חָבַב (cha.vav)
cha.vav
to love
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb chavav means to love with deep affection or to cherish someone intensely. In the Bible, it appears only once in Deuteronomy 33:3, where Moses describes God’s relationship with Israel. Here, the word conveys a warm, personal fondness that goes beyond mere duty or obligation.
Its rarity makes this single occurrence stand out. While other Hebrew words for love exist, chavav carries a sense of tender delight. It paints a picture of God’s intimate care for His people, highlighting the emotional depth of their bond rather than just legal covenant terms.
This unique usage reminds readers that divine love includes genuine personal warmth. The word helps translate the idea that God does not just command loyalty but cherishes those He calls His own, offering a glimpse into the heart behind the covenant.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word chavav appears only once in the entire Old Testament, yet it carries a profound weight. In Deuteronomy 33:3, Moses uses this rare verb to describe God’s love for His people. Unlike words that might suggest duty or obligation, chavav conveys a deep, personal affection. It paints a picture of God not merely as a distant sovereign, but as one who cherishes His saints with genuine delight.
This single occurrence reminds us that our relationship with God is built on more than legal requirements. It is rooted in His warm, intimate care. When we read that He loves the people, we see a divine fondness that goes beyond mere commandments. This rare word invites us to rest in the knowledge that we are deeply valued by our Creator, not just as subjects, but as beloved children.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [he is] loving1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חֹבֵ֣ב1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 33:3
Yes, he loves the people. All his saints are in your hand. They sat down at your feet. Each receives your words.
This is the only occurrence of the word in Scripture, where Moses uses it to emphasize God's personal fondness for His saints rather than just their legal status.