Today, as the world celebrates Valentines Day the air is filled with love. It is only proper that we talk about this word love in the next few days. Hence let us explore the meaning and the depth of the word itself. In order to fully understand it we have to turn to the source of love, God himself as expressed in the Bible.
Ancient Greek was used to write the New Testament. Unlike the English language wherein we only have one word for love, the ancient Greeks have 5 different words for love. In order to understand a word in the English language you have to get the context within which the word is expressed. But in New Testament Greek or "koine Greek" the word itself conveys the full meaning. For example, in English when we say we love our dog, we love our country, we love our parents and we love our wife, of course we are not referring to the same kind of love. However in Koine greek, there are different words for the word love and it 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 - Is being referred to as a "pure" and "ideal" type of love. This word is often used of the love of God or "such love that is willing to sacrifice one's life for another person." The word "Agapo" itself is used to say "I love you".
2.) Eros - Is the word used for "passionate love", or "sensual desire and longing." Lovers are the ones that frequently refer to this term.
3.) Philia - Commonly known as "brotherly love" This concept of "virtuous love", was developed by Aristotle. This is the "love" felt for family, friends and the community as a whole.
4.) Storge - Is being used to describe natural affection. Children are said to feel this kind of love for their 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 ? - 15431
Ancient Greek was used to write the New Testament. Unlike the English language wherein we only have one word for love, the ancient Greeks have 5 different words for love. In order to understand a word in the English language you have to get the context within which the word is expressed. But in New Testament Greek or "koine Greek" the word itself conveys the full meaning. For example, in English when we say we love our dog, we love our country, we love our parents and we love our wife, of course we are not referring to the same kind of love. However in Koine greek, there are different words for the word love and it 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 - Is being referred to as a "pure" and "ideal" type of love. This word is often used of the love of God or "such love that is willing to sacrifice one's life for another person." The word "Agapo" itself is used to say "I love you".
2.) Eros - Is the word used for "passionate love", or "sensual desire and longing." Lovers are the ones that frequently refer to this term.
3.) Philia - Commonly known as "brotherly love" This concept of "virtuous love", was developed by Aristotle. This is the "love" felt for family, friends and the community as a whole.
4.) Storge - Is being used to describe natural affection. Children are said to feel this kind of love for their 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 ? - 15431
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