King James Bible Dictionary

This word seems to require explanation only in the case of its use by our Lord in his interview with "Simon, the son of Jonas," after his resurrection (John 21:16, 17). When our Lord says, "Lovest thou me?" he uses the Greek word agapas; and when Simon answers, he uses the Greek word philo, i.e., "I love." This is the usage in the first and second questions put by our Lord; but in the third our Lord uses Simon's word. The distinction between these two Greek words is thus fitly described by Trench:, "Agapan has more of judgment and deliberate choice; philein has more of attachment and peculiar personal affection. Thus the Lovest thou' (Gr. agapas) on the lips of the Lord seems to Peter at this moment too cold a word, as though his Lord were keeping him at a distance, or at least not inviting him to draw near, as in the passionate yearning of his heart he desired now to do. Therefore he puts by the word and substitutes his own stronger I love' (Gr. philo) in its room. A second time he does the same. And now he has conquered; for when the Lord demands a third time whether he loves him, he does it in the word which alone will satisfy Peter (Lovest thou,' Gr. phileis), which alone claims from him that personal attachment and affection with which indeed he knows that his heart is full."

In 1 Corinthians 13 the apostle sets forth the excellency of love, as the word "charity" there is rendered in the Revised Version.

Of children for parents
Children

Of God
God, Love of

Of man for God
Exodus 20:6; Deuteronomy 5:10; Deuteronomy 6:5; Deuteronomy 7:9; Deuteronomy 10:12; Deuteronomy 11:1; Deuteronomy 13:3; Deuteronomy 30:6; Deuteronomy 30:16; Deuteronomy 30:20; Joshua 22:5; Deuteronomy 11:13; Deuteronomy 11:22; Joshua 23:11; Psalms 18:1; Psalms 31:23; Psalms 37:4; Psalms 45:10-11; Psalms 63:5-6; Psalms 69:35-36; Psalms 73:25-26; Psalms 91:14; Psalms 97:10; Psalms 116:1; Psalms 145:20; Proverbs 8:17; Proverbs 23:26; Isaiah 56:6-7; Jeremiah 2:2-3; Mark 12:29-30; Mark 12:32-33; Matthew 22:37-38; Luke 11:42; John 5:42; Romans 5:5; Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 8:3; Philippians 1:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:7; 1 John 2:5; 1 John 2:15; 1 John 3:17-18; 1 John 4:12; 1 John 4:16-21; 1 John 5:1-3; 2 John 1:6; Jude 1:21

Of man for Jesus

General references
Matthew 10:37-38; Matthew 25:34-40; Matthew 27:55-61; Mark 9:41; Luke 2:29-30; Luke 7:47; John 8:42; John 14:15; John 14:21; John 14:23; John 14:28; John 15:9; John 16:27; John 17:26; John 21:17; Acts 21:13; 1 Corinthians 16:22; 2 Corinthians 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:6; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Galatians 5:6; Galatians 5:22; Galatians 6:14; Ephesians 3:17-19; Ephesians 4:15; Ephesians 6:24; Philippians 1:9; Philippians 1:23; Philippians 1:20-21; Philippians 3:7-8; Colossians 1:8; 2 Thessalonians 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 4:8; Philippians 1:5; Hebrews 6:10; James 1:12; James 2:5; 1 Peter 1:8; 1 Peter 2:7; Revelation 2:4

Instances of love for Jesus:

Mary
Matthew 26:6-13; John 12:3-8; Luke 10:39

Peter
Matthew 17:4; John 13:37; John 18:10; John 20:3-6; John 21:7

Thomas
John 11:16

The disciples
Mark 16:10; Luke 24:17-41; John 20:20

Mary Magdalene and other disciples
Matthew 27:55-56; Matthew 27:61; Matthew 28:1-9; Luke 8:2-3; Luke 23:27; Luke 23:55-56; Luke 24:1-10; John 20:1-2; John 20:11-18

A man of Gadara out of whom Jesus cast an evil spirit
Mark 5:18

Joseph of Arimathaea
Matthew 27:57-60

Nicodemus
John 19:39-40

Women of Jerusalem
Luke 23:27

Of man for man

General references
Leviticus 19:18; Leviticus 19:34; Deuteronomy 10:19; Psalms 133:1-3; Proverbs 10:12; Proverbs 15:17; Proverbs 17:9; Proverbs 17:17; Song of Solomon 8:6-7; Matthew 5:41-47; Matthew 10:41-42; Matthew 19:19; Galatians 5:14; Matthew 25:34-40; Mark 9:41; Mark 12:30-33; Luke 6:31-35; Matthew 7:12; Luke 10:30-37; John 13:14-15; John 13:34-35; John 15:12-13; John 15:17; Romans 12:9-10; Romans 13:8-10; 1 Corinthians 8:1; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; 1 Corinthians 14:1; 1 Corinthians 16:14; 2 Corinthians 8:7-8; Galatians 5:13; Galatians 5:22; Galatians 5:26; Ephesians 5:2; Philippians 1:9; Philippians 2:2; Colossians 2:2; Colossians 3:12-14; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:9; 1 Timothy 1:5; 1 Timothy 1:14; 1 Timothy 2:15; 1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Timothy 6:2; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22; Titus 3:15; Philippians 1:12; Philippians 1:16; Hebrews 10:24; James 2:8; 1 Peter 1:22; 1 Peter 2:17; 1 Peter 3:8-9; 1 Peter 4:8; 2 Peter 1:7; 1 John 2:9-11; 1 John 3:11; 1 John 3:14; 1 John 3:16-19; 1 John 3:23; 1 John 4:7; 1 John 4:11-12; 1 John 4:20-21; 1 John 5:1-2; 2 John 1:5

