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by: ZigfredDiaz
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Word Count: 397

As the world celebrates Valentines Day today, love no doubt fills the air. It is but fitting that we talk about this word love in the days to come. Let is therefore explore the meaning and the depth of the word itself and in order to fully understand it we have to go to the source of love which is God himself as expressed in his Word.

Ancient Greek was used to write the New Testament. Unlike the English language wherein we only have one word for love, the ancient Greeks have 5 different words for love. In order to understand a word in the English language you have to get the context within which the word is expressed. But in New Testament Greek or "koine Greek" the word itself conveys the full meaning. For example, in English when we say we love our dog, we love our country, we love our parents and we love our wife, of course we are not referring to the same kind of love. However in Koine greek, there are different words for the word love and it is used for different purposes.

Undoubtedly, English is the "lingua franca" of the world. However I believe the ancient Greeks did a much more better job of expressing the word love than the way we do it in English.

1.) Agape - This refers to a "pure" and "ideal" type of love. Often used to refer to the love of God or "such love that is willing to sacrifice one's life for another person." The single word "Agapo" itself could be used to say "I love you".

2.) Eros - Is being use to refer to "passionate love", or "sensual desire and longing." This kind of love is often used for romantic relationships.

3.) Philia - Commonly known as "brotherly love" This concept of "virtuous love", was developed by Aristotle. This is the "love" felt for family, friends and the community as a whole.

4.) Storge - Known as natural affection. This is the kind of love a child feels for his or her 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 don't you suppose that the Greeks did a better job of expressing what "Love" means than we do in the English ?

About the Author

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, financial management, investments, as well as other informative topics Why don't you visit his blog today ?

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