UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: to love, to regard with affection, loving concern, love

Semantic entry: 25.43

Semantic domains: Attitudes and Emotions

Subdomains: Love, Affection, Compassion

Definition: to have love for someone or something, based on sincere appreciation and high regard

Notes: Though some persons have tried to assign certain significant differences of meaning between ἀγαπάω[a], ἀγάπη[a] and φιλέω[a], φιλία (25.33: φιλέω / 25.33: φιλία), it does not seem possible to insist upon a contrast of meaning in any and all contexts. For example, the usage in OET JHN 21:15–17 seems to reflect simply a rhetorical alternation designed to avoid undue repetition. There is, however, one significant clue to possible meaningful differences in at least some contexts, namely, the fact that people are never commanded to love one another with φιλέω or φιλία, but only with ἀγαπάω and ἀγάπη. Though the meanings of these terms overlap considerably in many contexts, there are probably some significant differences in certain contexts; that is to say, φιλέω and φιλία are likely to focus upon love or affection based upon interpersonal association, while ἀγαπάω and ἀγάπη focus upon love and affection based on deep appreciation and high regard. On the basis of this type of distinction, one can understand some of the reasons for the use of ἀγαπάω and ἀγάπη in commands to Christians to love one another. It would, however, be quite wrong to assume that φιλέω and φιλία refer only to human love, while ἀγαπάω and ἀγάπη refer to divine love. Both sets of terms are used for the total range of loving relations between people, between people and God, and between God and Jesus Christ.

Sense 2: to show one’s love, to demonstrate one’s love

Semantic entry: 25.44

Semantic domains: Attitudes and Emotions

Subdomains: Love, Affection, Compassion

Definition: to demonstrate or show one’s love

Sense 3: to love to, to like to, to take pleasure in

Semantic entry: 25.104

Semantic domains: Attitudes and Emotions

Subdomains: Enjoy, Take Pleasure In, Be Fond of Doing

Definition: to like or love something on the basis of a high regard for its value or importance