תָּאַב (ta.av)
ta.av
to loathe
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ta’av, appearing in the Piel stem, carries the forceful meaning of loathing or abhorrence. It is essentially a variant spelling of the more common ta’av (H8581), sharing the same core definition: to regard something with intense disgust or moral revulsion. In the single verse where this specific form occurs, Amos 1:3, it describes God’s reaction to the atrocities committed by Damascus.
This word goes beyond simple dislike; it implies a deep-seated rejection of what is seen as an abomination. The sources note that the Piel stem often intensifies the action, suggesting that the subject actively considers the object detestable. It is not a passive feeling but a strong, active stance of moral opposition.
While rare in the Hebrew Bible, its presence in Amos highlights the severity of the prophets’ message. The use of this term underscores that certain actions are so contrary to divine justice that they provoke a response of absolute loathing from God himself.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ta’av describes a profound moral revulsion, far exceeding simple dislike. When Scripture uses this term, it signals that an action or attitude has crossed into territory that God actively rejects. In Amos 1:3, this intensity highlights the severity of human cruelty against innocent people.
For your faith, this offers both comfort and warning. It confirms that God sees injustice clearly and does not remain neutral in the face of evil. His holiness means He cannot coexist with actions that crush the vulnerable. This assurance allows you to trust that wrongs are known and judged by a just Creator.
While we may struggle with human brokenness, knowing that God loathes what harms others gives us hope. You can bring your frustrations about injustice to Him, confident that He shares His hatred for evil and desires righteousness. This alignment with God’s heart brings peace in turbulent times.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [am] loathing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מְתָאֵ֤ב1×
Key Verses
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Amos 6:8
“The Lord Yahweh has sworn by himself,” says Yahweh, the God of Armies: “I abhor the pride of Jacob, and detest his fortresses. Therefore I will deliver up the city with all that is in it.
This verse demonstrates the word's application to national pride, showing that even religious arrogance provokes divine abhorrence.