φιλέω (phileō)
phileō
to love
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 21 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb phileō denotes a warm, personal affection rooted in friendship and emotional attachment. It describes the fondness one feels for people or things, often highlighting a bond of intimacy rather than abstract duty. In the New Testament, this word appears frequently in the Gospel of John, such as when Jesus expresses his love for Lazarus (John 11:3) or when Peter affirms his friendship with the Lord (John 21:15-17). It can also refer to a deep liking for specific practices, as seen in Matthew 6:5 regarding those who love to pray in public.
A key distinction lies in its contrast with agapaō. While agapaō often implies a deliberate, principled choice or duty-bound love, phileō focuses on the heart’s natural inclination and sentiment. This nuance becomes striking in John 21, where Jesus asks Peter if he has this personal affection for Him. The dialogue highlights the difference between committed devotion and warm, relational friendship, showing how both forms of love are essential to Christian life.
Interestingly, phileō also carries the concrete meaning "to kiss" in several passages. This physical gesture serves as a common sign of the affection described elsewhere, appearing in the accounts of Judas’s betrayal (Matthew 26:48) and other greetings. The word’s versatility allows it to bridge the gap between internal feeling and external action, whether through a kiss or a declaration of friendship.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word phileō points to a love that is warm, personal, and rooted in genuine friendship. Unlike a duty-bound obligation, this affection flows naturally from the heart, reflecting the deep bond we share with those who matter most. In John’s Gospel, Jesus uses this term to describe His intimate care for Lazarus and His tender restoration of Peter, showing that God values our personal connection with Him.
When you pray or serve, let your actions spring from this same heartfelt desire rather than a need for public approval. This kind of love invites us to treat others with the same warmth we would offer a close friend, creating spaces where people feel truly seen and valued. It reminds us that faith is not just about correct doctrine but about cultivating relationships grounded in mutual care and trust.
Ultimately, this word encourages you to rest in the knowledge that God loves you personally. He does not just love humanity in the abstract; He knows your name and cherishes your unique presence in His family. Let this assurance shape how you treat your neighbors, knowing that every interaction is an opportunity to reflect His friendly, accepting heart.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- loving5×
- loves3×
- I dearly love3×
- I may kiss,2×
- was loving [you];1×
- was loving1×
- to kiss1×
- they love [to be]1×
- shall love1×
- is loving1×
- have loved1×
- do you dearly love1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φιλῶν4×
- φιλῶ4×
- φιλεῖς3×
- φιλεῖ3×
- ἐφίλει2×
- φιλήσω,2×
- φιλοῦσιν2×
- ἐφίλει·1×
- φιλῆσαι1×
- φιλοῦντας1×
- φιλούντων1×
- πεφιλήκατε1×
Key Verses
-
John 11:3
The sisters therefore sent to him, saying, “Lord, behold, he for whom you have great affection is sick.”
This verse highlights Jesus' personal affection for Lazarus, showing that God cares deeply about the specific individuals in our lives.
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John 21:15
So when they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”
Here Jesus asks Peter if he has this warm, personal affection for Him, linking love directly to the responsibility of caring for others.
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Matthew 6:5
“When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Most certainly, I tell you, they have received their reward.
This passage warns against using religion for status, contrasting genuine love with the desire to be seen by others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does phileō mean in the New Testament?
How is phileō different from agapaō?
Why does phileō sometimes mean 'to kiss'?
Every Occurrence (21 verses across 7 books)
Matthew 4 verses
“When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the…
Matthew 10:37He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me isn’t…
Matthew 23:6and love the place of honor at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,
Matthew 26:48Now he who betrayed him had given them a sign, saying, “Whoever I kiss, he is the one. Seize him.”