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    Agape

    ἀγάπη (Agapē)

    Unconditional, self-sacrificial love; the highest form of love

    Greek
    Strong's G26
    Pronunciation: ah-GAH-pay
    Quick Answer

    Agape is the Greek word for unconditional, selfless love. It describes God's love for humanity and the love Christians are called to show — a love that gives without expecting return.

    "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." — John 3:16 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    John 3:16

    “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
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    1 Corinthians 13:4-5

    “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.”
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    1 John 4:8

    “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”
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    Strong's Concordance

    Strong's G26 — Agape (ἀγάπη (Agapē))

    Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where ἀγάπη (Agapē) appears.

    Open Strong's G26

    The Highest Form of Love

    Ancient Greek had several words for love: 'eros' (romantic love), 'philia' (friendship love), 'storge' (family affection), and 'agape.' While the other forms of love are often based on feelings, attraction, or natural bonds, agape is a love of choice and will. It is not dependent on the worthiness of the recipient but on the character of the giver. Agape loves because it chooses to, not because the beloved deserves it.

    God's Agape Love

    The supreme demonstration of agape is the cross of Christ. 'God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us' (Romans 5:8). God did not wait for humanity to become lovable before loving us. He loved us at our worst, gave His best, and asked for nothing in return. This is agape — love that initiates, love that sacrifices, love that persists regardless of response.

    The Love Chapter

    1 Corinthians 13 is the Bible's most detailed portrait of agape (translated as 'charity' in the KJV). Paul describes it with 15 characteristics: patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, not proud, not rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, does not delight in evil, rejoices in truth, always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Without agape, even the most impressive spiritual gifts are meaningless.

    Living Out Agape

    Jesus commanded His disciples to love one another with agape love: 'By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another' (John 13:35). Agape is the distinguishing mark of genuine Christianity. It is not a feeling to be conjured but a decision to be made — choosing the good of others above our own comfort, preferences, and rights, empowered by God's Spirit within us.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between agape and other Greek words for love?

    Greek distinguishes four types of love: agape (unconditional, sacrificial), philia (deep friendship), eros (romantic/passionate), and storge (family affection). Agape is unique because it is not based on feelings or reciprocity but on a deliberate choice to seek the highest good of another, regardless of cost.

    Why does the KJV translate agape as 'charity'?

    In 1611, 'charity' carried the meaning of selfless, generous love — closer to agape's true meaning than the modern English word 'love,' which can mean anything from romantic passion to casual preference. Modern translations typically use 'love,' but the KJV's 'charity' preserves the sacrificial, giving nature of agape.

    Can humans truly practice agape love?

    Not in our own strength. Agape is ultimately a fruit of God's Spirit (Galatians 5:22). While we can choose to act lovingly, the supernatural quality of agape — loving enemies, persisting through rejection, sacrificing without return — requires the power of God working within us.

    What does "Agape" mean in the Bible?

    Unconditional, self-sacrificial love; the highest form of love. The underlying Greek word is ἀγάπη (Agapē) ("ah-GAH-pay"), Strong's G26. Agape is the Greek word for unconditional, selfless love.

    Related Words

    Grace
    Mercy
    Shalom

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    Word Meaning

    Agape (ἀγάπη (Agapē))

    Unconditional, self-sacrificial love; the highest form of love

    Strong's

    Strong's G26 — Agape

    ἀγάπη (Agapē) • Unconditional, self-sacrificial love; the highest form of love

    Commentary

    1 Corinthians 13:4 Commentary

    In-depth study • Love

    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of Seeing Dead Relatives in a Dream (KJV)

    Often the mind processing grief; test carefully against Scripture.

    Word Meaning

    Love (Phileo) (φιλέω (phileō))

    Brotherly affection — warm, tender, personal friendship love.

    Strong's

    Strong's G5368 — Love (Phileo)

    φιλέω (phileō) • Brotherly affection — warm, tender, personal friendship love.

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