Love in the Bible
English uses one word — love — where the Bible uses several. The Greek New Testament distinguishes self-giving agape from affectionate phileo and natural family love. The Hebrew Old Testament adds hesed, the covenant love of God that never lets go.
Greek & Hebrew words
Greek (New Testament)
Key KJV verses
All 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.”Read in context
1 Corinthians 13:4
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up.”Read in context
Lamentations 3:22
“It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.”Read in context
Agape: the love God is
Agape (G26) is chosen love — directed toward the unlovely, the enemy, the unworthy. It is the word John uses for God's love in John 3:16 and the love Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 13 ('charity' in the KJV).
Phileo: warm affection
Phileo (G5368) is the love of friendship and natural warmth. In John 21 Jesus asks Peter, 'do you agape me?' twice; Peter answers each time with phileo. On the third question Jesus meets Peter where he is and asks 'do you phileo me?'
Hesed: covenant love that never lets go
Hesed (H2617) is the Old Testament's signature word for God's love. The KJV translates it as 'mercy,' 'lovingkindness,' and 'goodness.' It is the love that keeps covenant — relentless, faithful, and unwilling to abandon the beloved.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Greek words for love in the Bible?
The New Testament mainly uses agapē (G26, self-giving love) and phileō (G5368, affectionate friend-love). Storgē (natural family love) and erōs (romantic love) are not used directly in the NT.
What does hesed mean in Hebrew?
Hesed (H2617) is steadfast, covenant lovingkindness. The KJV often translates it 'mercy' or 'lovingkindness.' It describes God's unbreakable loyalty to His people.
Why does the KJV say 'charity' instead of 'love'?
In 1611 'charity' meant Christian love. The Greek word in 1 Corinthians 13 is agapē — the same word translated 'love' elsewhere.