Deut 10:18; Deut 10:19 love of friend to friend 1Sam 16:21; 1Sam 18:1; 1Sam 18:3; 1Sam 20:17 (twice in verse); Job 19:19; Prov 17:1 compare 2Sam 19:7 (twice in verse); 2Chr 19:2 see also Prov 9:8; Prov 16:13 compare Prov 15:12 see especially Participle below
2. less often of appetite, object food, Gen 27:7; Gen 27:9; Gen 27:14 (JE); drink Hos 3:1; Prov 21:17 husbandry 2Chr 26:10 compare figurative of Ephraim Hos 10:11 followed by infinitive; length of life Ps 34:13 of cupidity Hos 9:1; 1Sam 1:23; Eccl 5:9 (twice in verse); of love of sleep Prov 20:13 compare figurative of sluggish watchmen (followed by infinitive) Isa 56:10 also with object abstract wisdom (personified), knowledge, righteousness, etc. Prov 4:6; Prov 8:17; Prov 8:21; Prov 12:1; Prov 22:11; Prov 29:3; Amos 5:15; Mic 6:8 (infinitive || infinitives) Zech 8:19, compare Prov 19:8 קֹנֶה לֵב אֹהֵב נַפְשׁוֺ; object folly, evil, etc., Mic 3:2; Mic 4:3; Ps 11:5; Ps 52:5; Ps 52:6; Ps 109:17; Prov 1:22; Prov 8:36; Prov 17:19 (twice in verse), compare Prov 18:21; Zech 8:17, compare כֵּן ׳א Amos 4:5; Jer 5:3, followed by Infinitive Hos 12:8; Jer 14:10, especially of idolatry Hos 4:13 (where strike out הֵבוּ compare Kö1. p. 395) Jer 8:2.
3. love to God Exod 20:6 (JE) elsewhere Hexateuch only Deut 5:10; Deut 6:5; Deut 7:9 + 9 t. Deuteronomy + Josh 22:5; Josh 23:11 also Judg 5:31; 1Kgs 3:3; Neh 1:5; Dan 9:4 especially in (late) Ps 31:24; Ps 116:1; Ps 145:20, but usually followed by name, law, etc. of ׳י Ps 5:12; Ps 26:8; Ps 40:17; Ps 69:37; Ps 70:5; Ps 97:10; Ps 119:47 + 11 t. Ps 119 compare Isa 56:6 compare also of love to Jerusalem Isa 66:10; Ps 122:6.
4. especially Participle אֹהֵב =
   (a) lover, Lam 1:2 (figurative of Jerusalem);
   (b) friend Hiram of David 1Kgs 5:15, compare Jer 20:4; Jer 20:6; Esth 5:10; Esth 5:14; Esth 6:13; Ps 38:12 (|| רֵעַ) so Ps 88:19, Prov 14:20 also Prov 18:24; Prov 27:6 Abraham of God Isa 41:8; 2Chr 20:7.
5. of divine love
   (a) to individual men Deut 4:37; 2Sam 12:24; Prov 3:12; Prov 15:9; Ps 146:8; Neh 13:26
   (b) to people Israel, etc. Deut 7:8; Deut 7:13; Deut 23:6; Hos 3:1; Hos 9:15; Hos 11:1; Hos 14:5; 1Kgs 10:9; 2Chr 2:10; 2Chr 9:8; 2Chr 48:14; (3 t. in verse); Ps 47:5 to Jerusalem Ps 78:68; Ps 87:2
   (c) to righteousness, etc. Ps 11:7; Ps 33:5; Ps 37:28; Ps 45:8; Ps 99:4; Isa 61:8; Mal 2:11. Niph`al Participle plural הַנֶּאֱהָבִים 2Sam 1:23 lovely, loveable of Saul & Jonath. (|| הַנְּעִימִם). Pi`el Participle plural suffix (בָֿ֑י) מְאַהֲבַי Hos 2:7 + 3 t.; (בָֿ֑יִח) מְאַהֲבַיִח Jer 22:20 + 6 t.; מְאַהֲבֶיהָ Hos 2:9 + 4 t.
1. friends Zech 13:6
2. lovers in figure of adulterous Israel Hos 2:7; Hos 2:9; Hos 2:12; Hos 2:14; Hos 2:15; Ezek 23:5; Ezek 23:9 Judah Jer 22:20; Jer 22:22; Jer 30:14; Lam 1:19; Ezek 16:33; Ezek 16:36; Ezek 16:37; Ezek 23:22.

