What Is Agape Love — Meaning Explained
Agape is the Greek word for unconditional, selfless love — the highest form of love described in the Bible, exemplified by God's love for humanity.
Agape is the Greek word for unconditional, selfless love — the highest form of love described in the Bible, exemplified by God's love for humanity.
"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." — 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (KJV)
What "What Is Agape Love?" Actually Means
The New Testament uses several Greek words for love. Agape (ἀγάπη) represents the highest form — unconditional, sacrificial, and not dependent on the worthiness of the recipient. It is the love God has for us (John 3:16), the love Christ demonstrated on the cross (Romans 5:8), and the love believers are commanded to show one another (John 13:34). Unlike phileo (brotherly affection) or eros (romantic love), agape is a deliberate choice to seek another's good regardless of feeling or reciprocity. Paul's description in 1 Corinthians 13 is essentially a portrait of agape love in action.
Anchor Verses (KJV)
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."
Romans 5:8
"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
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Agape (ἀγάπη (Agapē))
Unconditional, self-sacrificial love; the highest form of love
Agape Feast (ἀγάπη (agapē))
A communal love feast shared by early Christians alongside the Lord's Supper.
Strong's G26 — Agape
ἀγάπη (Agapē) • Unconditional, self-sacrificial love; the highest form of love
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