“Let Me Count The Ways”

Friday, June 29, 2012

     How many times is the word ‘love’ used in the Bible?

Sincerely,
I Heart Words

Dear I Heart Words,

The Greek language (the language of the New Testament) has several words that fit the English description of ‘love’:

1. ‘Philos’ is the word for friendly love, companionship, and loyalty.  This is the type of love shared between friends, comrades, and family. The verb ‘Philos’ is used 25 times in the New Testament.
2. ‘Eros’ is the word for passion and romantic love.  This is the type of love that is used to describe sensual attraction or longing. This word is never used in the New Testament.
3. ‘Agape’ is the word used for honored love.  This type of love is sacrificial and places the person or object in a position of honor.  Agape love does what is in the best interest of the other person.  ‘Agape’ is used 142 times in the New Testament.
4. ‘Storge’ is used of family love.  The love between brothers, sisters, parents, children, and close relatives.  This word is used once in the New Testament.

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