Love in Greek ?
Nov 5th, 2008 by Zigfred Diaz
As the world celebrates Valentines Day today, love no doubt fills the air. It is but fitting that we talk about this word love in the days to come. Let is therefore explore the meaning and the depth of the word itself and in order to fully understand it we have to go to the source of love which is God himself as expressed in his Word.
The writing in the New Testament was written in the ancient Greek. If we only have one word for love in English, the ancient greeks have 5 different words for love. In the English language, to properly distinguish the meaning of a single word, the context of the sentence is considered in order to fully appreciate the meaining of the word. In contrast when using New Testament Greek or “koine Greek” the context is given minimal consideration since the word itself conveys the full meaning. As an illustration, in English when we say we love our dog, we love our country, we love our parents and we love our wife, we are obviously not referring to the same kind of love. However in Koine greek different words for the word love is used for different kinds of purposes.
English is undoubtedly the “lingua franca” of the world, but I believe the ancient Greeks did a better job of expressing the word love than the English language does.
1.) Agape - Is being referred to as a “pure” and “ideal” type of love. This word is often used of the love of God or “such love that is willing to sacrifice one’s life for another person.” The word “Agapo” itself is used to say “I love you”.
2.) Eros - Refers to passionate love, or sensual desire and longing. This is the kind of love being commonly referred to by most lovers.
3.) Philia - Referred to as “brotherly love.” This description of “virtuous love”, was developed by Aristotle and is used to describe the “love” felt for family, friends and for the community.
4.) Storge - Known as natural affection. This is the kind of love a child feels for his or her parents.
5.) Xenia - Refers to “hospitality” and is best described as a bond of friendship formed between a host and their guest who are previously strangers.
Now don’t you suppose that the Greeks did a better job of expressing what “Love” means than we do in the English ?
