The air is filled with love as the world celebrates Valentines Day today. It is but rightful that we talk about this word "LOVE" this month. With this in mind, let us explore the meaning and the depth of the word "LOVE" itself.
To fully understand it's meaning, we have to go to the source of love which is God himself as stated in the Bible. The New Testament was written in the Greek language. Unlike English wherein we only have one word for love the Greeks have 5 different words for love.
In the English language the context of the sentence conveys what we mean. However in New Testament Greek or "koine Greek" the word itself conveys the full meaning. To illustrate, in English when we say we love our dog, we love our country, we love our parents and we love our wife, we obviously do not refer to the same kind of love. But in Koine greek different words for the word love is used for different purposes. The English language is undoubtedly the "univesal" of the world. However I believe the ancient Greeks did a better job in expressing the word love than the English does.
1.) Agape -Refers to a "pure" and "ideal" type of love. Often use for "the love of God" or "such love that is willing to sacrifice one's life for another person." Its derivative, "Agapo" is used to say "I love you".
2.) Eros - Is the word used for "passionate love", or "sensual desire and longing." Lovers are the ones that frequently refer to this term.
3.) Philia - Referred to as "brotherly love." This description of "virtuous love", was developed by Aristotle and is used to describe the "love" felt for family, friends and for the community.
4.) Storge - Referred to as natural affection. This is the kind of love children feel for their parents. 5.) Xenia - Is used to refer to a "hospitable kind of love.
" This is best described as that bond of friendship formed between a host and a visitor. Now wouldn't you agree with me that the ancient Greeks did a far more better job of expressing the word "Love" than we do in the English ?.
Zigfred Diaz may not always blog about love meanings everyday but he regularly write about several interesting topics including how to invest in the Philippine stock market, money management, finances as well as other very interesting topics. Visit his blog today