Exemplification of the love of man for man

General references
Exodus 32:31-32; Psalms 133:1-3; Proverbs 24:17-18; Matthew 5:41-42; Matthew 10:41-42; Matthew 25:34-40; Mark 9:41; Luke 10:25-37; Acts 20:26-27; Acts 20:31; Acts 26:29; Romans 1:12; Romans 5:7; Romans 9:1-3; Romans 12:15-16; Romans 14:19; Romans 14:21; Romans 15:1-2; Romans 15:5; Romans 15:7; Romans 15:14-15; Romans 15:24; Romans 15:32; Romans 16:1-16; Romans 16:19; Colossians 4:7; 1 Corinthians 1:4; 1 Corinthians 4:14-16; 1 Corinthians 8:13; 1 Corinthians 10:24; 2 Corinthians 1:3-6; 2 Corinthians 1:14; 2 Corinthians 1:23-24; 2 Corinthians 2:1-17; 2 Corinthians 3:2; 2 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 6:4-6; 2 Corinthians 6:11-13; 2 Corinthians 7:1-4; 2 Corinthians 7:7; 2 Corinthians 7:12; 2 Corinthians 11:2; 2 Corinthians 12:14-16; 2 Corinthians 12:19-21; 2 Corinthians 13:9; Galatians 4:11-20; Galatians 6:1-2; Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 3:13; Ephesians 4:2; Ephesians 4:32; Ephesians 6:22; Ephesians 6:24; Philippians 1:3-5; Philippians 1:7-8; Philippians 1:23-26; Philippians 2:19; Philippians 3:18; Philippians 4:1; Colossians 1:3-4; Colossians 1:24; Colossians 1:28-29; Colossians 2:1; Colossians 2:5; 1 Thessalonians 1:3-4; 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8; 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12; 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20; 1 Thessalonians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 3:7-10; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; 2 Thessalonians 1:4; 1 Timothy 1:5; 1 Timothy 5:9-10; 1 Timothy 6:2; 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 1:3-4; 2 Timothy 3:8; 2 Timothy 2:10; Philippians 1:8-9; Philippians 1:12; Philippians 1:16-21; Hebrews 5:2; Hebrews 6:9-10; Hebrews 13:1-3; Hebrews 13:22; James 1:27
Fraternity

Instances of:

Abraham for Lot
Genesis 14:14-16

Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz
Genesis 8:1

David's subjects
2 Samuel 15:30; 2 Samuel 17:27-29

Obadiah for the prophets
1 Kings 18:4

Jehoshabeath for Joash
2 Chronicles 22:11

Nehemiah for Israelites
Nehemiah 5:10-15

Mordecai for Esther
Esther 2:7

Job's friends
Job 42:11

Centurion for his servant
Luke 7:2-6

Roman Christians for Paul
Acts 28:15

Of money:

The root of evil
1 Timothy 6:10
Riches

Of parents for children
Parents; Brother; Fraternity; Friendship

LOVE, verb transitive luv. [Latin libeo, lubeo. See Lief. The sense is probably to be prompt, free, willing, from leaning, advancing, or drawing forward.]

1. In a general sense to be pleased with; to regard with affection, on account of some qualities which excite pleasing sensations or desire of gratification. We love a friend, on account of some qualities which give us pleasure in his society. We love a man who has done us a favor; in which case, gratitude enters into the composition of our affection. We love our parents and our children, on account of their connection with us, and on account of many qualities which please us. We love to retire to a cool shade in summer. We love a warm room in winter. we love to hear an eloquent advocate. The christian loves his Bible. In short, we love whatever gives us pleasure and delight, whether animal or intellectual; and if our hearts are right, we love God above all things, as the sum of all excellence and all the attributes which can communicate happiness to intelligent beings. In other words, the christian loves God with the love of complacency in his attributes, the love of benevolence towards the interest of his kingdom, and the love of gratitude for favors received.

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind -

Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Matthew 22:37.

2. To have benevolence or good will for. John 3:16.

LOVE, noun

1. An affection of the mind excited by beauty and worth of any kind, or by the qualities of an object which communicate pleasure, sensual or intellectual. It is opposed to hatred. love between the sexes, is a compound affection, consisting of esteem, benevolence, and animal desire. love is excited by pleasing qualities of any kind, as by kindness, benevolence, charity, and by the qualities which render social intercourse agreeable. In the latter case, love is ardent friendship, or a strong attachment springing from good will and esteem, and the pleasure derived from the company, civilities and kindness of others.

