A question from a novice!

Jim West jwest at highland.net
Sun Mar 19 08:55:32 EST 2000


At 08:10 PM 3/19/00 +0000, you wrote:
>Hi,
>I have a question on the definition of AGAPH:  What distinguishes this word
>from other Greek words meaning love?  From its usage in 1 John 3:16 and
>elsewhere, I have always connected this word with self-sacrifice or self
>denial.  However hardly any lexicons I have used seem to make this link.  Am
>I correct in believing that AGAPH is self-denying love and this is what
>distinguishes it from other Greek words for love?

there are a variety of words in Greek that are translated "love" in english-
each with various shades of meaning.

eros = possessiveness, selfish love, sexual love.
philos = communal, brotherly love.
philanthropia = love of humanity.
storgh = love for ones immediate family; the love of parents for children
and children for parents.
agaph = selfless love, self sacrificing love, self giving love which
requires no reciprocation.

best,

jim

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Jim West, ThD
jwest at highland.net
http://web.infoave.net/~jwest





More information about the B-Greek mailing list