The meaning of “ἀγαπάω”
Understanding agapáō reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
(be-)love(-ed). - to love (in a social or moral sense)
ἀγαπάω
(be-)love(-ed). - to love (in a social or moral sense)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 6:24 | “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Word: ἀγαπάω (agapáō) | |
| Romans 9:25 | “As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.” Word: ἀγαπάω (agapáō) | |
| Ephesians 5:25 | “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;” Word: ἀγαπάω (agapáō) | |
| 2 Timothy 4:10 | “For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.” Word: ἀγαπάω (agapáō) | |
| 2 Peter 2:15 | “Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;” Word: ἀγαπάω (agapáō) |
Usage Statistics
Theological Word Study: Love
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Love / Loyal-love
Hebrew uses ahavah (אַהֲבָה) for love generally, but the covenant term chesed (חֶסֶד) describes God's steadfast, loyal love—faithful covenant commitment beyond mere emotion.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Divine love
The Greek agape (ἀγάπη) denotes self-sacrificial, unconditional love—the highest form of love, characterizing God's nature (1 John 4:8) and the love Christians are called to demonstrate.