How Does the Bible Define Love? | Biblical Meaning and Types of Love

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Love is one of the most profound and central themes in the Bible. It transcends the boundaries of emotion and is woven into the very fabric of the relationship between God and humanity. When we ask, “How does the Bible define love?” we are looking at a rich and layered concept that spans from the Old Testament to the New Testament, bringing with it different meanings, applications, and profound spiritual insights.

In this post, we’ll explore how the Bible defines love, diving into the different types of love found in Scripture, their meanings, and how they shape our relationship with God and others.

Be sure to download your free copy of our Love in the Bible study and reflection questions at the end of this post! 

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Discovering the Depth of Biblical Love

In today’s world, love is often depicted as a fleeting emotion or passion, something that changes based on circumstances. But how does the Bible define love? The Bible offers a deeper, more consistent understanding of love that is not solely based on feelings, but rooted in action, sacrifice, and covenant.

From Genesis to Revelation, love plays a pivotal role in God’s dealings with humanity and provides a model for how believers should relate to God and one another. Understanding biblical love helps us align our lives with God’s purpose and embrace the love He has demonstrated through Yeshua.

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Overview of Love in the Bible

Love in the Bible is foundational. The Torah commands love for God and neighbor as central to the life of faith. In Deuteronomy 6:5, the Shema teaches:

“Love Adonai your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

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This command encapsulates the essence of the covenant relationship between Israel and God. The New Testament affirms this in the teachings of Yeshua (Jesus), where love is emphasized as the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-39).

From the tender affection between friends, as seen in the friendship between David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:1), to the sacrificial love of God giving His only Son for the world (John 3:16), the Bible paints a rich and diverse portrait of love.

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Understanding Different Greek Words for Love in the Bible

One of the complexities in understanding love as defined by the Bible comes from the fact that there are different words used in both Hebrew and Greek that translate to “love” in English. In the Greek language, which the New Testament was written in, several words are used to describe various forms of love. Let’s explore these:

Agape: Unconditional Love

“Agape” refers to a love that is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. This type of love is often associated with the love that God has for humanity, as well as the love believers are called to have for others.

Agape is the love expressed in John 3:16, where God’s love leads Him to give His only Son, that “whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” Agape love is rooted in action rather than emotion, seeking the best for others without expecting anything in return.

In Jewish tradition, this form of love can be compared to chesed—a Hebrew word often translated as “loving-kindness” or “steadfast love.” Chesed reflects God’s covenantal loyalty to Israel, a love that endures even when the people stray from the covenant. Agape love, like chesed, is enduring, committed, and expresses God’s faithful character.

Phileo: Brotherly Love

“Phileo” refers to an affectionate, brotherly love, often felt between close friends or family members. This form of love is seen in relationships that involve mutual respect and care, such as the friendship between Yeshua and His disciples.

In John 15:13, Yeshua says:

“No one has greater love than this: that he lay down his life for his friends.”

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This reflects phileo love in its deepest sense, when friends are willing to make sacrifices for one another.

The Greek concept of phileo also mirrors the Hebrew term ahav (אָהַב), used to describe deep affection, as seen between Jonathan and David. Phileo expresses warmth and care that comes from shared experiences and companionship, a love that binds communities and believers together.

Eros: Romantic Love

“Eros” is passionate, romantic love. While this form of love is not explicitly mentioned in the New Testament, it is expressed through the Hebrew Scriptures, particularly in the poetic imagery of Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs).

The Hebrew language does not have a direct equivalent to the Greek word eros (ἔρως), but the same concept is seen in the word dodim (דּוֹדִים), which means “loves” or “beloved” (as in affectionate or intimate love), is often used in this context.

For example, in Song of Songs 1:2, it says:

“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth!
For your love is better than wine.”

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This expresses a form of passionate love similar to eros.

Song of Songs is filled with the celebration of physical and romantic love between a bride and groom, often understood in Jewish and Christian tradition as an allegory for the love between God and His people.

Eros, when experienced in its purest form within the covenant of marriage, reflects the deep, intimate bond that is both physical and spiritual. It reminds believers of the beauty of love in its fullest, embodied sense, within the boundaries of commitment and holiness.

