Greek words for LOVE
There
are several Greek words for love,
as the Greek language distinguishes how the word is used. Ancient Greek
has four distinct words for love:
agápe, éros, philía, and storgē.
However, as with other languages, it has been historically difficult to
separate the meanings of these words. Nonetheless, the senses in which these
words were generally used are given below.
- Agápe (ἀγάπη
agápē[1]) means
"love" (brotherly love) in modern day Greek, such as in the term
s'agapo (Σ'αγαπώ),
which means "I love you". In Ancient Greek, it often refers to a
general affection or deeper sense of "true love" rather than the
attraction suggested by "eros". Agape is used in
the biblical passage known as the "love chapter", 1 Corinthians
13, and is described there and throughout the New Testament as sacrificial
love. Agape is also used in ancient texts to denote feelings for a
good meal, one's children, and the feelings for a spouse. It can be
described as the feeling of being content or holding one in high regard.
- Éros (ἔρως
érōs[2]) is passionate
love, with sensual desire and longing. The Modern Greek word "erotas"
means "intimate love;" however, eros does not have to be
sexual in nature. Eros can be interpreted as a love for someone
whom you love more than the philia, love of friendship. It can also
apply to dating relationships as well as marriage. Plato
refined his own definition: Although eros is initially felt for a
person, with contemplation it becomes an appreciation of the beauty within
that person, or even becomes appreciation of beauty itself. Plato does not
talk of physical attraction as a necessary part of love, hence the use of
the word platonic to mean, "without physical
attraction." Plato also said eros helps the soul
recall knowledge of beauty, and contributes to an understanding of
spiritual truth. Lovers and philosophers are all inspired to seek truth by
eros. The most famous ancient work on the subject of eros is
Plato's Symposium,
which is a discussion among the students of Socrates
on the nature of eros.
- Philia
(φιλία philía[3]) means friendship in modern Greek.
It is a dispassionate virtuous love, a concept developed by Aristotle.
It includes loyalty to friends, family, and community, and requires
virtue, equality and familiarity. In ancient texts, philos denoted
a general type of love, used for love between family, between friends, a
desire or enjoyment of an activity, as well as between lovers.
- Storge
(στοργή storgē[4]) means "affection" in
ancient and modern Greek. It is natural affection, like that felt by
parents for offspring. Rarely used in ancient works, and then almost
exclusively as a descriptor of relationships within the family. It is also
known to express mere acceptance or putting up with situations, as in
"loving" the tyrant.
