Lover
Culture & SocietyWhat 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?
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.