Save this article
Use this article for free on your own website
Republish this article for free on your own website or blog. Or search or browse for more articles that your audience will appreciate. Huge choice available. Ideal for finding quality, free content. Read our publishers guide.
Love According To The Ancient Greeks
The air is filled with love as the world celebrates Valentines Day today. It is but rightful that we talk about this word "LOVE" this month. With this in mind, let us explore the meaning and the depth of the word "LOVE" itself. To fully understand it's meaning, we have to go to the source of love which is God himself as stated in the Bible.
The air is filled with love as the world celebrates Valentines Day today. It is but rightful that we talk about this word “LOVE” this month. With this in mind, let us explore the meaning and the depth of the word “LOVE” itself. To fully understand it’s meaning, we have to go to the source of love which is God himself as stated in the Bible.
The New Testament was written in the Greek language. Unlike English wherein we only have one word for love the Greeks have 5 different words for love. In the English language the context of the sentence conveys what we mean. However in New Testament Greek or “koine Greek” the word itself conveys the full meaning. To illustrate, in English when we say we love our dog, we love our country, we love our parents and we love our wife, we obviously do not refer to the same kind of love. But in Koine greek different words for the word love is used for different purposes.
Undoubtedly, English is the “lingua franca” of the world. However I believe the ancient Greeks did a much more better job of expressing the word love than the way we do it in English.
1.) Agape -Refers to a “pure” and “ideal” type of love. Often use for “the love of God” or “such love that is willing to sacrifice one’s life for another person.” Its derivative, “Agapo” is used to say “I love you”.
2.) Eros - Refers to passionate love, or sensual desire and longing. This is the kind of love being commonly referred to by most lovers.
3.) Philia - Referred to as “brotherly love.” This description of “virtuous love”, was developed by Aristotle and is used to describe the “love” felt for family, friends and for the community.
4.) Storge - Known as natural affection. This is the kind of love a child feels for his or her parents.
5.) Xenia - Is often referred to as “hospitality.” Ths best example of this is when a host and his guest forms a special friendship.
Now wouldn’t you agree with me that the ancient Greeks did a far more better job of expressing the word “Love” than we do in the English ?