The Difference Between agapē and phileō
Within the Greek of the Bible, agapē (ἀγάπη, G26) and phileō (φιλέω, G5368) are related but distinct concepts. agapē is most often rendered "charity", while phileō emphasizes "kiss". Understanding the difference between these words illuminates the precise shade of meaning the original author intended.
Change Words
ἀγάπη vs φιλέω
agapē and phileō
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
English Glosses
Canon Usage
Context Themes
- God's Essential Nature
- Redemptive Love in Action
- Love as the Supreme Ethic
φιλέω
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 G25 (ἀγαπάω) is wider, embracing especially the judgment and the deliberate assent of the will
G5368
Exegetical Meaning
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 G25 (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 G2309 (θέλω) and G1014 (βούλομαι), or as G2372 (θυμός) and G3563 (νοῦς) respectively; the former being chiefly of the heart and the latter of the head); specially, to kiss (as a mark of tenderness) | Etymology: from G5384 (φίλος); | KJV: kiss, love
Origin
Root form
English Glosses
Canon Usage
No data
Context Themes
No clusters available