Original Word: תָּאַב
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: ta'ab
Pronunciation: tah-AV
Phonetic Spelling: (taw-ab')
KJV: abhor
NASB: loathe
Word Origin: [a primitive root (probably identical with H8373 (תָּאַב - long) through the idea of puffing disdainfully at]

1. to loathe (morally)

abhor

A primitive root (probably identical with ta'ab through the idea of puffing disdainfully at; compare 'ayab); to loathe (morally) -- abhor.

see HEBREW ta'ab

see HEBREW 'ayab

Word Origin
from taab
Definition
to loathe
NASB Translation
loathe (1).

II. [תָּאַב] verb Pi`el loathe, abhor, see תעב.

Biblical Context

Amos 6:8 records the sole occurrence of the verb תָּאַב. In that oracle of judgment the Lord declares, “I abhor the pride of Jacob and detest his citadels; therefore I will deliver up the city and everything in it” (Amos 6:8). The verb stands at the heart of the verse, conveying God’s settled antipathy toward the arrogant self-confidence that had come to characterize the Northern Kingdom. The statement is framed by a solemn oath (“The Lord GOD has sworn by Himself”), underscoring the immovable certainty of the announced punishment.

Historical Background

Amos ministered during the reigns of Jeroboam II in Israel and Uzziah in Judah, a time of remarkable prosperity (Amos 1:1). Outward affluence had fostered complacency, moral decay, and social injustice (Amos 6:1–7). The proud “citadels” of Samaria symbolized military security and economic achievement, yet they had become monuments to covenant infidelity. By employing תָּאַב, Amos exposes the divine revulsion provoked by a people who boasted in their own strength while neglecting righteousness.

Theological Emphasis

1. Divine Holiness. The verb communicates an intense moral loathing rather than a momentary dislike. God’s holiness finds pride loathsome because pride usurps His glory (Isaiah 42:8).
2. Covenant Accountability. Israel enjoyed unique privileges (Amos 3:2), making their arrogance doubly offensive. The Lord’s abhorrence arises from a violated relationship, not arbitrary displeasure.
3. Impartial Justice. The oath form stresses that judgment is as inevitable as God is immutable (Malachi 3:6). Human structures cannot shield the guilty once the Lord Himself has become their adversary.

Literary Considerations

Amos employs vivid parallelism: “I abhor the pride of Jacob and detest his citadels.” The second clause restates and intensifies the first. By coupling an abstract noun (“pride”) with a concrete object (“citadels”), the prophet links inward attitude with outward expression. The verb תָּאַב, rare in Scripture, heightens the rhetorical force; its very scarcity makes the word choice striking, demanding the reader’s attention.

Related Biblical Parallels

• Proverbs 8:13 – “To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride…”
• Psalm 5:5 – “The boastful shall not stand before Your eyes; You hate all workers of iniquity.”
• James 4:6 – “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Although different Hebrew and Greek terms are used, these passages harmonize with Amos 6:8 by affirming that pride provokes divine opposition.

Ministry Application

1. Call to Humility. The church must beware institutional pride that relies on resources, reputation, or heritage rather than on the Lord (1 Peter 5:5–6).
2. Social Responsibility. Amos links arrogance with exploitation; genuine piety expresses itself in justice and compassion (Micah 6:8).
3. Urgency of Repentance. The irrevocable tone of the oath warns that prolonged arrogance may move divine abhorrence from warning to judgment. Proclamation should therefore couple mercy with sobriety.
4. Comfort to the Oppressed. That God “abhors” pride assures the marginalized that He takes their plight seriously and will act righteously in His time.

Conclusion

The lone appearance of תָּאַב in Amos 6:8 serves as a powerful reminder that the Lord’s holiness is deeply offended by human self-exaltation. His abhorrence is neither capricious nor impersonal; it is the righteous response of a covenant God whose love demands humility, justice, and faithfulness from His people.

מְתָאֵ֤ב מתאב mə·ṯā·’êḇ məṯā’êḇ metaEvInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts