Original Word: עֲגַב
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: `agab
Pronunciation: ah-gahv
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-gab')
Definition: To lust, to be inordinate in affection, to dote
Meaning: to breathe after, to love

dote, lover

A primitive root; to breathe after, i.e. To love (sensually) -- dote, lover.

Word Origin
a prim. root
Definition
to have inordinate affection, lust
NASB Translation
lovers (1), lusted (6).

[עָגַב] verb have inordinate affection, lust (compare Arabic wonder, admire, beloved; and (on sens. obsc. in Late Hebrew) Levy^{NHWB iii. 616}); —

Qal Perfect3feminine singular עָֽגְבָה Ezekiel 23:7,9,12; Imperfect3feminine singular וַתַּעְגַּב Ezekiel 23:5, + Ezekiel 23:16 Kt (Qr וַתַּעְגְּבָה), וַתַּעְגְּבָּה Ezekiel 23:20 (Ew^{§ 191 c} Ol^{§ 228 b}); Participle plural עֹגְבִים Jeremiah 4:30; — lust after (עַלֿ), only in figure of relations of Samaria and Jerusalem (personified) with foreigners Ezekiel 23:5,9,12,16,20, so with accusative Ezekiel 23:7; participle as substantive paramours Jeremiah 4:30.

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G2007 (ἐπιτίθημι, epitithēmi): While not a direct equivalent, this Greek term can imply placing or setting one's affection or desire upon something.
• G25 (ἀγαπάω, agapaō): This Greek word is often used in the New Testament to describe a selfless, sacrificial love, which contrasts with the more self-centered or lustful connotations of עֲגַב (agab). However, both terms involve the concept of love, albeit in different contexts and with different nuances.

Usage: The verb עֲגַב (agab) is used in the context of expressing a deep longing or desire, often translated as "to love" or "to lust after." It conveys a sense of intense affection or yearning.

Context: The Hebrew root עֲגַב (agab) appears in the Old Testament to describe a passionate or intense form of love, often with a connotation of desire or lust. This term is not frequently used in the Hebrew Bible, but when it does appear, it typically conveys a strong emotional or physical attraction. The word is used in contexts that suggest a longing or craving, sometimes with a negative connotation, as in the case of idolatrous or inappropriate desires.

In Ezekiel 23:5, the term is used to describe the unfaithfulness of Oholah, symbolizing Samaria, who "lusted after" her lovers, the Assyrians. This usage highlights the idolatrous and adulterous nature of Israel's alliances and spiritual infidelity. The term captures the intensity and misguided nature of such desires, emphasizing the spiritual and moral implications of turning away from God.

The root עֲגַב (agab) is thus associated with a love that is misplaced or excessive, often leading to negative consequences. It serves as a cautionary term, warning against the dangers of allowing one's desires to lead them away from righteous living and devotion to God.

וַֽתַּעְגְּבָ֔ה וַתַּעְגַּב֙ וַתַּעְגְּבָ֥ה ותעגב ותעגבה עָֽגְבָ֛ה עָגְבָ֖ה עָגָ֜בָה עֹגְבִ֖ים עגבה עגבים ‘ā·ḡā·ḇāh ‘ā·ḡə·ḇāh ‘āḡāḇāh ‘āḡəḇāh ‘ō·ḡə·ḇîm ‘ōḡəḇîm aGavah ageVah ogeVim vattaGav vattageVah wat·ta‘·gaḇ wat·ta‘·gə·ḇāh watta‘gaḇ watta‘gəḇāhInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts