Our loving God loves to love because He is love and loves all. Are you confused yet? So am I. When it comes to the Bible, the word "love" seems to be everywhere! But how many times is it exactly mentioned?
It depends on who you ask. According to the King James Version, the answer is 310 times. But then again, when the King James Bible was updated into the New King James Version, the number changed.
Love is mentioned 361 times. The English Standard Version then came out claiming that love is mentioned 551 times! And then the New Living Translation mentions love 645 times!
Almost every translation of the Bible has a different number for how many times love is mentioned. Who is correct? All of them are correct. How is that possible? Because of the English language and because of translations.
The English language is not very precise in its descriptions. For example, I love my wife. I love my friend. I love meat lover’s pizza. But I don't love my friend the same way I love my wife, and I definitely don’t love pizza as I love her!
Do you see the problem? The English language uses the same word, "love," to describe a wide variety of different feelings.
The original languages of the Bible, ancient Hebrew, and Greek are much more precise when describing their emotions of love. Greek, for example, has four different words for love depending on the situation.
Therefore, each word can be translated as "love" or a different word and both are correct. That is why other translations have different numbers when counting how many times the Bible mentions the word "love."
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).
So, let's break down the true meaning of the ancient words translated as "love" and see how often each word is used in the Bible.
1. Ahab Deep Emotional Love
The ancient word "ahab," pronounced, aw-hab' appears 208 times in the Old Testament and describes a deep emotional bond. You are likely thinking of this word when you think of traditional love.
Ahab is a connection between a husband and wife, parent, and child, two best friends, and even between a person and God.
This is the word used when describing Abraham's love for his son Isaac (Genesis 22:2) or Jacob's love for his wife Rachel (Genesis 24:67).
2. Hesed Steadfast Loving Kindness and Mercy
This is one of my favorite words in the entire Bible. The word "hesed," pronounced "kheh'-sed," appears 248 times in Scripture and is the predominant way God describes his love for us in the Old Testament.
Hesed is different from ahab in that it depends not on a deep emotional bond but faithfulness and covenant choice. Though emotion is in this word, it is more than that. This word is often translated as mercy, faithfulness, and dedication to his people. Author Dr. Lois Verburg says,
"Hesed is a bone-weary father who drives through the night to bail his drug-addict son out of jail. Hesed is a mom who spends day after thankless day spoon-feeding and wiping up after a disabled child. Hesed is an unsung pastor's wife whose long-suffering, tearful prayers keep her exhausted husband from falling apart at the seams. Hesed is love that can be counted on, decade after decade. it's not about the thrill of romance but the security of faithfulness. "
This truly is the love of God for his people.
3. Agape Unconditional Love
Now we are in the New Testament, and the first time we see the word love is in Matthew 5:43, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy’” (ESV).
The word "love" used in this verse is "agapao" in Greek and comes from the word "agape." Agape love appears 142 times in the New Testament and is considered the best Greek word for God's love.
This word means to show honor, affection, kindness, and goodness, not because of a deep emotional connection but rather out of integrity. It chooses to show love regardless of it is reciprocal or not. It is unconditional love, undeserved by the receiver.
Agape love is the love God has for us. Even when we hurt him, he still loves us. 1 John 4:8 says that "God is love" and uses a sense of this word. This is considered the highest form of love in the New Testament. This love is what Jesus commands us to have for God and one another.
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:37-39).
It is a choice that says no matter what that person does to me. I will love them. No matter what happens in my life, I will love God. It isn't based on emotions, person, or circumstances but upon choosing to love no matter what.
4. Philia Friendly Love
Did you know that the city of Philadelphia is called "the city of brotherly love?" Why is that? It is because of this Greek word philia. Philia is familial love, and it occurs 25 times in the New Testament.
It is that love you have for a friend or sibling. It is an affection for someone dear to you. This goes beyond casual acquaintances or love for humanity in general. This love takes ownership and says, "You are my family now."
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor (Romans 12:10 ESV).
Notice how it says, "outdo one another in showing honor." This love is committed to choosing you as a new member of my family and being committed to honoring you as I would my siblings.
Since God is our ultimate Father, and we are his children now, we are all siblings in the faith and should love each other as such. Sure, siblings fight or don't always get along, but when you need them, they should be there for you. They should help you in times of need.
Dive Deeper into Love
Love is everywhere in the Bible; however, it may not always be the love you think of. I encourage you to dive deeper and look up the original word in the original language to have a fuller understanding of what the author of each verse meant when he uses love.
This can give you a deeper understanding of the heart behind the Bible, which is ultimately the heart of God.
For further reading:
What Does Agape Love Really Mean in the Bible?
What Is the Meaning and Significance of Eros in the Bible?
What Is Hesed Love, and What Does it Tell Us about God's Love for Us
How to Truly 'Let All You Do Be Done in Love' (1 Corinthians 16:14)
Can Nothing Really Separate Us from the Love of God?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Charise Wilson
