The meaning of “φιλέω”
Understanding philéō reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
kiss, love. - to be a friend to (fond of (an individual or an object)), i.e. have affection for (denoting personal attac...
φιλέω
kiss, love. - to be a friend to (fond of (an individual or an object)), i.e. have affection for (denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling - while ἀγαπάω is wider, embracing especially the judgment and the deliberate assent of the will as a matter of principle, duty and propriety: the two thus stand related very much as θέλω and βούλομαι, or as θυμός and νοῦς respectively - the former being chiefly of the heart and the latter of the head) - specially, to kiss (as a mark of tenderness)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 23:6 | “And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,” Word: φιλέω (philéō) | |
| Mark 14:44 | “And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely.” Word: φιλέω (philéō) | |
| Luke 22:47 | “And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.” Word: φιλέω (philéō) | |
| John 16:27 | “For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.” Word: φιλέω (philéō) | |
| 1 Corinthians 16:22 | “If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maran-atha.” Word: φιλέω (philéō) |