אלוהים הוא אהבה
Elohim hu ahava
The English phrase "God is love" is translated into Hebrew as אלוהים הוא אהבה (Elohim hu ahava).
This religious statement asserts that the nature of God is love. It is used to demonstrate the importance of love within the context of the Torah.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Elohim (God), hu (is/he) and ahava (love).
How does it change in a sentence?
In this sentence, the word hu (he) functions as the copula is to link the subject to the predicate.
How do you pronounce it?
Elohim hu ahava
Did you know?
- The word Elohim is grammatically plural, even though it is used here to refer to a single God. This plural form is used in Hebrew to express majesty or the fullness of divine power.
- Hebrew shares a deep linguistic root for 'love' with the ancient Ugaritic word ảhbt. This shows that the expression of love in the Levant has remained remarkably consistent for thousands of years.
- The word ahava is not a simple noun but is actually the infinitive construct form of the verb 'to love'. In Hebrew, this grammatical form often evolves into a noun meaning the concept of love.
Examples in context
- הם מלמדים ש-אלוהים הוא אהבה.Hem melamdim she-Elohim hu ahava.They teach that God is love.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their spiritual beliefs in a park.
- עגור Adiדניאל, מהי התפיסה שלך לגבי הבורא?Daniel, ma hi hatfisa shelkha legabei habore?Daniel, what is your perception of the Creator?
- דניאל Danielאני חושב שאלוהים הוא אהבה טהורה.ani khoshev she'elohim hu ahava tehora.I think that God is pure love.
- עגור Adiזה נשמע כמו גישה מאוד מרגיעה.ze nishma kmo gisha ma'od margia.That sounds like a very calming approach.
- דניאל Danielכן, כי בסוף אלוהים הוא אהבה.ken, ki basof elohim hu ahava.Yes, because in the end, God is love.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries אהבה, אלוהים, הוא, CC BY-SA 4.0.
