What are the 4 Types of Love in the Bible?

The Bible explains that one must explore different types of Love as humans crave it from the moment of existence till the death. Love defines a passion with immensely contrary degrees of power.

There are 4 different types of love in the Bible i.e.

Agape
Eros
Philia
Storge

4 Different Types of Love in the Bible

The 4 Greek words are used to explain the different forms of love found in the Bible.

Here we have discussed these different types of love in the Bible that are characterized by God’s love for mankind, Sensual or Romantic Love, Brotherly Love that unites believers and the familial love.

As we do, we’ll learn what it truly means to fall in love, and how to follow Jesus Christ’s command to “love one another.”

What Is Agape Love in the Bible?

Agape love is flawless, absolute, sacrificial, and the purest form of love that defines God’s infinite, unparalleled love for humanity. It is the highest types of love in the Bible that is pronounced as Uh-GAH-pay.

It is the heavenly love that comes directly from the creator like the one Jesus Christ demonstrated to the entire humanity while he lived and even after his death.

Following his renaissance, Jesus asked the supporter Peter if he loved him (agape).

To this is devotee Peter replied 3 times that yes he did and he named it as phileo or the brotherly love.

But after Pentecost, Peter was so full of God’s love that he spoke from his heart and 3,000 people were converted.

The love of Jesus towards his father is also visible via his obedience and respect for him, this could be understood by the following verses i.e.

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)

I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. (John 17:23, ESV)

Example of Agape: Types of Love in the Bible

Jesus Christ sacrificed his entire life in agape love for the sins of the entire humanity on earth.

What Is Eros Love in the Bible?

Eros love is originated from the mythical Greek god of love, sensual wish, bodily lure, and physical love, Eros, whose Roman equivalent was Cupid.

It is a greek word which is pronounced as AIR-ohs.

When believer Paul was on his mission to establish churches in the eastern Mediterranean places, he had to face strong opposition from Promiscuity of all types as it was widespread across the entire Greek culture.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul advises young supporters against acceding to sin.

Even though the Old Testament has no mention of the Greek word Eros, yet the portrayal of the erotic passionate love is vivid in the Song of Solomon.

Here is how it goes:

Oh, that he would kiss me with the kisses of his mouth! For your love is more delightful than wine. The fragrance of your perfume is intoxicating; your name is perfume poured out. No wonder young women adore you. Take me with you—let us hurry. Oh, that the king would bring me to his chambers. (Song of Solomon 1:2–4, HCSB)

The Bible’s ban of sex external of marriage essentially bounds erotic love to wedded couples.

The Bible affirms sexuality as a critical aspect of human existence and therefore scholars relate Eros love to the honour of God’s commands i.e.

Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her?

For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:15–20, ESV)

What Is Philia Love in the Bible?

Philia is the most intimate love among all the 4 types of love in the Bible, which is widely practised by the majority of the Christians across the globe.

This Greek term describes the influential passionate bond seen in deep attachments.

Philia is also called General Love in Scripture that promotes us to love our fellow humans, be respectful, care for others and be compassionate to help others.

This is a very unique concept to Christianity as it also promotes brotherly love among us.

Jesus said Philia would be an identifier of his supporters: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” (John 13:35, NIV)

Christians firmly believe that the world is one family and Lord Jesus Christ is their true father. This has been explained by four different types of love in the Bible.

This unique appearance of love must be so gorgeous that it draws others into the family of God:

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this, all people will know that you are my disciples if you have a love for one another.” (John 13:34–35, ESV)

What Is Storge Love in the Bible?

Storge promotes family love among the different types of love in the Bible which describes the affectionate bond that develops between different family members like the children, parents, sisters’ and brothers.

The Greek word is pronounced as STOR-jay and most of the Christians are not very well familiar with the appearance of such types of love in the Bible.

A stimulating complex word using Storge, “philostorgos,” is found in Romans 12:10, which orders devotees to “be devoted” to one another with sympathetic care.

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

Honour 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)

Example of Storge: Types of Love in the Bible

If you look at the scripture explaining the mutual protection among Noah and his beloved, the love of Jacob with his sons, and the solid love the sisters Martha and Mary had for their brother Lazarus, all are great examples of family love or Storge.

Video: Four Types of Love in the Bible

Conclusion

Fascinatingly, there are many different types of love in the Bible when you scroll through the pages carefully. The novel idioms contain some hints and exact words that connect specific meanings linked to that feeling.

Unluckily, our modern English conversions of those Scriptures usually boil the whole lot down to the same word: “love.” The 4 Greek words that explain the different types of love are Agape, Storge, Phileo, and Eros.