MANY THINGS CALLED LOVE AND THEY ARE NOT
Tuesday – July 22, 2025
Video link: https://youtu.be/u4m85Mp-jjo
Today we will continue our study of divine love, Godly love, love that only the three persons of God and the children are capable of expressing. This study will follow the basic outline of my book titled “Awake, Arise, and Triumph – Be Love”. Think of this as the amplified version and be attentive, receptive, to the additional things the Teacher may bring to our attention. Some may see it a little like the Amplified Bible compared to the King James Bible. The sunrise image for this study declares that it is time for the body of Christ to awake, arise, and walk in the triumph Christ bought and paid for at Calvary.
I hear a lot of discussion about love from the pulpit and the pew yet almost no one defines this love. I am of course talking about the English word love from the Greek words (agapē/ agapaō) which is Divine love. Does that Christian, even that Pastor know what they are saying when they say, “I love the Lord”. Often when that is said it is with emotional content and a look like one might have for a spouse, child, or grandchild. What does this love look like? If we apply the worlds definition and look, we will be in much error. This love we are discussing is divine Godly love possible only for God and His children. Ignorance of this love leads to much error.
At this time l will talk about some other words translated from the Greek to English as love. Also, let me make the following point as we prepare ourselves to examine these words. In the various relationships noted we are in no way relieved of our obligation to exercise agapē/agapaō. It is always agapē/agapaō plus. Let’s get back to our list of Greek words also translated to English as love.
- “phileō” which means to be a friend, G5368,
- “thelō which can be translated love but generally means willing, G2309,
- “philadelphia” meaning brotherly kindness, G5360,
- “philargyria” means avarice or love of money, G5365,
- “philandros” is love of a spouse, G5362,
- “philoteknos” is a love of one’s children, G5388,
- “philanthropia” is kindness to mankind, G5363, and
- “philandelphos” is a fondness for the brethren, G5361
“Phileō” G5368 translated as the English Word love 22 times means to be a friend, to approve of, to like, to have affection for, to kiss (translated as kiss 3 times), or to be fond of. The following Scriptures are two examples of this Greek word being translated to English as love.
Matthew 6:5 (KJV)
5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
In this case perhaps the word fond would have been a better choice by the translators.
1 Corinthians 16:22 (KJV)
22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
The Amplified version of the Bible is much clearer.
1 Corinthians 16:22 (AMP)
22 If anyone does not love the Lord [does not have a friendly affection for Him and is not kindly disposed toward Him], he shall be accursed! Our Lord will come! (Maranatha!)
Perhaps this is where we all start in our relationship with the Lord. Afterall the world has no knowledge of love without emotion, love on purpose, love with no expectation of reciprocation, and done in Blood Covenant with our Father God. Scripture is clear that love (agapē/agapaō) is what moves the Hand of God (coupled with faith).
Next let’s deal with the Greek word translated to English as “thelō“ which is Strong’s Number G2309. Thelō means to be willing, choose or prefer, determined, desirous of, be fond of doing, or to take delight in or have pleasure in.
Mark 12:38 (KJV)
38 And he said unto them in his doctrine, Beware of the scribes, which love to go in long clothing, and love salutations in the marketplaces,
It is clear this verse has nothing to do with the scribes acting in love (agapē/agapaō) but is about self, being noticed.
The third word on our list erroneously translated as love implying agapē/agapaō is Philadelphia, Strong’s Number G5360. This word appears six times in the New Testament and conveys the idea of affection towards another, treating another with kindness. This is distinct from agapē/agapaō as demonstrated by the following verse.
1 Peter 1:22 (KJV)
22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
The first appearance of the word love is the Greek word philadelphia and the second appearance of the English word love is the verb form of the very highest love, God level love, agapaō according to Strong’s Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary. Again, this is Divine love (agapē/ agapaō) plus, in this case Philadelphia.
TAKE HOME:
- Does that Christian, even that Pastor know what they are saying when they say, “I love the Lord”. Often when that is said it is with emotional content and a look like one might have for a spouse, child, or grandchild.
- First on our list is “Phileō” G5368 translated as the English Word love 22 times means to be a friend, to approve of, to like, to have affection for, to kiss (translated as kiss 3 times), or to be fond of.
- Second on our list is Thelō means to be willing, chose or prefer, determined, desirous of, be fond of doing, or to take delight in or have pleasure in.
- Third on our list is Philadelphia, Strong’s Number G5360. This word appears six times in the New Testament and conveys the idea of affection towards another, treating another with kindness.
Lord willing, I will resume right here tomorrow. Remember, we love you, the Lord loves you, and there is nothing you can do about either one.
By: Dr. David R. Wood, Bible Teacher, and Prophetic Voice
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