ἀγαπάω (agapaō)
agapaō
to love
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 110 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb agapaō signifies a deliberate choice to value and show goodwill toward someone or something. In the New Testament, it appears frequently in John’s writings and the Gospels, describing love that is not merely an emotion but a committed action. This usage aligns with its Old Testament background, where it translates the Hebrew word for covenant faithfulness, emphasizing loyalty and esteem over fleeting feelings.
While some scholars distinguish agapaō from philēō by calling it "intellectual" love versus "emotional" affection, the sources suggest this distinction is often overstated in practice. The New Testament authors use both words with significant overlap, yet agapaō remains the preferred term for divine love and moral duty because it can be commanded. Jesus instructs his followers to love their enemies (Matthew 5:44) and to love one another as he has loved them (John 13:34), framing love as a volitional commitment rather than just a natural instinct.
Its etymology is debated, with some linking it to agan ("much") to imply deep value, while others see it as a general term for esteem. Regardless of its roots, the word carries theological weight by describing God’s love for humanity (John 3:16) and the reciprocal love expected from believers. It underscores that Christian love is defined by what one does for another, making it a cornerstone of ethical teaching in early Christianity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word agapaō describes a love that is chosen rather than felt. It moves beyond natural affection to a deliberate act of goodwill. In your daily life, this means you can offer kindness even when emotions are low or circumstances are difficult. It invites you to value others through consistent actions, mirroring the steadfast care God shows toward humanity.
Jesus commands his followers to extend this same love to enemies and those who mistreat them. This is not a call to ignore personal boundaries or endure abuse, but to break cycles of retaliation with grace. By choosing to bless rather than curse, you participate in a deeper spiritual reality that transcends human instinct.
Reflect on how God loved the world by giving his Son (John 3:16). This divine example sets the standard for Christian ethics. You are invited to rest in this secure love and let it flow through you to others, creating a community defined by loyalty and mutual esteem rather than fleeting feelings.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 110 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- loving21×
- loved10×
- do love7×
- You will love7×
- we may love6×
- to love5×
- loves5×
- having loved5×
- was loving4×
- you may love3×
- will love3×
- to love;3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀγαπῶν14×
- ἀγαπᾶτε12×
- ἠγάπησεν10×
- ἀγαπῶμεν10×
- ἀγαπᾷ10×
- ἀγαπήσεις10×
- ἀγαπῶ5×
- ἀγαπᾶν5×
- ἀγαπῶσιν4×
- ἠγάπησαν3×
- ἠγάπα3×
- ἀγαπῶντας3×
Key Verses
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John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only born Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
This verse anchors the word in God’s ultimate act of giving, showing that agapaō is fundamentally about sacrificial provision for the sake of another.
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Matthew 5:44
But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you,
Here Jesus expands the scope of love to include enemies, demonstrating that this term applies to volitional goodwill even toward those who oppose us.
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Mark 10:21
Jesus looking at him loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack. Go, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me, taking up the cross.”
Jesus uses this word to describe his personal regard for the rich young ruler, illustrating that agapaō can express deep individual care alongside moral instruction.
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Luke 7:47
Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.”
The connection between forgiveness and loving much suggests that this love is a grateful response to grace received, rather than a merit-based achievement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does agapaō mean in the New Testament?
Is there a difference between agapaō and philēō?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (110 verses across 22 books)
Matthew 7 verses
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
Matthew 5:44But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who…
Matthew 5:46For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same?
Matthew 6:24“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one…
Matthew 19:19‘Honor your father and your mother.’ And, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Matthew 22:37Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’
Matthew 22:39A second likewise is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’