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Jesus’ Teachings on Love

The teachings of Yeshua form the pinnacle of understanding how the Bible defines love. His commandments on love are clear: it is not just about sentiment but about action, sacrifice, and loyalty to both God and others.

The Two Greatest Commandments

When asked which commandment is the greatest, Yeshua responds by summarizing the Torah:

“And He said to him, “‘You shall love Adonai your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

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These two commandments form the core of what it means to follow God. Loving God is not simply a matter of ritual observance but a heart fully devoted to Him. Loving one’s neighbor reflects the commitment to live out this love in tangible ways, such as acts of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.

Sacrificial Love: “Greater Love Has No One Than This”

Yeshua’s ultimate act of love was His sacrifice on the cross. As we saw in John 15:13 earlier:

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

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This act of love is the perfect demonstration of agape—sacrificial, unconditional, and redemptive. His love sets the standard for believers, showing that love is not about self-fulfillment but about giving oneself for the sake of others.

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Covenantal Love and Torah

The Bible’s depiction of love is intricately tied to the concept of covenant. In the Torah, love is a key element of the covenantal relationship between God and His people Israel.

The Hebrew word for love, ahavah (אַהֲבָה), is frequently used to describe the mutual bond of love between God and Israel. This covenantal love is not merely a feeling but an enduring commitment rooted in faithfulness and obedience.

The V’ahavtah and the Shema

One of the most profound expressions of love in the Torah is found in the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). The Shema opens with the declaration of God’s oneness, followed by the command to love Him:

“V’ahavta et Adonai Elohecha b’chol levav’cha uv’chol nafsh’cha uv’chol me’odecha” (וְאָהַבְתָּ אֵת יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ בְּכָל־לְבָבְךָ וּבְכָל־נַפְשְׁךָ וּבְכָל־מְאֹדֶךָ), meaning “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.”

This command is part of the daily Jewish prayer tradition, stressing that love for God must permeate every aspect of life—thoughts, emotions, and actions. The v’ahavta calls for a love that is holistic and deeply integrated into the everyday life of a believer, reminding us that our relationship with God is not merely based on ritual but on heartfelt devotion.

Chesed: God’s Covenantal Love

As we saw earlier, the Hebrew word chesed (חֶסֶד) is often translated as “loving-kindness” or “steadfast love.” It describes God’s faithful love toward Israel and is a cornerstone of the covenant. This love is not based on Israel’s merit but on God’s enduring commitment to the covenant promises made to the patriarchs.

As seen in verses like Exodus 34:6-7, where God reveals His nature to Moses:

“Adonai, Adonai, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness” God’s love remains steadfast even when Israel is unfaithful.”

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Chesed is reflected in the divine expectation for believers to mirror this loyalty and kindness in their relationships with others. The prophet Micah captures this well in Micah 6:8, where God calls for His people to “act justly, love chesed, and walk humbly with your God.

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Old Testament vs. New Testament: How the Definition of Love Evolves

Love is a constant theme across both the Old and New Testaments, but its expression deepens and becomes clearer with the revelation of Yeshua. In the Old Testament, love is often portrayed in terms of God’s covenant with Israel.

God’s love is steadfast, even in the face of Israel’s unfaithfulness (Hosea 11:1-4). God’s relationship with His people is akin to a marriage covenant, as seen in the prophetic imagery of Hosea and Gomer, where God’s love endures despite Israel’s waywardness.

In the New Testament, the emphasis shifts toward the revelation of love through Yeshua. The love that Yeshua embodies is the fulfillment of the covenant love seen in the Old Testament. His sacrificial love is the ultimate demonstration of God’s chesed and faithfulness.

This sacrificial love transforms how we understand the relationship between God and humanity, bringing both Jews and Gentiles into the family of God through Yeshua.

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1 Corinthians 13: The Characteristics of Love

One of the most well-known passages on love is 1 Corinthians 13, often called the “Love Chapter.” This chapter describes love’s characteristics in a way that highlights its enduring nature. Love is patient, kind, not envious or boastful, not arrogant or rude (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

These attributes show that love, according to the Bible, is not merely a feeling but a set of actions and attitudes that reflect God’s character.

These characteristics serve as a guide for believers to embody love in their relationships with others, showing kindness, patience, and selflessness in all things. They also challenge us to reflect on how we can grow in our love, making it more like the love described in Scripture.

