אוה
The Hebrew word אוה (Aleph-Vav-Heh), meaning "to yearn" or "to desire," can be interpreted symbolically with Heh (ה) representing not understanding, as previously discussed. Here's how the interplay of Aleph (א), Vav (ו), and Heh (ה) reflects the concept of yearning: Breakdown of the Letters:
- Aleph (א):
- Represents God, divine authority, or the source of all things.
- As the initiator, it symbolizes the origin of desire—the perfection or completeness that humanity instinctively longs for.
- Vav (ו):
- Acts as a connector, representing the process or the bond between the one who desires and the object of that desire.
- It signifies the tension of reaching, drawing near, or striving to connect with something beyond oneself.
- Heh (ה):
- Symbolizes not understanding, reflecting a state of longing caused by an incomplete knowledge or awareness of the object of desire.
- It is the gap between what is known and what is sought, driving the act of yearning itself.
Interpreting "Yearn":
- Aleph (א): The Source of Longing
- Yearning begins with God, the source of perfection and completeness. The longing arises because humanity, created in God’s image, instinctively seeks to be reconciled with Him, the ultimate origin of all goodness.
- Vav (ו): The Striving to Connect
- The Vav represents the process of reaching out, the pull of the heart toward its goal. This striving is fueled by a sense of incompleteness or separation. It is the active desire to bridge the gap between the longing heart and its object.
- Heh (ה): Not Understanding as the Cause of Yearning
- The Heh captures the lack of understanding or incompleteness that fuels desire. To yearn is to feel the absence of full comprehension or union. It is the recognition that there is something greater or more fulfilling yet unknown or not fully grasped.
Sensus Plenior Interpretation:
In sensus plenior, where Christ fulfills all scripture:
- Aleph represents God, the ultimate source and origin of all longing. Just as humanity yearns for God, God yearns for His creation to be reconciled with Him.
- Vav reflects Christ as the mediator, the one who bridges the gap between the divine source and humanity. Christ embodies the striving of both God and humanity to connect.
- Heh symbolizes humanity’s lack of understanding before Christ’s revelation. Humanity yearns for fulfillment, not fully grasping that this desire is ultimately met in Christ.
Application:
- Spiritual Yearning: The word אוה describes the human condition of yearning for something beyond, driven by the Heh, the lack of understanding or awareness of what will truly satisfy the soul.
- Divine Yearning: God also yearns for humanity, desiring their return to Him, even as humanity may fail to comprehend His love fully (Heh).
- Fulfillment in Christ: Christ bridges the yearning of humanity (caused by its lack of understanding) with the perfect revelation of God. In Him, the longing finds its answer and rest.
Summary:
אוה symbolizes yearning as a process initiated by God (Aleph), pursued through striving (Vav), and driven by a lack of understanding (Heh). In a Christological sense, it reflects the human condition of longing for God, fueled by incomplete comprehension, and fulfilled ultimately in Christ, who reveals God fully and bridges the gap of understanding.
