ἀγάπη – Pronunciation Guide: ah-GAH-pay (with emphasis on the second syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G26: A profound, unconditional love that originates from God’s own nature and character. This sacrificial love seeks the highest good of the beloved, regardless of cost or circumstance, expressing itself through deliberate choice rather than emotion or attraction.

Word Study

• Part of Speech: Feminine noun
• Language Origin: Though rare in classical Greek, ἀγάπη emerged prominently in biblical Greek
• Root: Related to the verb ἀγαπάω (agapaō)

Morphology:

• ἀγάπη (nominative) – love
• ἀγάπης (genitive) – of love
• ἀγάπῃ (dative) – to/with love
• ἀγάπην (accusative) – love

Word Origin & History

The term ἀγάπη is relatively rare in classical Greek literature, appearing infrequently in comparison to other Greek words for love like ἔρως (eros) or φιλία (philia). Its limited pre-biblical usage makes its prominence in the New Testament particularly significant, suggesting that the early Christians deliberately elevated this word to express the unique character of divine love.

The Septuagint translators began using ἀγάπη more frequently, particularly when describing יהוה (Yahweh)’s covenant love for Israel. This set the stage for its extensive use in the New Testament, where it became the primary term for describing both God’s love for humanity and the love Christians should have for God and one another.

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀγάπη appears 116 times, with particular concentration in the Johannine literature and Pauline epistles. This love is characterized by its divine origin, sacrificial nature, and transformative power. It’s notably different from other forms of love in that it’s not based on the merit of the object but on the character of the one loving.

Key Passages:

• 1 John 4:8 – “God is love (ἀγάπη)” – defining God’s essential nature
• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Paul’s magnificent exposition of ἀγάπη’s characteristics
• John 3:16 – The ultimate expression of God’s ἀγάπη in giving His Son

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of unconditional love was revolutionary. Love was typically understood as transactional, based on merit or reciprocity. The Christian elevation of ἀγάπη represented a radical departure from cultural norms, presenting a love that wasn’t earned but freely given, mirroring God’s own character.

Theological Significance

ἀγάπη represents the highest form of love, embodying God’s own nature and His relationship with creation. Unlike human love, which often depends on the worthiness of its object, divine ἀγάπη loves despite unworthiness, reaching its supreme expression in the Messiah’s sacrifice.

This love forms the foundation of Christian ethics and community life. It’s not merely an emotion but a deliberate choice that reflects God’s character and transforms those who receive and express it.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀγάπη challenges us to love as God loves – unconditionally and sacrificially. This means choosing to love even when feelings falter, seeking others’ highest good even at personal cost. It invites us to experience God’s transformative love and become channels of that same love to others.

Related Words

• φιλία (philia) – brotherly love, friendship love See G5373
• στοργή (storge) – family affection See G794
• ἀγαπάω (agapaō) – to love (verb form) See G25

Did You Know?

• ἀγάπη appears more frequently in the New Testament than all other Greek words for love combined
• The early church’s agape feasts were communal meals demonstrating this sacrificial love in practice
• Modern Greek still uses “agape” to describe the highest form of love, influenced by its New Testament usage

Remember This

ἀγάπη is not just what God does – it’s who He is, and through His Spirit, it’s who we become.