LOVE
Greek Forms of Love
Before explaining verses in the New Testament ( John 21:15–17, I Corinthians 13, John 3:16), using Agape and Philia, I wish to define four Greek words for love. The first two are the only ones found in the Bible.
When we use the word love, we water down the word. We say, “I love ice cream, I love my dog, I love my children, I love my wife or husband.” However, the Greek language has specific and deeper meanings to love. In fact, they reveal this in more than five words for love. But when Christianity borrowed Greek in speaking and writing in the New Testament as well as the XLL, we can see its depth and specific meanings.
Christians borrowed the following Greek words: Agápe (ἀγάπη), Philia (φιλία), Storge (στοργή), and Éros (ἔρως).But the last two words are not used specifically in the Bible.
Agápe (ἀγάπη ) means "love: esp. unconditional love, charity; the love of God for person and of person for God. … Agape is used by Christians to express the unconditional love of God for His children” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_words_for_love
Philia (φιλία) gives a deeper meaning as used in English here. Dr. brown wrote its meaning: “be fond of, love, a relative, friend, friendship, brotherly love (think of the city Philadelphia), a kiss, brotherly love, love for mankind, hospitality.” (P. 547ff Dictionary of New Testament Theology vol 2.)
Storge (στοργή) shows a love between parents and children or siblings. “Any time love is merciful, loyal, obedient, truthful, and humble...there you see storge love. Some of the most well-known stories in the Bible display this family love: Abraham and Sarah, Noah and his family, Issac and Jacob, Mary and Martha's love for their brother Lazarus.”
Some writers claim Storge (στοργή) is not mentioned in the Bible. However, Romans 1:29-31 says “They (pagans) are fill with … evil, greed, and wickenness. …They are arrogant, proud, boastful, inventers of evil, disobedient to parents, unloving (άστοργος), and unmerciful.” ( the word used is άστοργος meaning unaffectionate or unmerciful. In Greek whenever ‘ά’ infront of a word, it means the opposite or ‘not’ or ‘un’. In English when we say an atheist, it means does not believe in the existence of God. So this is the one time it is indirectly used in the New Testament.
Éros (ἔρως) means "love, mostly of the sexual passion". The Modern Greek word "erotas" means "intimate love". https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible
“The first word, Eros, comes from the mythological Greek god, Eros who was the god of love, sexual desire, and physical love. The Romans called him Cupid and he was thought to be the son of Aphrodite. Although the word Eros does not appear in the New Testament, this Greek term for erotic love is portrayed in the Old Testament book, the Song of Solomon.”
What Is the Meaning and Significance of Eros (God's Love) in the Bible? (christianity.com)
In the XLL Soloman uses a Hebrew form of the word. “In many passages, the Song of Solomon celebrates the romantic aspects of Eros. Poetry was written expressing the passionate love of King Solomon for his new bride, and hers for him.” https://www.christianity.com/
“Oh, that he would kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is more delightful than wine. The fragrance of your perfume is intoxicating; your name is perfume poured out. No wonder young women adore you. Take me with you — let us hurry. Oh, that the king would bring me to his chambers.” Song of Solomon 1:2–4.
What Is the Meaning and Significance of Eros (God's Love) in the Bible? (christianity.com)
John 21:15-17
Jesus asked peter if he love (Agápe) him: “Simon son of John, do you love (Agápe - ἀγάπη) me more than these? Yes, Lord, he said, you know that I love (φιλία) you. Jesus said, Feed my lambs. Again, Jesus said, Simon son of John, do you love (Agápe - ἀγάπη) me? He answered, Yes, Lord, you know that I love (φιλία) you. Jesus said, Take care of my sheep. The third time he said to him, Simon son of John, do you love (φιλία) me? Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love (φιλία) me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love (φιλία) you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.” John 21:15-17
Why did Jesus ask Peter three (Agápe - ἀγάπη twice) if he loves him and Peter responded that he did love (φιλία) him Jesus said do you “agape” me two times. Agape is unconditional love, a God love (Agápe) for people and people for God. On the other hand, Peter’s response was yes Lord I “Phileo” you. Phileo is a different kind of love; it means brotherly love.
“Wait a minute, you may say!” Jesus and Peter only spoke Hebrew. However, Hebrew does not differentiate between love as the Greeks do. However, the New Testament and XLL is written in Koine Greek. Therefore, the writers wanted to “show that we cannot rely on our own will power. Peter’s idea of himself and his love for God was so high that even at the last supper Peter explained, Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You! (Mark 14:31). His focus was on his love (φιλία) for the Lord instead of the Lord’s love (ἀγάπη) for him.” He (Peter) was in essence saying, “You know I just love (φιλία) you like a brother.” Peter was finally honest with the Lord.” By Caleb Gibson - Why Did Jesus Ask Peter, “Do you love me?” Three Times? – Courage With Grace Ministries
Although Peter did not have perfect love (ἀγάπη), Jesus told him, “Tend My sheep” (John 21:17). He still believed in him. He still had a plan for Peter. Remember God’s love (ἀγάπη) for us is not dependent on how great we are, it is unconditional. 2,000 years ago on the cross, Christ showed us what real “agape” love is all about. Peter’s love (φιλία) shifted like the sand, Christ’s love (ἀγάπη) for him and us is steady and secure.” By Caleb Gibson - Why Did Jesus Ask Peter, “Do you love me?” Three Times? – Courage With Grace Ministries
John 3:16
The most popular verse in the Bible is John 3:16: “For God so loved (agape -Αγάπησε) the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” God love (agape -Αγάπησε) was unconditional for mankind as well as his son, Jesus. The love (agape -Αγάπησε) was so great that Jesus sacrifices his life for all past , present, and future so that our sins will be wiped away, and we can be as white as snow. The paraphrase Bible says:” This is how much God loved (agape -Αγάπησε) the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.”
Karl Bart, a famous theologian of the 20th century, was asked by a reporter, “give me the great theological idea you ever learned. Bart responded, “It occurred in my Sunday School class. Jesus Loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so.” Agape -Αγάπησε survives paramount!
I Corinthians 13
This is well known as the “Love Chapter.” Love is the greatest of gifts. The chapter defines agape love as: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. And last of all it says: "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. This is agape love!
ἀγάπη
φιλία
στοργή
ἔρως
