תַּאֲבָה
𐤕𐤀𐤁𐤄
taʼăbâh
H8375 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Intense desire, longing, or craving, often for something specific and, in most biblical contexts, for something seen as improper, excessive, or outside appropriate boundaries. The word emphasizes a strong inward urge or appetite and sometimes carries negative connotations when associated with cravings that lead to rebellion or discontent.
Semantic Range
craving, longing, appetite, intense desire, lust, covetousness, yearning for gratification (especially for food or prohibited things)
Root / Etymology
From the root תאב, meaning 'to crave, desire, long for.' The noun form תַּאֲבָה (taʾăbâh) expresses the object or state of desiring or craving. Distinct from related roots such as אבה ('to be willing, to consent') which focus more on volition or willingness rather than inner appetite.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, תַּאֲבָה is most often used to describe longings or cravings that are excessive or misdirected—such as the Israelites’ cravings for meat in the wilderness (Numbers 11:4,34), or desires that lead to sin or moral compromise (Proverbs 10:24; 11:23; 13:19). Unlike generic terms for will or desire (e.g., חפץ, רצון), תַּאֲבָה is frequently paired with warnings or negative judgment, indicating its association with uncontrolled appetites. In wisdom literature, the term can refer to both legitimate and illegitimate desires, but usually with an emphasis on the pitfalls of unrestrained longing. The nuance is distinct from modern uses of 'desire' or 'lust,' which may lack the ethical framing found in biblical usage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from תָּאַב (compare אָבֶה); desire; longing.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
תאב (t-ʾ-b) — to crave, desire, long for
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8375-01 |
לְ/תַאֲבָ֑ה | letaavah | HR/Ncfsa |
with longing | for craving | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H8375-01 |
Psalms 119:20 | לְ/תַאֲבָ֑ה | letaavah | HR/Ncfsa |
with longing | for craving |