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Practical Applications: How to Live Out Biblical Love Today

Understanding how the Bible defines love should naturally lead to living out that love in practical ways. Biblical love is not passive; it demands action. From caring for the needy to forgiving those who have wronged us, love finds expression in everyday acts of kindness and justice.

Love Your Neighbor as Yourself: Practical Examples

Yeshua’s command to love our neighbors (Matthew 22:39) can be practiced in countless ways—by helping those in need, being patient with difficult people, and showing hospitality to strangers. Each act of love reflects God’s love for humanity.

Loving Through Obedience to God’s Commands

Another way to live out biblical love is through obedience to God’s commandments. As Yeshua says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Love and obedience go hand in hand. By living according to God’s Word, we demonstrate our love for Him and show others what His love looks like in action.

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The Theological Importance of Love in Christianity

Love is central to the theology of the Bible. 1 John 4:8 declares that “God is love.” This means that love is not just something God does, but it is who He is; it is an essential part of His nature. Love forms the basis for God’s relationship with humanity and His plan for redemption. As believers, love is the defining characteristic that reflects God’s nature and mission to the world.

How Does Love Fit into the Christian Life?

Love shapes every aspect of the Christian life, from how we relate to God to how we treat others. It is the foundation of discipleship, as love compels us to serve, forgive, and spread the message of the Gospel. By embodying biblical love, we fulfill God’s commandments and reflect His character to the world.

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Key Bible Verses on Love (With Commentary)

John 3:16 – God’s Love for the World Demonstrated Through Yeshua’s Sacrifice

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

This verse is one of the most powerful expressions of God’s love in the New Testament. It showcases agape love, which is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. God’s love is universal—He loved the whole world, not just a select group of people.

The depth of this love is demonstrated by the ultimate sacrifice: sending His Son, Yeshua, to redeem humanity and bring all nations on earth into covenant with Him. This love isn’t merely emotional; it is an act of will that led to action. God’s love involves giving, even at the greatest cost.

This verse also highlights the saving purpose of love: through Yeshua’s sacrifice, we gain eternal life.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – The Characteristics of Love

“Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not brag, it is not puffed up, it does not behave inappropriately, it does not seek its own way, it is not provoked, it keeps no account of wrong, it does not rejoice over injustice but rejoices in the truth; it bears all things,it believes all things, it hopes all things, it endures all things.”

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This passage is often referred to as the “Love Chapter” because it defines what love looks like in action. Love, as described here, is not just a feeling but a way of being and acting toward others. Each characteristic is an expression of agape love.

The emphasis on patience, kindness, humility, and forgiveness illustrates that love is active and is shown through deeds rather than just emotions. Love, according to Paul, is enduring and perseveres through difficult circumstances.

It protects, seeks truth, and ultimately reflects God’s unwavering love for His people. For believers, this passage serves as a blueprint for how we should strive to love others, both in our relationships and in our communities.

John 15:13 – No Greater Love Than Laying Down One’s Life for Friends

“No one has greater love than this: that he lay down his life for his friends.”

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Here, Yeshua emphasizes the sacrificial nature of love. This verse is often seen as a direct reference to His impending crucifixion, where He would lay down His life for the salvation of humanity.

This is the ultimate expression of agape love, a love that gives everything for the sake of others. Yeshua’s love is both a model and a calling for believers: we are to love others selflessly, even to the point of sacrifice. While most of us will not be called to literally give up our lives, we are called to live sacrificially, putting others’ needs before our own.

This kind of love transcends mere friendship and points to a deep commitment to the well-being of others, one that mirrors God’s love for us.

Romans 5:8 – God Demonstrates His love Through Yeshua’s Death for Us While We Were Still Sinners

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Messiah died for us.”

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This verse highlights the undeserved nature of God’s love. While humanity was still in rebellion, separated from God by sin, Yeshua’s death on the cross brought reconciliation. This is the heart of agape love: it is not contingent upon our actions or worthiness.

God’s love is proactive, moving toward us even when we are far from Him. The phrase “while we were still sinners” emphasizes that God’s love is unearned—it is a gift freely given. This passage reminds believers of God’s grace and calls us to reflect that same grace and love toward others, even when they may not “deserve” it.

