Agapē (IPA: [ɑˈgɑ.pε] or IPA: [ˈɑgɑˌpε]) (Gk. αγάπη [aˈɣa.pi]), is one of several Greek words translated into English as love. The word has been used in different ways by a variety of contemporary and ancient sources, including Biblical authors. Many have thought that this word represents divine, unconditional, self-sacrificing, active, volitional, and thoughtful love. Greek philosophers at the time of Plato and other ancient authors have used forms of the word to denote love of a spouse or family, or affection for a particular activity, in contrast to philia—an affection that could denote either brotherhood or generally non-sexual affection, and eros, an affection of a sexual nature, usually between two unequal partners. The term agape is rarely used in ancient manuscripts, but was used by the early Christians to refer to the self-sacrificing love of God for humanity, which they were committed to reciprocating and practicing towards God and among one another. Articles with similar titles include the NATO phonetic alphabet, which has also informally been called the “International Phonetic Alphabet”. For information on how to read IPA transcriptions of English words, see IPA chart for English. ... Articles with similar titles include the NATO phonetic alphabet, which has also informally been called the “International Phonetic Alphabet”. For information on how to read IPA transcriptions of English words, see IPA chart for English. ... Greek ( IPA: or IPA: — Hellenic) is an Indo-European language with a documented history of 3,500 years, the longest of any single language in that language family. ... There are a number of different Greek words for love, as the Greek language distinguishes how the word is used. ... This Gutenberg Bible is displayed by the United States Library of Congress. ... Love is any of a number of emotions and experiences related to a sense of strong affection or profound oneness. ... PLATO was one of the first generalized Computer assisted instruction systems, originally built by the University of Illinois (U of I) and later taken over by Control Data Corporation (CDC), who provided the machines it ran on. ... A philia is the love or obsession with a particular thing or subject. ... Eros is the Greek word for (especially) romantic or sexual love. ... Christianity percentage by country, purple is highest, orange is lowest Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Important figures Apostle Paul · Church Fathers Constantine · Athanasius · Augustine Anselm · Aquinas · Palamas · Wycliffe Tyndale · Luther · Calvin · Wesley Arius · Marcion of Sinope Pope · Archbishop of Canterbury Patriarch... This article discusses the term God in the context of monotheism and henotheism. ...

Agape has been expounded on by many Christian writers in a specifically Christian context. Thomas Jay Oord has defined agape as "an intentional response to promote well-being when responding to that which has generated ill-being." Thomas Jay Oord (b. ...

Ancient usage

Agape as a term for love or affection is rarely used in ancient manuscripts. According to Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (Love definition) the word is believed to have been coined by the Bible authors from the verb agapao.

A title of the goddess Isis was agape theon, or "beloved/darling of the gods," denoting her role as a fertility goddess and her pairing as a partner with multiple gods. While this pairing was often sexual in nature, the term "agape" implied a genuine affection and love for the goddess. Isis is a goddess in Egyptian mythology. ...

Although some sources claim Agape appears in the Odyssey twice, the word is in fact not used. Instead, two forms of the word agape may be found: agapêton and agapazomenoi. Beginning of the Odyssey The Odyssey (Greek Οδύσσεια (Odússeia) ) is one of the two major ancient Greek epic poems attributed to the Ionian poet Homer. ...

Agapêton is found in Book 5 of the Odyssey and means "beloved" or "well-loved". Agapazomenoi is found in books 7 and 17 of the Odyssey and means “to treat with affection”. Beginning of the Odyssey The Odyssey (Greek Οδύσσεια (Odússeia) ) is one of the two major ancient Greek epic poems attributed to the Ionian poet Homer. ... Beginning of the Odyssey The Odyssey (Greek Οδύσσεια (Odússeia) ) is one of the two major ancient Greek epic poems attributed to the Ionian poet Homer. ...

Agape and the verb agapao are used extensively in the Septuagint as the translation of the common Hebrew term for love which is used to denote sexual desire, affection for spouse and children, brotherly love, and God's love for humanity. It is uncertain why agape was chosen, but similarity of consonant sounds (aḥaba) may have played a part. It is not impossible that the Greek concept even originated as a transliteration from some Semitic tongue. This usage provides the context for the choice of this otherwise obscure word, in preference to other more common Greek words, as the most frequently used word for love in Christian writings. The Septuagint: A page from Codex vaticanus, the basis of Sir Lancelot Charles Lee Brentons English translation. ... Transliteration is the practice of transcribing a word or text written in one writing system into another writing system. ...

