ἀγάπη

love

Definition

ἀγάπη refers to a selfless, sacrificial love that prioritizes the well-being of others. In the New Testament, it most often denotes the divine love of God for humanity (John 3:16, Romans 5:8) and the love Christians are commanded to have for God and for one another (Matthew 22:37-39, John 13:35). It can also describe the love-feasts, or communal meals, of the early church (Jude 1:12). This love is characterized by action and choice, distinct from mere emotion or affection.

Biblical Usage

ἀγάπη is used extensively throughout the New Testament, with particular density in the Johannine and Pauline writings. It describes God's nature (1 John 4:8), Christ's sacrificial act (John 15:13), and the supreme virtue for Christian community life (1 Corinthians 13). It is often used in ethical exhortations, commanding believers to love (Romans 13:10, 1 Peter 4:8). The plural form specifically refers to the 'love-feasts' (agapē) in Jude 1:12 and 2 Peter 2:13.

Etymology

The noun ἀγάπη is derived from the verb ἀγαπάω (agapaō, G25), 'to love.' Its etymology is not entirely clear, but it is not a compound of ἀ- and 'gapē.' It appears to be a distinct Greek root. In the Septuagint and New Testament, ἀγάπη and ἀγαπάω were infused with profound theological meaning, moving beyond classical Greek usage to define the central relational dynamic between God and humanity.

Semantic Range

ἀγάπη is theologically central, defining God's very essence (1 John 4:8) and the foundation of the gospel. It is the love that motivated the incarnation and atonement (John 3:16). Understanding this Greek term enriches Bible reading by highlighting that Christian love is a deliberate, covenantal commitment modeled on God's own character, not a fleeting feeling. It is the 'greatest' virtue (1 Corinthians 13:13) and the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:10).

In the Greco-Roman world, other words for love like ἔρως (erōs, passionate desire) and φιλία (philia, friendship) were more common. ἀγάπη was used less frequently and could sometimes carry a sense of esteem or respect. The New Testament authors radically redefined and elevated this word to express the unprecedented, self-giving love revealed in Jesus Christ, setting it apart from contemporary cultural understandings.

ἀγαπάω (agapaō, G25) — the verb form meaning 'to love' with the same selfless character. φιλέω (phileō, G5368) — often denotes affectionate friendship or fondness, though at times used interchangeably with ἀγαπάω (e.g., John 21:15-17). ἔρως (erōs) — not used in the NT; denotes passionate, often romantic or sexual desire.

Word Details

Scripture References