1 John 4:18 – Perfect Love Casts Out Fear

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and the one who fears has not been made perfect in love.”

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This verse speaks to the freeing power of love. Agape love, as perfected in God, dispels fear, particularly the fear of judgment or punishment. When we fully embrace God’s love, we are no longer bound by the fear of rejection, failure, or divine wrath. This is because God’s love provides assurance of our acceptance and redemption.

Fear often arises from insecurity, but when we trust in God’s perfect love, we find peace and confidence. For believers, this verse is a call to trust in the sufficiency of God’s love and to allow it to transform our relationships with others, helping us love without fear of rejection or failure.

Deuteronomy 6:5 – Love the Lord your God With All Your Heart, Soul, and Strength (V’ahavtah)

“Love Adonai your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

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This verse is part of the Shema, a central declaration of Jewish faith that affirms the oneness of God and the call to love Him fully. The Hebrew word for love here is, once again, ahavah (אַהֲבָה), which, in this context, emphasizes covenantal loyalty.

The Shema highlights the holistic nature of love for God: it must encompass every part of our being—our heart (lev), soul (nefesh), and strength (me’od). This love is not limited to feelings but is expressed through obedience, worship, and daily life.

In the Jewish tradition, this commandment is recited daily, reinforcing the need to live a life fully devoted to God. For believers, it serves as a reminder that love for God is all-encompassing, demanding every part of our lives.

Micah 6:8 – Act Justly, Love Mercy (Chesed), and Walk Humbly With Your God

“He has told you, humanity, what is good,
and what Adonai is seeking from you:
Only to practice justice, to love mercy,
    and to walk humbly with your God.”

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This verse summarizes what God expects from His people, and chesed (חֶסֶד) plays a central role. Loving mercy means showing chesed to others, reflecting the steadfast and loving nature of God in our own actions.

Justice, mercy, and humility are interwoven, indicating that love must be expressed in both our personal character and our treatment of others. This verse is a powerful call to align our hearts with God’s nature by embracing justice, extending compassion, and maintaining a humble walk with Him.

Chesed here calls for kindness and loyalty in our relationships, both with God and with others, reflecting the faithful love that God has always shown to Israel.

Hosea 11:1-4 – God’s Steadfast Love for Israel Even in Their Unfaithfulness

““When Israel was a youth I loved him,
and out of Egypt I called My son.
² They called out to them
but they departed from their presence.
They kept sacrificing to the Baalim
    and burning incense up to idols.
³ Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk.
I took them on My arms.
But they never acknowledged
    that I had healed them.
⁴ With human cords I was drawing them,
with bonds of love,
and I became to them as One lifting a yoke from their jaws.
I bent down to them and fed them.”

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This passage from the prophet Hosea depicts the tender, fatherly love of God for Israel. Despite Israel’s frequent rebellion, God’s love remains steadfast. He recalls guiding and caring for Israel as a parent teaches a child to walk.

Chesed can be seen in God’s “cords of kindness,” representing His loving patience and care. Even when Israel turns away, God’s love doesn’t waver; instead, He continues to draw them back with compassion.

This passage reveals that God’s love is persistent and long suffering, enduring even in the face of unfaithfulness. For believers, this serves as a reminder of God’s unrelenting love for humanity and His desire for reconciliation, even when we stray from His ways.

Matthew 22:37-39 – Love God and Love Your Neighbor

“And He said to him,’You shall love Adonai your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  ³⁸ This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’’

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In this passage, Yeshua summarizes the entire Torah by pointing to two central commandments: loving God and loving others. The first command, to love God with all one’s being, echoes the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:5), emphasizing total devotion to God.

The second commandment, to love one’s neighbor as oneself, comes from Leviticus 19:18 and stresses the importance of treating others with the same care and respect we would want for ourselves. These two commandments encapsulate the essence of the Torah—love for God and love for others are inseparable and form the foundation of a life lived in obedience to God.

A famous story from the Talmud illustrates this concept. A prospective convert once approached the great sages Hillel and Shammai with a challenge. He asked them to teach him the entire Torah while he stood on one foot.