love, loved, loveth, lovers, friends, …
ʾāhab
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
  • to love
    • (Qal)
      • human love for another, includes family, and sexual
        • "human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, wisdom"human love for or to God"act of being a friend
        • lover (participle)
          • "friend (participle)
        God's love toward man
        • to individual men
          • "to people Israel"to righteousness
      (Niphal)
      • lovely (participle)
        • "loveable (participle)
      (Piel)
      • friends
        • "lovers (figurative for adulterers)
    to like

This book is chanted to the poetic accent system (used only in Job, Psalms, and Proverbs). Each group below ends at one of its pausing accents — translate a group as one unit.
צְרוּפָ֖ה אִמְרָתְךָ֥ מְאֹ֗ד Revia Gadol — a lesser break וְֽעַבְדְּךָ֥ אֲהֵבָֽהּ Silluq — end of the verse

צְרוּפָה אִמְרָתְךָ מְאֹד וְֽעַבְדְּךָ אֲהֵבָֽהּ׃
140
Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
Cross References

Proverbs 30:5

כָּל-אִמְרַת אֱלוֹהַּ צְרוּפָה מָגֵן הוּא לַֽחֹסִים בּֽוֹ׃
5
Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Psalms 19:8

פִּקּוּדֵי יְהוָה יְשָׁרִים מְשַׂמְּחֵי-לֵב מִצְוַת יְהוָה בָּרָה מְאִירַת עֵינָֽיִם׃
8
The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

Psalms 12:6

אִֽמֲרוֹת יְהוָה אֲמָרוֹת טְהֹרוֹת כֶּסֶף צָרוּף בַּעֲלִיל לָאָרֶץ מְזֻקָּק שִׁבְעָתָֽיִם׃
6
The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

2 Peter 1:21

οὐ γὰρ θελήματι ἀνθρώπου ἠνέχθη ποτέ προφητεία ἀλλ' ὑπὸ πνεύματος ἁγίου φερόμενοι ἐλάλησαν οἱ ἅγιοι θεοῦ ἄνθρωποι
21
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Psalms 119:128

עַל-כֵּן׀ כָּל-פִּקּוּדֵי כֹל יִשָּׁרְתִּי כָּל-אֹרַח שֶׁקֶר שָׂנֵֽאתִי׃
128
Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

Romans 7:22

συνήδομαι γὰρ τῷ νόμῳ τοῦ θεοῦ κατὰ τὸν ἔσω ἄνθρωπον
22
For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

Romans 7:12

ὥστε ὁ μὲν νόμος ἅγιος καὶ ἡ ἐντολὴ ἁγία καὶ δικαία καὶ ἀγαθή
12
Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.

1 Peter 2:2

ὡς ἀρτιγέννητα βρέφη τὸ λογικὸν ἄδολον γάλα ἐπιποθήσατε ἵνα ἐν αὐτῷ αὐξηθῆτε
2
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Psalms 18:30

הָאֵל תָּמִים דַּרְכּוֹ אִמְרַֽת-יְהוָה צְרוּפָה מָגֵן הוּא לְכֹל׀ הַחֹסִים בּֽוֹ׃
30
As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.

Romans 7:16

εἰ δὲ ὃ οὐ θέλω τοῦτο ποιῶ σύμφημι τῷ νόμῳ ὅτι καλός
16
If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
Psalms 119:139
Read Psalms 119
Psalms 119:141