Understanding Love in the Bible: Agapē, Philia, Eros, and Storgē
The Bible speaks powerfully about love—but not just one kind of love. In the original Greek, several words describe different expressions of love, each with unique depth and purpose. Understanding them helps us better grasp how God loves us—and how we’re called to love others.
1. Agapē (ἀγάπη): God’s Unconditional Love
Agapē is the highest form of love—sacrificial, unconditional, and enduring. It seeks the good of others without expecting anything in return. It’s the love God shows us in Christ.
Key Scriptures:
- John 3:16
- Romans 5:8
- 1 Corinthians 13
Agapē is love by choice, not feeling. It forgives, stays, and reflects God’s heart.
2. Philia (φιλία): Brotherly Affection or Friendship
Philia is relational love—friendship marked by loyalty and shared values. It represents deep emotional connection and affection between friends.
Key Scriptures:
- John 15:13
- Romans 12:10
- Revelation 3:19
Philia teaches us that God values close relationships. We are called to build faithful, kind friendships in the body of Christ.
3. Eros (ἔρως): Romantic or Passionate Love
Eros is passionate and romantic love, designed for intimacy in marriage. Though the word doesn’t appear in the New Testament, the concept is affirmed and celebrated.
Key Scriptures:
- Song of Songs
- 1 Corinthians 7:3–5
- Hebrews 13:4
Eros reminds us that God created emotional and physical love to be sacred and beautiful within marriage.
4. Storgē (στοργή): Family Affection or Natural Love
Storgē is the love that exists naturally between parents and children, siblings, and close family members. It’s instinctual, protective, and rooted in belonging and familiarity.
Key Scriptures:
- Romans 12:10 (philostorgos – tenderly loving one another)
- 2 Timothy 3:3 (astorgos – without natural affection, as a sign of a fallen world)
Storgē teaches us to honor the deep, enduring bonds of family. It also reminds us that, in Christ, our spiritual family can experience this kind of love as well.
Does the Greek word Eros (ἔρως) appear in the Bible?
Short answer:
No, the word eros does not appear anywhere in the New Testament or the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament). It’s the only one of the four major Greek words for love—agapē, philia, storgē, and eros—that’s completely absent in Scripture.
But the concept is there.
While eros as a word is missing, romantic and sexual love is certainly affirmed and addressed, especially in the Old Testament: in the Song of Songs (Song of Solomon)
This entire book is a poetic and passionate celebration of love, desire, and physical union between a bride and groom. It is deeply sensual, yet framed within the boundaries of marital commitment.
“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth— for your love is more delightful than wine.”
— Song of Songs 1:2
Though eros isn’t used (since the OT was written in Hebrew), the themes are there: desire, longing, beauty, and physical intimacy—all treated as good and God-given within marriage.
Conclusion: Love in Fullness
Each of these loves—Agapē, Philia, Eros, and Storgē—reveals a different aspect of how we are meant to experience and express love. Jesus displayed them all: in His sacrifice (Agapē), in friendship (Philia), in the intimacy He desires with His Church (Eros), and in His compassion and care for His spiritual family (Storgē).
Let us love as He loves—in truth, in grace, and in fullness.