תָּאַב
𐤕𐤀𐤁
tâʼab
H8373 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To strongly desire or long for something, often with an implication of craving or intense yearning; in some contexts, to lust after or covet. The verb denotes a focused movement of the will toward an object, typically used of desires for tangible things such as food or possessions, but sometimes with broader application.
Semantic Range
to desire, to long for, to crave, to lust after, to covet, to yearn
Root / Etymology
Root: תאב. A commonly used verb root in Biblical Hebrew with the basic sense of desire or longing. The noun form תַּאֲוָה (ta'avah) comes from the same root and often refers to desire or craving, especially in relation to appetite. The verb appears to be well-established in West Semitic languages.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In biblical usage, תָּאַב most often appears in expressions of physical or material craving (e.g., Numbers 11:4, Israelites craving food in the wilderness; Proverbs 13:4, the sluggard’s unfulfilled appetite). Distinct from חפץ (ḥāfēts, to delight in or have pleasure), which can imply thoughtful or positive desire, תָּאַב tends more toward visceral or self-oriented craving. During the monarchic and later periods, the term could carry slightly negative connotations, verging on lustfulness or covetousness, whereas in early texts it is often neutral. English translations as 'crave,' 'yearn,' or 'desire' reflect most but not all senses, sometimes failing to distinguish between positive and negative nuances. Related terms: אוָה (ʾavah, to desire, often with even more intensity) and חמד (ḥāmad, to covet, desire, often with moral overtones).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; to desire; long.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
תאב (t-ʾ-b) — to desire, to long, to crave
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8373-01 |
תָּאַ֣בְתִּי | taaveti | HVqp1cs |
I have longed | I desired | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8373-01 |
Psalms 119:40 | תָּאַ֣בְתִּי | taaveti | HVqp1cs |
I have longed | I desired |
H8373-01 |
Psalms 119:174 | תָּאַ֣בְתִּי | taaveti | HVqp1cs |
I have longed | I desired |