Shammai, a strict and legalistic teacher, dismissed the man, sending him away in frustration. But when the man went to Hillel with the same request, Hillel replied: “What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the whole Torah; the rest is commentary. Go and learn it.” (Shabbat 31a)

Hillel’s response echoes the heart of Leviticus 19:18, capturing the essence of Torah as love expressed through ethical behavior. His wisdom reminds us that the commandments about how we treat others are not separate from loving God, but are intrinsically connected.

Loving our neighbor as ourselves is a reflection of our love for God, and Hillel wisely points out that this principle is at the core of all the teachings of Torah. Just as Hillel encourages the convert to “go and learn,” believers today are called to live out this foundational commandment of love in every aspect of life.

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FAQ’s

What is the biblical meaning of loving your neighbor?
Loving your neighbor in the Bible goes beyond feelings of kindness; it calls for active compassion and ethical responsibility. Leviticus 19:18 commands us to treat others as we would want to be treated, which means prioritizing their well-being, showing forgiveness, and acting justly in every interaction. This command challenges believers to love without prejudice, extending care to friends, strangers, and even enemies, just as God shows grace to all.

How does the Bible view romantic love?
Although the Bible doesn’t directly address romantic love using a specific term like the Greek word eros, it does speak about the beauty and importance of romantic love within marriage, particularly in Song of Songs. This book celebrates the intimacy between a husband and wife, showing that romantic love, when expressed within the covenant of marriage, is a gift from God. Marriage is also seen as a reflection of God’s relationship with His people, a union marked by love, commitment, and mutual respect.

Why is love described as the greatest of the virtues in 1 Corinthians 13:13?
Paul emphasizes love as the greatest virtue because love is eternal and encompasses the fullness of God’s nature. While faith and hope are vital for our spiritual journey, they have a temporal role—faith will become sight, and hope will be fulfilled in eternity. However, love endures forever because it reflects God’s essence, and it is through love that believers fulfill all of God’s commandments (Romans 13:10). Love remains the highest expression of a life devoted to God and others.

How can we balance loving others with standing up for biblical truth?
The Bible calls believers to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). This means that love should never be sacrificed for the sake of truth, nor should truth be compromised in the name of love. True biblical love seeks the good of others, even when that means confronting sin or wrong behavior, but it must be done with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). Balancing love and truth requires wisdom, humility, and a commitment to act in a way that reflects both God’s justice and mercy.

What role does forgiveness play in biblical love?
Forgiveness is central to the Bible’s teaching on love. In passages like Matthew 18:21-22, Yeshua instructs believers to forgive not just once, but repeatedly, as an ongoing act of love. Forgiveness reflects God’s grace toward us, and as those who have been forgiven by God, we are called to extend that same grace to others. This kind of love is sacrificial, as it often requires us to let go of resentment and offer mercy, even when it is difficult.

How is love shown through obedience to God’s commandments?
Yeshua clearly states in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” Love for God is demonstrated through obedience to His Word, not out of legalistic duty, but out of a heartfelt desire to honor Him. Obedience reflects trust and devotion, showing that we align our lives with God’s will. When we follow God’s commandments, we actively live out our love for Him, which also leads to loving others according to His standards of justice, mercy, and compassion.

Why is it sometimes difficult to love our enemies, and how can we overcome that?
Loving our enemies is challenging because it goes against our natural inclinations for self-preservation and retaliation. However, Yeshua commands us in Matthew 5:44 to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” The ability to love our enemies comes through the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to respond with grace and mercy rather than revenge. Overcoming this challenge involves prayer, relying on God’s strength, and remembering the love Yeshua showed even toward those who rejected Him.

My Final Thoughts

Love, as defined by the Bible, goes far beyond emotions—it is an active, selfless commitment to God and others. Whether expressed through agape, phileo, or chesed, love is foundational to our relationship with God and shapes how we live out our faith daily. As we embrace God’s love, we are called to reflect it in our actions, creating communities that embody kindness, justice, and grace.

We’d love to hear from you! How has understanding biblical love impacted your life? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Also, don’t forget to join our Besorah Bible Study Facebook group to connect with others who are exploring God’s Word, and like and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more teachings and insights into the Scriptures. Let’s continue growing in love together!

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Tree of Life (TLV) – Scripture taken from the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version*. Copyright © 2014,2016 by the Tree of Life Bible Society.  Used by permission of the Tree of Life Bible Society.

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