Midvash

ἀγαπάωagapáō

to love, to feel and exhibit esteem and goodwill to a person, to prize and delight in a thing.

Greek (New Testament) · G25

Meanings

1. Of human affection, to men: τ. πλησίον, Matthew 5:43; τ. ἐχθρούς, Matthew 5:44; to Christ, John 8:42; to God, Matthew 22:37; with accusative of thing, Luke 11:43, John 12:43, Ephesians 5:25, 2 Timothy 4:8, 2 Timothy 4:10, Hebrews 1:9, 1 Peter 2:17, 1 Peter 3:10, 2 Peter 2:15, 1 John 2:15, Revelation 12:11.

2. Of divine love

(a) God's love: to men, Romans 8:37; to Christ, John 3:35

(b) Christ's love: to men, Mark 10:21; to God, John 14:31; with cognate accusative, John 17:26, Ephesians 2:4.

Synonyms

φιλέω. From its supposed etymology ἀ. is commonly understood properly to denote love based on esteem (diligo), as distinct from that expressed by φιλέω (amo), spontaneous natural affection, emotional and unreasoning. If this distinction holds, ἀ. is fitly used in NT of Christian love to God and man, the spiritual affection which follows the direction of the will, and which, therefore, unlike that feeling which is instinctive and unreasoned, can be commanded as a duty.

Same root

Where it appears

Appears 143 times in the Bible.

  • Matthew 5:43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy.
  • Matthew 5:44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!
  • Matthew 5:46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much.
  • Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.
  • Matthew 19:19 Honor your father and mother. Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
  • Matthew 22:37 Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’
See every passage

Source: G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), public domain.