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Hebrew Vocabulary

Hebrew Words for Love

Hebrew has a rich vocabulary for love — from the all-encompassing Ahavah to the faithful companionship of Re'ut. Explore the words, their biblical roots, and the names they inspire.

All Hebrew WordsWords for StrengthWords for Mercy
1.

Ahavah

/ah-ha-VAH/

Love / Devotion / Affection

אַהֲבָה
Noun (feminine) · Root: א-ה-ב

In the Hebrew Bible

The primary Hebrew word for love. It appears throughout the Torah, most famously in the Shema: "V'ahavta et Adonai Elohekha" — You shall love the Lord your God (Deuteronomy 6:5). In the Song of Songs, ahavah describes the passionate love between lovers: "Love is as strong as death" (Song of Songs 8:6).

Cultural Significance

Ahavah encompasses all forms of love — romantic, familial, divine, and friendship. The gematria of ahavah (אהבה) is 13, the same as echad (אחד, "one"), teaching that true love creates unity. The command to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18) uses this same root, making ahavah the foundation of Jewish ethics.

וְאָהַבְתָּ אֵת יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ בְּכָל לְבָבְךָ

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart. (Deuteronomy 6:5)

Related names:
OhavyaAhuvaAhava
2.

Chesed

/KHEH-sed/

Loving-kindness / Grace / Mercy

חֶסֶד
Noun (masculine) · Root: ח-ס-ד

In the Hebrew Bible

One of the most important words in the Hebrew Bible, appearing over 240 times. In Exodus 34:6, God describes Himself as "rav chesed" — abounding in loving-kindness. Psalm 136 repeats "ki l'olam chasdo" (for His loving-kindness endures forever) in every verse. Ruth's devotion to Naomi is described as an act of chesed.

Cultural Significance

Chesed is the fourth of the ten Sefirot in Kabbalah, representing God's attribute of unconditional giving and expansive love. The Talmud teaches that the world stands on three things: Torah, worship, and acts of chesed (Pirkei Avot 1:2). Gemilut chasadim (acts of loving-kindness) is considered greater than charity because it can be done with one's body, not just money.

כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ

For His loving-kindness endures forever. (Psalm 136)

Related names:
ChasidaChesed
3.

Dod

/DOHD/

Beloved / Lover / Uncle

דּוֹד
Noun (masculine) · Root: ד-ו-ד

In the Hebrew Bible

Central to the Song of Songs, where the beloved is called "dodi" (my beloved). The opening verse declares: "Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth, for your love (dodekha) is better than wine" (Song of Songs 1:2). The name David (דוד) shares this root, meaning "beloved."

Cultural Significance

The Song of Songs, read on Passover, uses dod and its forms extensively to describe the love between God and Israel, allegorically portrayed as lovers. The phrase "Ani l'dodi v'dodi li" (I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine, Song of Songs 6:3) is one of the most popular Jewish wedding inscriptions, often engraved on rings and ketubot.

אֲנִי לְדוֹדִי וְדוֹדִי לִי

I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine. (Song of Songs 6:3)

Related names:
DavidDavidaYedidya
4.

Chiba

/khee-BAH/

Affection / Fondness / Endearment

חִבָּה
Noun (feminine) · Root: ח-ב-ב

In the Hebrew Bible

While less common in the Bible, the root appears in Deuteronomy 33:3: "Indeed He loves (chovev) the peoples." The word Chovav appears as a name for Moses's father-in-law, suggesting one who is cherished or held dear.

Cultural Significance

In modern Hebrew, chiba describes the tender, warm affection between close friends, family, or romantic partners. "Chibuk" (חיבוק, a hug) shares the same root, connecting physical embrace with emotional warmth. The rabbinic phrase "chibuv mitzvah" means performing a mitzvah with love and enthusiasm, not merely obligation.

הַהוֹרִים מְלֵאִים חִבָּה לַיְלָדִים

The parents are full of affection for the children.

Related names:
ChavivaChovav
5.

