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Greek words for love
(From Wikipedia)There are a number of different Greek words for love, as the Greek language distinguishes several different senses in which the word "love" is used. For example, Ancient Greek used the words philia, eros, agape, storge, and xenia to refer to different aspects of love. However, as with many other languages, it has been historically difficult to separate the meanings of these words totally. For example, the Greek of the Christian New Testament has examples of the verb "agapo" being used with the same meaning as "phileo".[citation needed] Nonetheless, the senses in which these words were generally used are given below. The first four words have also been discussed from a Christian perspective in the The Four Loves by C. S. Lewis.
- Agapē (ἀγάπη agápē) means "love" in modern day Greek. The term s'agapo means "I love you" in Greek. The word "agapo" is the verb "I love". In Ancient Greek it generally refers to a "pure", ideal type of love rather than the physical attraction suggested by "eros". For example, in the New Testament this is the verb used to describe God's love for humanity. However, there are also some examples of "agape" used to mean the same as "eros". It has also been translated as "love of the soul".
- Eros (ἔρως érōs) is passionate love, with sensual desire and longing. The Modern Greek word "erotas" means "(romantic) love". Plato refined his own definition. Although eros is initially felt for a person, with contemplation it becomes an appreciation of the beauty within that person, or even becomes appreciation of beauty itself. Eros helps the soul recall knowledge of beauty, and contributes to an understanding of spiritual truth. Lovers and philosophers are all inspired to seek truth by eros. Some translations list it as "love of the body".
- Philia (φιλία philía), means friendship in modern Greek, a dispassionate virtuous love, was a concept developed by Aristotle. It includes loyalty to friends, family, and community, and requires virtue, equality and familiarity.
- Storge (στοργή storgē) means affection in modern Greek; it is natural affection, like that felt by parents for offspring.
- Xenia (ξενία xenía), means hospitality in modern Greek and was an extremely important practice in ancient Greece. It was an almost ritualized friendship formed between a host and their guest, who could previously be strangers. The host fed and provided quarters for the guest, who was only expected to repay with gratitude. The importance of this can be seen throughout Greek mythology, in particular Homer's Iliad and Odyssey.
