Bible: "Love"

Dear Josiah 15 February 2024

“Love” is a much abused and misunderstood word. Especially in English.

Christian love, which used to be translated as “Charity,” is not an emotion. It is an act of the will – a deliberate, informed, deliberate choice, expressed in action. Often called “sacrificial love” now. It is entirely self-less, beneficial, and solely aimed at the well-being of another. The Greek “Agape.”

Tender affection for another is expressed with “Phileo,” without any aspect of possession or carnality. It is never commanded. Consider John 21:15-17. The first two questions, Christ uses Agape; in the last question (and all 3 of Peter’s answers) are phileo...

Sexual desire is quite different; the Greek “eros” carries no emotional or sacrificial weight. Entirely carnal.

Contemporary use of “love” has so confused and cheapened its meaning. I love chocolate.

I love her movies.

In wedding vows, agape love is what is pledged. Phileo, and of course eros, are secondary (but quite welcome when present!).

Helpful resources for word studies (newer editions certainly exist):

1. W.E. Vine, “An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words,” Thomas Nelson, 1952.

2. Marshall, Alfred, “The Inter-Linear Greek-English New Testament,” Zondervan, 1958.