Love definition in the Bible? 10 Powerful Verses on True Love  

Love definition in the Bible is centered around selflessness, sacrifice, and deep affection. It is not just an emotion but a choice to care for others unconditionally. The Bible emphasizes that true love goes beyond romantic feelings and includes kindness, patience, and understanding. In 1 Corinthians 13, love is described as patient, kind, and never failing. Love definition in the Bible calls believers to reflect God’s love, which is pure and unconditional, teaching us to love our neighbors as ourselves and even love our enemies.

The Bible offers many powerful verses that highlight the depth and importance of true love. One of the most well-known verses is John 15:13, which says, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends.” This verse reminds us that love often requires sacrifice. Other powerful verses like 1 John 4:8 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 illustrate how love definition in the Bible challenges us to live with patience, humility, and a heart open to forgiveness. These verses inspire believers to practice love in every area of life, showing the world the true power of God’s love.

What is the Biblical Definition of Love?

The Biblical definition of love goes far beyond mere emotions or fleeting feelings. It is deeply rooted in God’s character and how He calls His people to love one another. In the Bible, love is presented not just as a feeling, but as a choice and an action. This love is selfless, sacrificial, and enduring, and it calls individuals to put others before themselves. The Biblical definition of love is demonstrated perfectly in God’s relationship with humanity. God loved the world so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die for mankind’s sins (John 3:16). This act of sacrificial love shows that love is not based on conditions, but on a deep desire for the well being of others. True love in the Bible, as described in 1 Corinthians 13, involves patience, kindness, forgiveness, and a commitment to the welfare of others. It’s a love that transcends selfishness and seeks to build up others, whether in friendship, marriage, or community.

Love in the Bible isn’t merely about affection or romance; it’s about putting God and others first. This Biblical definition of love involves a willingness to serve others, sometimes even at great personal cost. It’s the foundation for how Christians are called to live, as Jesus summarized in the Great Commandment: love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). Therefore, the Biblical definition of love challenges individuals to reflect God’s love through their actions, interactions, and relationships with others.

The Greek Words for Love in the Bible

In the New Testament, which was written in Greek, several distinct words are used to describe different types of love. Each word carries a specific meaning and helps in understanding the various facets of love, especially in the context of Christian teachings.

Agape – Unconditional “God” Love

Agape is perhaps the most well known and significant Greek word for love in the Bible. It refers to unconditional, sacrificial, and selfless love. This is the love God has for His people, a love that is given without expecting anything in return. Agape love is not based on feelings or emotions but on a deliberate decision to act in the best interest of others. It’s the kind of love that Jesus showed when He laid down His life for humanity. The Biblical definition of love as agape teaches that Christians are called to love others with the same selfless, sacrificial love, regardless of whether or not it is reciprocated.

Phileo – Brotherly Love

Phileo refers to the affection and warmth shared between friends or companions. It is a love that is built on mutual respect, care, and shared experiences. Often referred to as “brotherly love,” this term is used to describe the strong bond of friendship, loyalty, and kinship that exists between people who share common values or experiences. It’s the love that encourages us to care deeply for others, not because of obligation but because of the bond we share. Phileo love plays a significant role in the relationships between believers, as seen in the Bible, where followers of Christ are called to love one another as brothers and sisters in the faith (John 15:12-13).

Eros – Romantic Love

Eros refers to romantic or passionate love, typically the love experienced between partners in a marriage. This kind of love focuses on physical attraction and emotional connection, and it’s intended to be a beautiful expression of love within the boundaries of a committed, godly relationship. While the Bible doesn’t go into great detail about eros, it acknowledges the importance of romantic love, especially within the context of marriage. Eros love, when expressed properly, is a gift from God that reflects the intimate bond between a husband and wife. This type of love is meant to be shared in a way that honors God and promotes mutual respect, care, and joy within the marital relationship.

