ἀγαπάω

agapaōVerbG0025

to love

From: perhaps from (much) (or compare G5689);

Short Definition

to love (in a social or moral sense)

Full Lexicon Entry

to love, to feel and exhibit esteem and goodwill to a person, to prize and delight in a thing.
1.Of human affection, to men
2.Of divine love
aGod's love
bChrist's love
Synonyms
φιλέω. From its supposed etymology ἀ. is commonly understood properly to denote love based on esteem (diligo), as distinct from that expressed by *φιλέω *(amo), spontaneous natural affection, emotional and unreasoning. If this distinction holds, ἀ. is fitly used in NT of Christian love to God and man, the spiritual affection which follows the direction of the will, and which, therefore, unlike that feeling which is instinctive and unreasoned, can be commanded as a duty.
LXX Usage: chiefly for אהב

Grammar

Part of Speech Verb

Morphology G:V

DescriptionGreek Verb

Occurrences

110 times

Appears 110 times in the New Testament. Top books include:

John
27
1 John
17
Luke
9
Ephesians
7
Matthew
7

Key Passages

  • 1 Corinthians 2:9
  • 1 Peter 3:10
  • Ephesians 6:24
  • John 15:17
  • Luke 7:47

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Lexicon data from STEPBible.org (Tyndale House, Cambridge) under CC BY 4.0 license.