Ancient Greek · Greek
ἀγάπη
agapē
Nearest English gloss
love
What the gloss loses
“Love” in modern English is a crowded room: romance, preference, brand language, family, God. Agapē in 1 Corinthians 13 is described by what it does and refuses to do in a fractured community. The gloss makes it sound like a feeling you already have.
Etymology
Agapē is one of several Greek words later crowded under English “love.” It is not identical with ἔρως (eros, desire) or φιλία (philia, friendship). In the Septuagint it is used to translate Hebrew אהבה (ahavah). In Paul it becomes the name of a demanding practice toward others.
History
The King James “charity” tried to keep the public, ethical force and now sounds like a donation. “Love” recovered warmth and lost precision. With Love studies how people have tried to say what the heart means. This Guide asks what Love changes in a decision whose ending is unknown.
What becomes possible because another life matters?