What Is Biblical Love?
What Is Biblical Love? Biblical love (agape) is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional — choosing the good of others regardless of feelings, modeled perfectly by Christ's death on the cross.
Key verse: 1 John 4:8 (KJV)
Biblical love (agape) is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional — choosing the good of others regardless of feelings, modeled perfectly by Christ's death on the cross.
Biblical love (agape) is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional — choosing the good of others regardless of feelings, modeled perfectly by Christ's death on the cross.
"He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." — 1 John 4:8 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The Bible uses several Greek words for love. Agape — the highest form — is the love God demonstrates and commands. 'God is love' (1 John 4:8). 'God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son' (John 3:16). 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends' (John 15:13). First Corinthians 13:4-7 defines it practically: love 'suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil.' Jesus gave a new commandment: 'Love one another; as I have loved you' (John 13:34). This love is not primarily emotional but volitional — a choice to act for another's good. It extends even to enemies (Matthew 5:44). Paul declares love the greatest virtue: 'Now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity' (1 Corinthians 13:13). Love is the defining mark of Christian discipleship: 'By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples' (John 13:35).
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Death?
Biblical perspective on death, the afterlife, and the hope of eternal life through Christ.
Key Scripture References
"He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."
"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up."
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible teaches that God is love, that He demonstrated love by sending His Son, and that love for God and neighbor is the greatest commandment.
What Is the Fruit of the Spirit?
The fruit of the Spirit is the character produced in believers by the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
Why Does the Bible Say to Love Your Enemies?
Jesus commands enemy-love because it reflects God's own character — He sends rain on the just and unjust — and it overcomes evil with good.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside 1 John. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 1 John on day 356 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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