The New Testament (Greek) term is a little more specific,
depending on what word is used in the original language. There are several words for “love” in Greek,
but two are generally used in Scripture.
There is a love that means brotherhood, familiarity,
similarity, and is used usually when referring to earthly affection. For example, “If ye were of the world, the
world would love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have
chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” (John 15:19) “Be kindly affectioned one to another with
brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.” (Rom 12:10) This word is phileo.
Then there is agape, that divine love that is
impartial, but encompassing. This kind
of love is not exclusive of other kinds.
Two brothers, who share phileo, may also share agape, if they
know the love of the Savior. Husbands
are likewise told to have agape for their wives, (Eph 5:25) although
their love would also include an intimacy unique to that couple.
This is the kind of love that Yahweh has for men, and
that men who are redeemed have for Him.
In translating the commandments into the common tongue of that day, this
is the word that is used: “Yahshua said unto him, ‘Thou shalt love [have agape
for] the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all
thy mind. This is the first and great
commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love [have agape
for] thy neighbour as thyself.” (Mat 22:37-39)
The meaning is generally made clear to English readers by
means of the context, and sometimes words based on phileo are simply translated
into the phrase “brotherly love” (Rom 12:10, Heb 13:1) to avoid any ambiguity.
No comments:
Post a Comment