Yedidut

/yeh-dee-DOOT/

Friendship / Deep Affection / Companionship

יְדִידוּת
Noun (feminine) · Root: י-ד-ד

In the Hebrew Bible

The root yadid means "beloved" or "dear friend." Psalm 84:2 begins: "How lovely (yedidot) are Your dwelling places, O Lord of Hosts." Psalm 45, a wedding psalm, is titled "Shir Yedidot" — a song of love. The name Yedidya (Jedidiah), given to Solomon by God, means "beloved of the Lord" (2 Samuel 12:25).

Cultural Significance

Yedidut represents a deep, abiding friendship — a love built on knowing and being known. The Sabbath hymn "Yedid Nefesh" (Beloved of the Soul) uses this root to express the soul's yearning for God. Friendship (yedidut) is considered one of the highest forms of love in Jewish tradition, exemplified by the bond between David and Jonathan.

יְדִיד נֶפֶשׁ, אָב הָרַחֲמָן

Beloved of the soul, compassionate Father. (Yedid Nefesh)

Related names:
YedidyaYedidaYadid
6.

Chen

/KHEN/

Grace / Charm / Favor

חֵן
Noun (masculine) · Root: ח-נ-נ

In the Hebrew Bible

Noah "found chen (grace) in the eyes of the Lord" (Genesis 6:8). Esther "obtained chen (favor) in the sight of all who saw her" (Esther 2:15). The Priestly Blessing asks God to "be gracious (v'yechuneka) unto you" — from the same root.

Cultural Significance

Chen describes an attractive quality that draws others — a grace that comes from within. In modern Hebrew, chen is both a popular name and a common word for charm or attractiveness. The related word "chanun" (gracious) is one of God's Thirteen Attributes of Mercy, connecting grace and love to divine compassion.

וְנֹחַ מָצָא חֵן בְּעֵינֵי יְהוָה

And Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. (Genesis 6:8)

Related names:
ChenChanaChananyaYochanan
7.

Re'ut

/reh-OOT/

Companionship / Fellowship / Friendship

רְעוּת
Noun (feminine) · Root: ר-ע-ה

In the Hebrew Bible

The root re'a means "friend" or "companion." The command "Love your re'a (neighbor/friend) as yourself" (Leviticus 19:18) uses this root. Ruth's name may derive from this root, connecting her story to the theme of faithful companionship and love.

Cultural Significance

Re'ut represents the love found in loyal companionship — the bond between people who walk through life together. The Book of Ruth is the ultimate story of re'ut: Ruth's declaration to Naomi — "Where you go, I will go" — is a model of devoted love that transcends obligation. In modern Hebrew, re'ut means friendship and camaraderie.

וְאָהַבְתָּ לְרֵעֲךָ כָּמוֹךָ

Love your neighbor as yourself. (Leviticus 19:18)

Related names:
RuthRe'ut
8.

Kalah

/kah-LAH/

Bride / Betrothed / Beloved

כָּלָה
Noun (feminine) · Root: כ-ל-ה

In the Hebrew Bible

In the Song of Songs, the beloved is frequently called "kalah" (bride): "You have captured my heart, my sister, my bride (kalati)" (Song of Songs 4:9). Isaiah uses the metaphor of a bride to describe God's love for Israel: "As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride" (Isaiah 62:5).

Cultural Significance

On Friday evening, the Shabbat is welcomed as a "kallah" — a bride — in the beloved hymn "Lecha Dodi" (Come, My Beloved). "Bo'i kallah" (come, O bride) transforms the arrival of Shabbat into a love story between Israel and the sacred day of rest. The Jewish wedding ceremony (chuppah) celebrates this symbolism, making every marriage an echo of the divine covenant.

לְכָה דוֹדִי לִקְרַאת כַּלָּה

Come, my beloved, to greet the bride. (Lecha Dodi)

Related names:
KaliaKalila

Love in the Torah

These verses from the Hebrew Bible use words for love, devotion, and kindness — the same roots that give us the Hebrew names and vocabulary above.

