ἀγαπάω

I love

Definition

The verb ἀγαπάω (agapaō) primarily means to love, but in the New Testament, it carries a distinct sense of deliberate, selfless, and often sacrificial love. It denotes a love based on choice, commitment, and esteem, rather than mere emotion or affection. For example, it describes God's love for humanity (John 3:16), the love Christians are commanded to have for God (Matthew 22:37) and for one another (John 13:34), and even the difficult command to love one's enemies (Matthew 5:44). In contrast to φιλέω (phileō), which can imply fondness or friendship, ἀγαπάω often points to a principled, willful love that seeks the highest good of the other.

Biblical Usage

ἀγαπάω is used 109 times across the New Testament, appearing frequently in the Gospels (especially John), the epistles of John, and Paul's letters. It is the standard verb for the divine love command, as seen in the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-39) and Jesus' new commandment (John 13:34). It is used for God's love toward the Son (John 3:35) and the world (John 3:16), for Christ's love for the church (Ephesians 5:25), and for the love believers are to practice. A key pattern is its use in imperative forms, commanding this love as a central ethical action for followers of Jesus.

Etymology

The etymology of ἀγαπάω is somewhat debated. It is not derived from ἀ- (a negative prefix) plus a root *gapaō, as once thought; that older analysis is now considered folk etymology. It likely originates from a pre-Greek or unknown root. In classical Greek, it was a less common word for love, but in the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) and the New Testament, it was elevated to become the primary term for covenant-based, divine love, significantly shaping its theological meaning.

Semantic Range

Ἀγαπάω is theologically central, defining the very nature of God (1 John 4:8) and the essence of Christian ethics. It underpins the doctrine of atonement, as seen in God's sacrificial love in Christ (Romans 5:8). Understanding this Greek term enriches Bible reading by highlighting that Christian love is not primarily a feeling but a deliberate, God-empowered commitment to act for the good of others, even enemies, mirroring God's own character.

In the Greco-Roman world, ἀγαπάω was not the most common word for love (eros or philia were more typical). The New Testament's heavy use of this term for divine and commanded love presented a counter-cultural ideal. It framed love not as something earned or based on mutual benefit, but as a unconditional, willful choice—a concept that would have been striking in a honor-shame society focused on reciprocity.

φιλέω (phileō, G5368) — Often denotes affectionate love, fondness, or friendship; it can be more emotional or personal. στοργή (storgē) — Refers to natural, familial love or affection (rare in NT). ἔρως (erōs) — Denotes passionate, romantic, or desirous love (not used in the NT).

Word Details

Scripture References