Difference between revisions of "Translating love"
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Revision as of 22:08, 28 June 2007
Synopsis
In the New Testament, the word love has been translated from three different Greek words: philia, agape and storge.
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Translating love (discussion) (For short comments and opinions)
For related quotations see Translating love (quotes)
Main article
Love in Koine Greek
In the New Testament, the word love has been translated from three different Koine Greek words: philia, agape and storge. It is interesting to note the usage of these four words. All four have their positive qualities. All four are needed in human experience.
Love is the fundamental essence of God. 1 John 4:8 says
- He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. (agape)
Philia
Philia is the brotherly love of friendship. It is the love of friends, tribes, nations, patriotism. Philia loves those who are of the same background or have the same interest as you.
Agape
Agape' is the love of choice of the mind. Agape is unconditional, limitless, unbounded.
William Barclay notes that "Agape has to do with the mind, it is not an emotion which rises unbidden in our hearts; it is a principle by which we deliberately live"
Note that Jesus said "Woe to you Pharisees! For you love [agape] the front seats in the synagogues, and the respectful greetings in the market places" in Luke 11:43. Agape is total commitment and dedication to something. It does not necessarily mean divine love.
The Koine Greek agape is used in this passage on love from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
- "Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not provoked, taketh not account of evil; rejoiceth not in unrighteousness, but rejoiceth with the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Love never faileth: ......"
Storge
Storge is used for the natural affection of families.
Eros
Eros means sexual love, and is also the love of beauty. The word is not found in the New Testament.
Resources
The Four Loves is an excellent study by C.S. Lewis
Links
Return to Love | Koine Greek