Jesus’ Definition of True Love

Jesus’ definition of true love is both profound and transformative. It goes beyond romantic love or affection and calls for a deep, selfless commitment to others. One of the clearest expressions of Jesus’ definition of love can be found in His teachings about loving one’s neighbor. Jesus emphasized that love is not merely about feelings but about actions that prioritize the well-being of others. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus commands His followers to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). This statement sums up the essence of how we should treat those around us. It calls for empathy, kindness, and sacrificial love. It means thinking about the needs of others and caring for them as we would care for our own needs. For Jesus, true love is unconditional and knows no boundaries, whether toward family, friends, or even strangers. It’s a love that reflects God’s own love for humanity, which is not based on merit but on grace.

“Love Your Neighbor as Yourself”

The commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” goes further than just showing kindness to those we know. It challenges us to extend love to everyone we encounter, including our enemies and those who might not return our affection. Jesus’ call to love your neighbor is a radical invitation to embody God’s love in our daily lives, reaching out to others with compassion, patience, and humility. It implies that love is not confined to those who love us in return but extends even to those who might be difficult to love. In Luke 10:30-37, Jesus tells the Parable of the Good Samaritan to demonstrate this type of love. A Samaritan, despite the historical animosity between Samaritans and Jews, shows compassion to a wounded Jew in need. This story teaches that true love means showing kindness, mercy, and help to anyone in need, irrespective of their background, race, or beliefs.

The Greatest Love – Laying Down One’s Life

Jesus provides the ultimate example of true love by laying down His life for humanity. In John 15:13, He says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” This sacrificial love is the highest expression of true love. Jesus didn’t just speak about love; He demonstrated it on the cross. His death was the ultimate act of selflessness, where He gave up His life for the salvation of others. Jesus’ act of love is the model for how we are to love others — not in a way that seeks personal gain but in a way that puts others’ needs first, even to the point of sacrifice. Jesus’ greatest love teaches that love involves surrender and putting the needs of others above our own desires or comforts. It is a love that is willing to endure hardship and even suffering for the sake of others. This is the kind of love Jesus calls His followers to embody, reflecting the depth of God’s love for the world.

What is God’s Definition of Love?

God’s definition of love is rooted in selflessness, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment. Unlike human love, which is often conditional or based on feelings, God’s love is unconditional and eternal. The Bible tells us in 1 John 4:8, “God is love.” This means that love is not just something God does, but it is the very essence of who He is. God’s love is constant, never-changing, and is offered freely to all, regardless of their worthiness. God’s definition of love can be seen in His actions toward humanity, especially in the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. God’s love for us is not based on our performance or goodness; it is an outpouring of grace and mercy. Through His love, He calls us to love others in the same way   without condition and without expecting anything in return.

God’s love is sacrificial and patient. In John 3:16, it says, “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 highlights the depth of God’s love  He gave the ultimate sacrifice of His Son to redeem humanity. This selfless act defines God’s definition of love. True love, according to God, is not about seeking personal gain but about giving and serving others, even when it requires personal sacrifice. God’s definition of love calls us to reflect His love in our relationships, showing kindness, patience, and a willingness to forgive, just as He has shown to us. It’s a love that is boundless, forgiving, and transformational.

Powerful Bible Verses on True Love

The Bible is filled with profound teachings and examples of God’s perfect love. Here are several key verses that help to explain the Love definition as depicted in scripture and show us what true love looks like according to God’s standards. These verses remind us that love is not merely an emotion or feeling, but a divine expression of selflessness, sacrifice, and devotion.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 – The Characteristics of 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.”
This well-known passage from 1 Corinthians provides an extensive list of the essential qualities of true love. The apostle Paul emphasizes that love is patient and kind, devoid of envy or pride, and it is always seeking the best for others. This scripture serves as a perfect guide to understanding the Love definition according to biblical principles, where love is a selfless, enduring commitment to others, full of hope, protection, and truth.

John 15:13 – The Greatest Love
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
In this verse, Jesus speaks of the highest form of true love  the love of self sacrifice. He laid down His life for the salvation of humanity, demonstrating the greatest act of love that anyone could show. This verse is not just about the act of dying for others but about putting others’ needs before your own. In Jesus’ case, this ultimate sacrifice was made for the greater good of all. This defines true love as not only an emotional connection but as a profound act of sacrifice.

