Greek words for love
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There are a number of different Greek words for love, as the Greek language distinguishes several different senses in which the word "love" is used. For example, Ancient Greek used the words philia, eros, agape, and storge to refer to different aspects of love. However, as with many other languages, it has been historically difficult to separate the meanings of these words totally. Nonetheless, the senses in which these words were generally used are given below. The first four words have also been discussed from a Christian perspective in the The Four Loves by C. S. Lewis.
- Agapē (ἀγάπη agápē) means "love" in modern day Greek. The term s'agapo means "I love you" in Greek. The word "agapo" is the verb "I love". In Ancient Greek it often refers to a general affection or concern, rather than the physical attraction suggested by "eros";agape is used in ancient texts to denote one's feeling for a good meal, one's children, and the feelings one has for a spouse. However there are a large number of exceptions in non-Christian writing where the term is used in a context where it means lust. The verb appears in the New Testament describing, amongst other things, the relationship between Jesus and the beloved disciple. Many Christian scholars have consequently argued that the verb's use in the New Testament is simply to describe God's love for humanity, while other scholars have argued that it has more romantic connotations.
- Eros (ἔρως érōs) is passionate love, with sensual desire and longing. The Modern Greek word "erotas" means "(romantic) love". 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. It should be noted Plato does not talk of physical atraction as a necessary part of love, hence the use of the word platonic to mean, "without physical atraction". 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), means friendship in modern Greek, a dispassionate virtuous love, was a concept developed by Aristotle. It includes loyalty to friends, family, and community, and requires virtue, equality and familiarity. In ancient texts, philia 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) means affection in 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.
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