The word “love” carries immense weight, encompassing a broad spectrum of emotions. In Hebrew, the richness of this sentiment is reflected in multiple words for love, each with its own nuance and depth. If you’ve ever wondered how to express love in Hebrew, this exploration of four key terms – ahava, hesed, rachamim, and dod – will illuminate the various shades of this powerful emotion.
Couple in love overlooking the Dead Sea. Ahava is one of the Hebrew words for love
Ahava: The Common Expression of Love
The most common way to say “love” in modern Hebrew is ahava (noun) or le’ehov (verb). This word expresses a strong emotional bond, encompassing both romantic love and affection for things or activities. In the Bible, ahava describes Jacob’s love for Joseph (Genesis 37:3), Isaac’s love for Rebekah (Genesis 24:67), and Jacob’s love for Rachel (Genesis 29:18). It’s a word that signifies deep connection and intense emotion. Even God’s love is expressed through ahava, as seen in Hosea 14:4: “I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely…”
Hesed: Covenant Loyalty and Unfailing Love
Hesed represents a love grounded in loyalty, commitment, and unwavering faithfulness. Often translated as “lovingkindness” or “steadfast love,” hesed goes beyond mere affection. It describes a covenantal bond, a love that persists through trials and tribulations. This concept is central to understanding God’s relationship with his people, as exemplified in Isaiah 54:10: “…yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed.” Hesed is a love that endures.
hesed describes unconditional love, huh like a mother has for her child
Rachamim: Compassionate and Merciful Love
While often translated as “compassion” or “mercy,” rachamim also embodies a profound and caring love. Rooted in the Hebrew word for “womb” (rechem), it evokes the deep, unconditional love between a parent and child. This word suggests a love that is nurturing, protective, and deeply empathetic. Psalm 18:1 illustrates this: “I will love You, O Lord, my strength.” Rachamim speaks to a love born of profound understanding and empathy. Hosea 2:23 highlights God’s rachamim for his people, promising to call them “my loved one” and “my people.”
Dod: Beloved and Romantic Love
Dod adds a romantic dimension to the spectrum of love in Hebrew. While it can mean “uncle” in modern Hebrew, its biblical usage often translates to “beloved.” This term is prevalent in the Song of Solomon, where lovers express their passionate affection. The iconic phrase “Ani l’dodi v’dodi li” (“I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine”) from Song of Songs 2:16 exemplifies the intimate connection dod represents. Ezekiel 16:8 beautifully portrays God’s dod for Jerusalem, showcasing the depth and tenderness of divine love.
1 Corinthians 13 describes Agape love
God’s Love: Expressed in Every Word
Remarkably, each of these Hebrew words for love – ahava, hesed, rachamim, and dod – has been used to describe God’s relationship with his people. This signifies the multifaceted nature of divine love, encompassing passion, loyalty, compassion, and intimate connection. From Jeremiah 31:3’s everlasting ahava to Ezekiel 16:8’s tender dod, the scriptures reveal the boundless depth of God’s love for humanity.
4 Hebrew Words for Love
Expressing Love in Hebrew: A Rich Tapestry
Learning How To Say Love In Hebrew unveils a language rich in emotional expression. Whether it’s the passionate ahava, the loyal hesed, the compassionate rachamim, or the romantic dod, each word offers a unique perspective on this fundamental human experience. By understanding these nuances, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of love, both human and divine.
