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25 ~ἀγαπάω~ agapao \@ag-ap-ah’-o\@ perhaps from agan (much) [or cf 05689 ^בגע^]; v AV-love 135, beloved 7; 142

1) \@to love,\@ to feel and exhibit esteem and goodwill to a person, to prize and delight in a thing.

1a) Of human affection

1a1) to men {#Mt 5:43,44}

1a2) to Christ {#Joh 8:42}

1a3) to God {#Mt 22:37}

1a4) to things {#Lu 11:43 Joh 12:43 Eph 5:25 2Ti 4:8,10 Heb 1:9 1Pe 2:17 3:10 2Pe 2:15 1Jo 2:15 Re 12:11}

1b) Of divine love

1b1) God’s love:

1b1a) to men {#Ro 8:37}

1b1b) to Christ {#Joh 3:35}

1b2) Christ’s love:

1b2a) to men {#Mr 10:21}

1b2b) to God {#Joh 14:31 17:26 Eph 2:4}

• Syn: ~φιλέω~ 5368, From its supposed etymology ~ἀγαπάω~ is commonly understood properly to denote love based on esteem ( diligo), as distinct from that expressed by ~φιλέω~ ( amo), spontaneous natural affection, emotional and unreasoning. If this distinction holds, ~ἀγαπάω~ is fitly used in NT of Christians love to God and man, the spiritual affection which follows the direction of the will, and which, therefore, unlike that feeling which is instictively and unreasoning, can be commended as a duty. For Synonyms see entry 5914