Amos 4:5עמוס 4:5

וקטר מחמץ תודה וקראו נדבות השמיעו כי כן אהבתם בני ישראל נאם אדני יהוה

And burn a thank offering of leavened bread; And proclaim freewill offerings loudly. For you love that sort of thing, O Israelites —declares the Sovereign GOD.

Amos 5:15עמוס 5:15

שנאו רע ואהבו טוב והציגו בשער משפט אולי יחנן יהוה אלהי צבאות שארית יוסף

Hate evil and love good, And establish justice in the gate; Perhaps the ETERNAL , the God of Hosts, Will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph.

Daniel 9:4דניאל 9:4

ואתפללה ליהוה אלהי ואתודה ואמרה אנא אדני האל הגדול והנורא שמר הברית והחסד לאהביו ולשמרי מצותיו

I prayed to the ETERNAL my God, making confession thus: “O Sovereign, great and awesome God, who stays faithful to the covenant with those who show love and keep the commandments!

Deuteronomy 4:37דברים 4:37

ותחת כי אהב את אבתיך ויבחר בזרעו אחריו ויוצאך בפניו בכחו הגדל ממצרים

And out of love for your ancestors, [God] chose their heirs after them—directly leading you out of Egypt with great might,

Deuteronomy 5:10דברים 5:10

ועשה חסד לאלפים לאהבי ולשמרי (מצותו) [מצותי]

But showing kindness to the thousandth generation of those who love Me and keep My commandments.

Deuteronomy 6:5דברים 6:5

ואהבת את יהוה אלהיך בכל לבבך ובכל נפשך ובכל מאדך

You shall love the ETERNAL your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

Deuteronomy 7:9דברים 7:9

וידעת כי יהוה אלהיך הוא האלהים האל הנאמן שמר הברית והחסד לאהביו ולשמרי מצותו לאלף דור

Know, therefore, that only the ETERNAL your God is God, the steadfast God who keeps this covenant faithfully to the thousandth generation of those who show love and keep the commandments,

Deuteronomy 10:12דברים 10:12

ועתה ישראל מה יהוה אלהיך שאל מעמך כי אם ליראה את יהוה אלהיך ללכת בכל דרכיו ולאהבה אתו ולעבד את יהוה אלהיך בכל לבבך ובכל נפשך

And now, O Israel, what does the ETERNAL your God demand of you? Only this: to revere the ETERNAL your God, to walk only in divine paths, to love and to serve the ETERNAL your God with all your heart and soul,

English translation: THE JPS TANAKH, Revised Edition (2023) © Jewish Publication Society, via Sefaria. CC BY-NC 4.0

Hebrew Names Meaning Love

These names derive from Hebrew words for love. Each one carries the warmth and meaning explored above.

דוד
David
Well-beloved; dear; the belove...

The Concept of Love in Hebrew

The Hebrew language has at least eight distinct words for love, each illuminating a different facet of this universal emotion. Where Ahavah (אהבה) is the all-encompassing word for love — romantic, familial, and divine — Chesed (חסד) describes love in action: the kindness we do for others out of compassion rather than obligation.

Dod (דוד) is the intimate love of the Song of Songs, while Yedidut (ידידות) captures the deep bond of true friendship. Chen (חן) — grace — is the quality that draws people together, and Re'ut (רעות) is the faithful companionship that endures through hardship, as embodied by Ruth's devotion to Naomi.

This richness of vocabulary reflects how central love is to Jewish thought. The Torah's two greatest commandments both use the word ahavah: love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself. The Talmud teaches that the entire Torah can be summarized in this principle of love. From the mystical union described in the Song of Songs to the quiet grace of everyday chesed, Hebrew words for love reveal that love is not one thing — it is an entire language.

Discover Gematria

Every Hebrew word carries a numerical value through gematria. Explore the hidden connections between words, names, and Torah verses.

Gematria Calculator
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