Between certain natural relatives, love seems to be in some cases instinctive. Such is the love of a mother for her child, which manifests itself toward an infant, before any particular qualities in the child are unfolded. This affection is apparently as strong in irrational animals as in human beings.

We speak of the love of amusements, the love of books, the love of money, and the love of whatever contributes to our pleasure or supposed profit.

The love of God is the first duty of man, and this springs from just views of his attributes or excellencies of character, which afford the highest delight to the sanctified heart. Esteem and reverence constitute ingredients in this affection, and a fear of offending him is its inseparable effect.

2. Courtship; chiefly in the phrase, to make love that is, to court; to woo; to solicit union in marriage.

3. Patriotism; the attachment one has to his native land; as the love of country.

4. Benevolence; good will.

God is love 1 John 4:7.

5. The object beloved.

The lover and the love of human kind.

6. A word of endearment.

Trust me, love

7. Picturesque representation of love

Such was his form as painters, when they show their utmost art, on naked loves bestow.

8. Lewdness.

He is not lolling on a lewd love-bed.

9. A thin silk stuff. obsolete

LOVE in idleness, a kind of violet.

Free of love a plant of the genus Cercis.

(Agape), (2 Peter 2:13; Jude 1:12) an entertainment in which the poorer members of the church partook, furnished from the contributions of Christians resorting to the eucharistic celebration, but whether before or after may be doubted. The true account of the matter is probably that given by Chrysostom, who says that after the early community of goods had ceased the richer members brought to the church contributions of food and drink, of which, after the conclusion of the services and the celebration of the Lord's Supper, all partook together, by this means helping to promote the principle of love among Christians. The intimate connection especially in early times, between the Eucharist itself and the love feasts has led some to speak of them as identical. The love feasts were forbidden to be held in churches by the Council of Laudicea, A.D. 320; but in some form or other they continued to a much later period.

LOVE'APPLE, noun A plant of the genus Solanum.

LOVE-BROKER, noun A third person who acts as agent between lovers.

LOVED, participle passive Having the affection of any one.

LOVE-DARTING, adjective Darting love.

LOVE-DAY, noun A day formerly appointed for an amicable adjustment of differences.

LOVE-FAVOR, noun Something given to be worn in token of love.

Assemblies of Christian fellowship.
2 Peter 2:13; Jude 1:12

LOVE-KNOT, noun luv'-not. A knot so called, used as a token of love or representing mutual affection.

LOVE-LABORED, adjective Labored by love.

LOVE-LASS, noun A sweetheart.

LOVELESS, adjective Void of love; void of tenderness or kindness.

LOVE-LETTER, noun A letter professing love; a letter of courtship.

LOVELILY, adverb luv'lily. [from lovely.] Amiably; in a manner to excite love.

LOVELINESS, noun luv'liness. [from lovely.]

Amiableness; qualities of body or mind that may excite love.

If there is such a native loveliness in the sex, as to make them victorious when in the wrong, how resistless their power when they are on the side of truth.

LOVE-LOCK, noun A curl or lock of hair so called; worn by men of fashion in the reigns of Elizabeth and James I.

LOVE-LORN, adjective [love and lorn.] Forsaken by one's love; as the love-lorn nightingale.

LOVELY, adjective luv'ly. Amiable; that may excite love; possessing qualities which may invite affection.

Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives - 2 Samuel 1:23.

LOVE-MONGER, noun [love and monger.] One who deals in affairs of love. [Not used.]

LOVE-PINED, adjective Wasted by love.

LOV'ER, noun

1. One who loves; one who has a tender affection, particularly for a female.

Love is blind, and lovers cannot see -

2. A friend; one who regards with kindness.

Your brother and his lover have embraced.

3. One who likes or is pleased with any thing; as a lover of books or of science; a lover of wine; a lover of religion.

Lover and loover. [See Louver.]

Isaac for Rebekah
Genesis 24:67

Jacob for Rachel
Genesis 29:20; Genesis 29:30

Shechem for Dinah
Genesis 34:3; Genesis 34:12

Boaz for Ruth
Genesis 8:2

LOVE-SECRET, noun A secret between lovers.

LOVE-SHAFT, noun Cupid's arrow.

LOVE-SICK, adjective

1. Sick or languishing with love or amorous desire; as a love-sick maid.

To the dear mistress of my love-sick mind.

2. Dictated by a languishing lover, or expressive of languishing love.

Where nightingales their love-sick ditty sing.

LOVESOME, adjective Lovely. [Not used.]

LOVE-SONG, noun A song expressing love.

LOVE-SUIT, n Courtship; solicitation of union in marriage.

LOVE-TALE, noun A narrative of love.

Cato's proper person to entrust a love-tale with.

LOVE-THOUGHT, noun Amorous fancy. [Not used.]

LOVE-TOKEN, noun A present in token of love.

LOVE-TOY, noun A small present from a lover.

LOVE-TRICK, noun Art or artifice expressive of love.

Other love-tricks than glancing with the eyes.