Types of Love in the Bible

What is Eros?

Eros is the physical, sensual love between a husband and wife.

Although this Greek term does not appear in the Bible, eros, or erotic love, is portrayed in the Old Testament
book, The Song of Solomon. God is very clear in his Word. Sex outside of marriage is forbidden.

God created humans male and female and instituted marriage in the Garden of Eden. Within marriage, sex is
used for emotional and spiritual bonding and for reproduction.
The Apostle Paul noted that it is wise for people to marry to fulfill their godly desire for this type of love:

Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do. But if they
cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion. (1
Corinthians 7:8-9, NIV)

Pronunciation: AIR-ose

What is Storge?

Storge is family love, the bond among mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers.

As with eros, this Greek term does not appear in the Bible. However, many examples of family love are
found in Scripture, such as the love and mutual protection among Noah and his wife, their sons and
daughters-in-law in Genesis; the love of Jacob for his sons; and the strong love the sisters Martha and Mary
in the gospels had for their brother Lazarus.

The family was a vital part of ancient Jewish culture. In the Ten Commandments, God charges his people to:

Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
(Exodus 20:12, NIV)

Pronunciation: STOR-jay

What is Philia?

Philia means close friendship or brotherly love in Greek. It is one of the four types of love in the
Bible.

Philia and other forms of this Greek noun are found throughout the New Testament. Christians are frequently
exhorted to love their fellow Christians:

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (Romans 12:10 ESV)

Pronunciation: FILL-ee-uh

What is Agape?
http://christianity.about.com/od/biblefactsandlists/tp/Love-In-The-Bible.htm
Agape is selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love, the highest of the four types of love in the Bible.

This Greek word and variations of it are found throughout the New Testament. Agape perfectly describes the
kind of love Jesus Christ has for his Father and for his followers:

Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved
by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them. (John 14:21, NIV)

Pronunciation: uh-GAH-pay

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