Lover
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
In Old Testament Hebrew, the noun 'ohebh' signifies a lover or intimate friend, while New Testament Greek employs compounds like 'philotheos' (lover of God) and 'philagathos' (lover of good) to describe specific moral or spiritual orientations. The terminology also appears in negative contexts, such as 'philanthropia' or phrases indicating a love for sin, highlighting the moral valence of the attachment.
What is the meaning of Lover in the Bible?
In Old Testament Hebrew, the noun 'ohebh' signifies a lover or intimate friend, while New Testament Greek employs compounds like 'philotheos' (lover of God) and 'philagathos' (lover of good) to describe specific moral or spiritual orientations. The terminology also appears in negative contexts, such as 'philanthropia' or phrases indicating a love for sin, highlighting the moral valence of the attachment.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding these linguistic distinctions clarifies the biblical emphasis on the orientation of the heart, distinguishing between mere emotional attachment and the deliberate moral choice to align with divine or corrupt values.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Lover in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Lover clarify?
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.