Agape (/ɑːˈɡɑːpeɪ,ˈɑːɡəˌpeɪ,ˈæɡə-/;[1] from Ancient Greek ἀγάπη (agápē)) is "the highest form oflove,charity" and "the love of God for [human beings] and of [human beings] for God".[2] This is in contrast tophilia, brotherly love, orphilautia, self-love, as it embraces a profound sacrificial love that transcends and persists regardless of circumstance.
The verb form goes as far back asHomer, translated literally asaffection, as in "greet with affection" and "show affection for the dead".[2] 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 toeros (an affection of a sexual nature).
In theNew Testament,agape refers to the covenant love of God for humans, as well as the human reciprocal love for God; the term necessarily extends to the love of one's fellow human beings.[3] Some contemporary writers have sought to extend the use ofagape into non-religious contexts.[4]
The concept ofagape has been widely examined within its Christian context.[5] It has also been considered in the contexts of other religions,[6]religious ethics,[7] and science.[8]
Liddell–Scott–Jones (LSJ) Lexicon lists many instances of the wordagape in polytheistic Greek literature. Three basic descriptions appear: (1) "greet with affection," (2) to be fond of, prize, desire," and (3) "to be well pleased, contented."LSJ Also,Bauer's Lexicon mentions a sepulchral inscription, most likely to honor a polytheistic army officer held in "high esteem" by his country.[9]
The wordagape received a broader usage under later Christian writers as the word that specifically denoted Christian love orcharity (1 Corinthians 13:1–8), or evenGod himself. The expression "God is love" (ὁ θεὸς ἀγάπη ἐστίν) occurs twice in theNew Testament:1 John4:8;16.Agape was also 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 (seekenosis). This understanding is built upon the foundational Hebrew concept ofchesed, or the loving kindness of God, which is taught throughout theOld Testament.
Agape has been expounded by many Christian writers in a specifically Christian context.C. S. Lewis usesagape inThe Four Loves to describe what he believes is the highest variety of love known to humanity: a selfless love that is passionately committed to the well-being of others.[10]
The Christian use of the term comes directly from the canonicalGospels' accounts of the teachings ofJesus. When asked what was thegreat commandment, "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the secondis like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matthew 22:37–40) InJudaism, the first "love the LORD thy God" is part of theShema (Deuteronomy 6:5), while the second "love thy neighbour as thyself" is a commandment fromLeviticus 19:18.
In theSermon on the Mount, Jesus said:
You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love (agapēseis) your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love (agapāte) your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you?
Tertullian remarks in his 2nd century defense of Christians that 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).
Anglican theologianO. C. Quick writes thatagape within human experience is "a very partial and rudimentary realization," and that "in its pure form it is essentially divine."
If we could imagine the love of one who loves men purely for their own sake, and not because of any need or desire of his own, purely desires their good, and yet loves them wholly, not for what at this moment they are, but for what he knows he can make of them because he made them, then we should have in our minds some true image of the love of the Father and Creator of mankind.[11]
In theNew Testament, the wordagape is often used to describe God's love. However, other forms of the word are used in an accusatory context, such as the various forms of the verbagapaō. Examples include:
Karl Barth distinguishesagape fromeros on the basis of its origin and depth of devotion without want. Withagape, humanity does not merely express its nature, but transcends it.Agape identifies with the interests of the neighbor "in utter independence of the question of his attractiveness" and with no expectation of reciprocity.[12]
The wordagape is used in its plural form (agapai) in the New Testament to describe a meal or feast eaten by early Christians, as inJude1:12 and2nd Peter2:13. Theagape love feast is still observed by many Christian denominations today, especially amongBrethren and other Plain,Anabaptist churches. For example, among theOld Order River Brethren andOld Brethren, a weekend is still set aside twice a year for special meetings, self examination and a communal Love Feast as part of their three-part Communion observance.
InThelema, anew religious movement developed byAleister Crowley in the early 20th century, the termagape holds significant importance. Derived from Greek, agape traditionally denotes a selfless, unconditional love. In Thelemic practice, agape represents the highest form of love and is often associated withTrue Will and the central tenet of the religion: "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law. Love is the law, love under will." Within this context, agape is seen as the expression of one's divine will and the harmony of individual purpose with universal love. It encompasses both love for others and the self, transcending personal desires and attachments. In Thelemic rituals, the term is invoked to cultivate a sense of unity, compassion, and spiritual connection among practitioners.[13]
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