Agape in Christianity

See also: 1 Corinthians 13

Agape received a broader usage under later Christian writers as the word that specifically denoted "Christian" love or "charity" (1Corinthians 13:1–8), or even God himself (1John 4:8, Theos ein agape, "God is Love"). The New Testament provides a number of definitions and examples of agape that generally expand on the meanings used in ancient texts, denoting brotherly love, love of one's spouse or children, and the love of God for all people. 1 Corinthians: 13 is the thirteenth chapter of the First Epistle to the Corinthians. ... Allegorical personification of Charity as a mother with three infants by Anthony van Dyck // The word charity entered the English language through the O.Fr word charite which was derived from the Latin caritas.[1] In Christian theology charity, or love (agapÄ“), is the greatest of the three theological virtues... John 21:1 Jesus Appears to His Disciples--Alessandro Mantovani: the Vatican, Rome. ...

The Christian usage of the term agape comes directly from the canonical Gospels' account of the teachings of Jesus. When asked what was the greatest commandment, Jesus said, "'Love (agapao) the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love (agapao) your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." (Matthew 22:37-41) This article is about Jesus of Nazareth. ...

At the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said: The Sermon on the Mount was, according to the Gospel of Matthew 5-7, a particular sermon given by Jesus of Nazareth (estimated around AD 30) on a mountainside to his disciples and a large crowd. ...

You have heard that it was said, 'Love (agapao) your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love (agapao) your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?

Christian writers have generally described agape, as expounded on by Jesus, as a form of love which is both unconditional and voluntary; that is, it is non-discriminating, has no pre-conditions, and is something that one decides to do. Saint Paul described love as follows: "Love (agape) is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails" (1Corinthians 13:4-8a). Tertullian, in his 2nd century defense of Christians remarks how Christian love attracted pagan notice: "What marks us in the eyes of our enemies is our loving kindness. 'Only look,' they say, 'look how they love one another'" (Apology 39). Paul of Tarsus (b. ... Quintus Septimius Florens Tertullianus, anglicised as Tertullian, (ca. ...

In the New Testament the noun Agape is always used to describe a Godly type of love. However, the verb form Agapao is at times used in a negative sense:

• 2Timothy 4:10 "…for Demas has forsaken me, having loved [agapao] this present world…."
• John 12:43 "for they loved [agapao] the praise of men more than the praise from God."
• John 3:19 "but men loved [agapao] darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil."

Agape as a meal

The word agape in its plural form is used in the New Testament to describe a meal or feast eaten by early Christians, as in Jude 1:12, and 2nd Peter 2:13. It is sometimes believed to be either related to the Eucharist, or another term used for the Eucharist. The brief Epistle of Jude is a book in the Christian New Testament canon. ... The Second Epistle of Peter is a book of the New Testament of the Bible. ... For other uses, see Eucharist (disambiguation). ...

See also: Agape feast

The Agape feast was one term used for the Eucharistic celebration of the early Christians. ...

Popular references

• Agape is used in the 1983 R&B song Unconditional Love by Donna Summer featuring Musical Youth

• A Japanese song named "Agape" created for anime UFO Princess Valkyrie by Okazaki Ritsuko

• A trans-denominational spiritual center in Culver City, California, whose founder, Michael Bernard Beckwith was featured in "The Secret"

See also: 1983 in music (UK) Musical groups established in 1983 Record labels established in 1983 1980s in music // Michael Jacksons Thriller, the most successful album not only of 1983, but of all time, was released in 1982 and began its epic domination of the music charts the following... Unconditional Love is a Reggae-Themed track from the Donna Summer album She Works Hard for the Money; the song features the London-based Reggae children vocalists, Musical Youth. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... Musical Youth formed in 1979 at Duddeston Manor School, Birmingham, England. ... UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie (円盤皇女ワるきゅーレ Enban Oujo Valkyrie) is a also known as UFO Princess Valkyrie. ... Okazaki Ritsuko (岡崎 律子, 29 December 1959–5 May 2004) was a Japanese singer-songwriter and author, known for her contribution to various anime series such as Fruits Basket. ...

References

• Lewis, C.S. The Four Loves, Fount ISBN 0-00-628089-7