Uploaded November 2024 | Updated September 2026, 5 minutes ago
Have you ever tasted and seen the radical, unfailing, crazy, and unconditional love of God?
The Love of God can be defined by one thing, a person, Jesus Christ.
John 3:16 NASB
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
The Greek language has four unique words for love, but only three of those words are found in the Bible. When the Bible speaks of love, it is referencing three unique Greek words, each having completely different meanings and applications:
1. Eros: “me, self-gratifying word” Eros is the root word used in the English word erotic. When eros is used, the word is often used to express romantic and sexual love or the feelings of arousal shared between people. An interesting note is, although eros is used in the Old Testament, like the Song of Solomon, but not used in the New Testament. The word eros was originally connected with the goddess Eros of Greek mythology, who we know now as Cupid.
2. Storge: a word not mentioned in the Bible. When Greeks use the word storge, they are referring to natural, familial love, the type of love shown within a family, like the love shown by a parent for a child.
3. Philia: “we-oriented” the root word used in philosophy (“love of wisdom”), philanthropy (“love of fellow man”), and Philadelphia, brotherly love. This refers to the warm affection and commitment shared between friends but not towards those we dislike or hate.
4. Agapé: “Christ-centered” typically defined as the selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love. This type of love removes the requirements of friendship, family, or attraction but a decision to love without conditions. This is the love that moves people into action and looks out for the well-being of others, no matter the personal cost. Biblically speaking, agapé is the love God showed to His people in sending His Son, Jesus, to die for their sins and the love that Jesus commanded His disciples to show towards all, even their enemies.
Have you ever tasted and seen the radical, unfailing, crazy, and unconditional love of God?
The Love of God can be defined by one thing, a person, Jesus Christ.
John 3:16 NASB
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”
The Greek language has four unique words for love, but only three of those words are found in the Bible. When the Bible speaks of love, it is referencing three unique Greek words, each having completely different meanings and applications:
1. Eros: “me, self-gratifying word” Eros is the root word used in the English word erotic. When eros is used, the word is often used to express romantic and sexual love or the feelings of arousal shared between people. An interesting note is, although eros is used in the Old Testament, like the Song of Solomon, but not used in the New Testament. The word eros was originally connected with the goddess Eros of Greek mythology, who we know now as Cupid.
2. Storge: a word not mentioned in the Bible. When Greeks use the word storge, they are referring to natural, familial love, the type of love shown within a family, like the love shown by a parent for a child.
3. Philia: “we-oriented” the root word used in philosophy (“love of wisdom”), philanthropy (“love of fellow man”), and Philadelphia, brotherly love. This refers to the warm affection and commitment shared between friends but not towards those we dislike or hate.
4. Agapé: “Christ-centered” typically defined as the selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love. This type of love removes the requirements of friendship, family, or attraction but a decision to love without conditions. This is the love that moves people into action and looks out for the well-being of others, no matter the personal cost. Biblically speaking, agapé is the love God showed to His people in sending His Son, Jesus, to die for their sins and the love that Jesus commanded His disciples to show towards all, even their enemies.
