What Does the Bible Say About Love?
What Does the Bible Say About Love? The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
Key verse: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (KJV)
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
"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)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
Love is the central theme of Christianity. The Bible's most famous verse declares, 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son' (John 3:16) — defining love as sacrificial giving. 1 Corinthians 13, the 'love chapter,' provides the Bible's most detailed description: love is patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, not proud, not rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, rejoices in truth, always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. The Greek New Testament uses different words for love: agape (unconditional, God-like love), phileo (brotherly affection), and eros (romantic love, implied but not used). Jesus identified love as the greatest commandment: 'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart' and 'Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself' (Matthew 22:37-39). He raised the bar even higher: 'Love your enemies' (Matthew 5:44) and 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends' (John 15:13). Biblical love is not passive sentiment — it is active, costly, and transformative.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Faith?
What the Bible teaches about faith, believing in God, and trusting His promises.
Key Scripture References
"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."
"He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."
"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 Marriage?
The Bible presents marriage as a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, designed by God to reflect Christ's relationship with the church.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
What Is the Gospel?
The gospel is the 'good news' that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, offering salvation to all who believe.
What Does the Bible Say About Money?
The Bible doesn't condemn money itself but warns against the love of money and teaches generosity, contentment, and wise stewardship.
What Is Tithing?
Tithing is the practice of giving a tenth (10%) of one's income to God, rooted in Old Testament law and reflected in New Testament generosity.
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 Corinthians. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read 1 Corinthians on day 324 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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