לָוָה (la.vah)
la.vah
to join; to borrow
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 19 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb la.vah carries two distinct meanings that share a root idea of connection: to join or attend, and to borrow. In its most common usage, it describes physical or social attachment. When someone joins themselves to another person or group, they become closely associated with them, creating a bond of presence and loyalty.
The financial sense arises from this same concept of linking two parties. To borrow is to temporarily join resources with another, creating a temporary obligation. This dual meaning appears in texts like Deuteronomy 28:44, where the text contrasts lending (Hiphil form) with borrowing (Qal form) to illustrate shifts in power and relationship. The word captures both the act of coming alongside someone and the transaction of taking what is temporarily held by another.
Translators often choose between "join" and "borrow" based on context, but both senses reflect a fundamental human reality: we are constantly linking our lives with others, whether through relationship or resource. This verb reminds readers that connection involves mutual dependence, as seen in the Psalms where David speaks of being joined to God’s people.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word la.vah carries a quiet depth that connects our relationships with our daily needs. It describes the act of joining oneself to another, creating a bond of presence and loyalty. When Leah named her son Levi, she hoped her husband would be joined to her, reflecting a desire for intimate connection. This same root extends to financial transactions, where borrowing represents a temporary linking of resources between two people.
In our spiritual lives, this dual meaning reminds us that we are never meant to walk alone. The Psalms show David finding comfort in being joined to God’s people, while Proverbs highlights how caring for the poor is seen as lending to Yahweh himself. These connections shape our character and reflect God’s design for mutual dependence.
Whether through close friendships or acts of generosity, la.vah invites us to recognize the sacredness of every bond we form. It encourages us to approach relationships with integrity, knowing that how we join with others reveals our heart toward God and neighbor.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 19 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ they will join themselves3×
- you will lend to/ him1×
- you will borrow1×
- who/ joined themselves1×
- who/ join themselves1×
- who/ <he> has joined himself1×
- we have borrowed1×
- so/ they may join themselves1×
- it will accompany/ him1×
- he will lend to/ you1×
- he will join himself1×
- as the/ lender1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/מַלְוֶ֑ה2×
- וְ/נִלְו֣וּ2×
- הַ/נִּלְוִ֤ים2×
- תַלְוֶ֑/נּוּ1×
- תִלְוֶֽה\׃1×
- מַלְוֶֽה\׃1×
- מַלְוֵ֣ה1×
- לֹוֶ֣ה1×
- לֹ֝וֶ֗ה1×
- לָוִ֥ינוּ1×
- כַּ/מַּלְוֶה֙1×
- כַּ/לֹּוֶ֔ה1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 29:34
She conceived again, and bore a son. She said, “Now this time my husband will be joined to me, because I have borne him three sons.” Therefore his name was called Levi.
This verse establishes the root meaning of connection as Leah names her son Levi, hoping for marital union.
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Numbers 18:2
Bring your brothers also, the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, near with you, that they may be joined to you, and minister to you; but you and your sons with you shall be before the Tent of the Testimony.
Here the tribe of Levi is joined to Aaron specifically to share in the sacred ministry and service of the Tent of Meeting.
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Psalms 37:21
The wicked borrow, and don’t pay back, but the righteous give generously.
The contrast between the wicked who borrow and do not pay back, and the righteous who give generously, highlights integrity in financial relationships.
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Proverbs 19:17
He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; he will reward him.
This verse elevates the act of lending to the poor by framing it as a direct loan to Yahweh, showing how material connection reflects spiritual devotion.
-
Isaiah 56:6
Also the foreigners who join themselves to Yahweh to serve him, and to love Yahweh’s name, to be his servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath from profaning it, and holds fast my covenant,
Foreigners who join themselves to Yahweh are welcomed into His covenant community, demonstrating that this joining extends beyond ethnic boundaries to include all who serve God.