The Difference Between agapē and âhab

Both agapē (Greek: ἀγάπη, G26) and âhab (Hebrew: אָהַב, H157) address overlapping biblical themes — agapē carrying the sense of "charity" and âhab conveying "love". Each word is shaped by its own covenant and cultural context, yet together they illuminate how the Old and New Testaments speak with one voice on this theme.

All comparisons

Change Words

greekhebrew

ἀγάπη vs אָהַב

agapē and âhab

ἀγάπη

love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

G26

Exegetical Meaning

love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast | Etymology: from G25 (ἀγαπάω); | KJV: (feast of) charity(-ably), dear, love

Origin

ἀγαπάωto love (in a social or moral sense)

English Glosses

charitydearlove

Canon Usage

Pauline Epistles●

General Epistles●

Context Themes

God's Essential Nature
Redemptive Love in Action
Love as the Supreme Ethic

אָהַב

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

H157

Exegetical Meaning

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise) | Etymology: or אָהֵב ; a primitive root; | KJV: (be-) love(-d, -ly, -r), like, friend.

Origin

Root form

English Glosses

lovelikefriend.

Canon Usage

No data

Context Themes

No clusters available