Greek & Hebrew Lexicon
Look up any Strong's number or original-language word for a full definition, extended explanation, key verses, and related terms.
Love, affection; the highest form of love — selfless, sacrificial, unconditional.
Agapē is the distinctive New Testament word for love — particularly the love of God for mankind and the love Christians are called to show one another. Unlike phileō (affectionate brotherly love) or eros (romantic desire), agapē is primarily characterized by the will and action of the lover, not the worthiness of the beloved. It is the word used in John 3:16, 1 Corinthians 13, and 1 John 4:8 ('God is love').
"For God so loved (ēgapēsen) the world that he gave his one and only Son..."
"So now faith, hope, and love (agapē) abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love."
"Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love (agapē)."
- G5368 phileō — brotherly affection
- G25 agapaō — to love (verb form)