1 John 4:7-8 – God is Love
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
This passage reveals that true love does not just come from human will or effort, but it is a gift from God Himself. The Love definition in the Bible is directly linked to God’s very nature. To understand true love, we must first know God and understand that God is the very embodiment of love. It shows that anyone who loves in a true and godly way reflects God’s own nature.

Romans 12:9-10 – Love Must Be Sincere
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
This scripture emphasizes that true love is genuine and sincere. It is not driven by selfishness or deceit but is expressed in devotion to others. Love that is based on honor, goodness, and sincerity builds stronger relationships and communities. The Love definition in this verse reflects a love that is pure and unconditional, where the welfare of others is valued above personal desires.

Song of Songs 8:6-7 – Love is Strong as Death
“Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame.”
This verse poetically conveys the power and intensity of true love. It likens love to a consuming fire, strong and unyielding, making it clear that true love is all encompassing and unwavering. It burns with passion and fervor, just like God’s unbreakable love for His people. The Love definition in this verse speaks to the strength of love, illustrating that true love is not easily extinguished but endures with power and devotion.

1 Peter 4:8

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Ephesians 5:25

Husbands, Love Your Wives
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
This scripture calls for husbands to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loved the Church. The Love definition here is rooted in selflessness and sacrifice. It is not just about affection or companionship but about laying down one’s life for the well-being of the other. This deep, sacrificial love is a model for all believers, teaching that true love is rooted in service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment.

Proverbs 10:12 – Love Covers Over Offense
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
The Bible teaches that true love seeks peace and harmony, even in difficult circumstances. It overlooks offenses and strives for reconciliation, as opposed to hatred, which only creates division. The Love definition here highlights the power of love to heal wounds and bring about resolution in relationships.

1 John 3:18 – Love With Actions
“Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”
This verse emphasizes that true love is not just expressed in words but in deeds. It’s easy to say “I love you,” but real love is shown through actions, through sacrifice, and through living out God’s commandments. The Love definition in this passage teaches that love must be tangible and active, not just an emotion or feeling.

Colossians 3:14 – Love Binds Together in Unity
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Love is the ultimate bond that unites believers in Christ, as it forms the foundation of all Christian virtues. This verse teaches that true love brings unity, peace, and completeness. The Love definition here is that love unites all things, creating a perfect harmony among God’s people, where all virtues come together in God’s love.

These verses show us that true love in the Bible is not only about affection but about selflessness, sacrifice, forgiveness, and unity. The Love definition in these scriptures serves as a guide to living out God’s perfect love in our relationships, communities, and with God Himself.

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Additional Bible Verses on True Love

The Bible offers countless verses that beautifully illuminate the depth, beauty, and transformative power of true love. God’s love for us, and how we should love others, is repeatedly expressed in His Word. These scriptures not only guide us in how to love but also reveal what true love looks like when expressed through actions, sacrifices, and devotion. Here are more Bible verses that provide insight into the true nature of true love and how it should shape our relationships with God and others:

1 Corinthians 13:13 – The Greatest of These is Love
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
In this famous scripture, the apostle Paul makes it clear that among all virtues, true love is supreme. While faith and hope are essential for a believer’s walk with God, love is the greatest. The significance of this verse cannot be overstated, as it teaches us that true love is not only vital to our relationship with God but also crucial in our relationships with others. Faith and hope are bound to fade, but true love will remain eternal, serving as the cornerstone of Christian life.

Matthew 22:37-39 – Love God and Love Others
“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.'”
In these profound words, Jesus emphasizes that true love begins with loving God wholeheartedly. This type of love is total, involving every aspect of our being. Once we love God in this way, we are then able to extend that love to others. True love reflects God’s love for us, and as we love God first, we are equipped to love others in a sacrificial, selfless manner. True love does not discriminate but includes all people, treating everyone with dignity and respect.

Romans 13:10 – Love Fulfills the Law
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
In this verse, we learn that true love is the embodiment of God’s commandments. It is the ultimate expression of fulfilling God’s law because it seeks the good of others, never causing harm or injury. When we live according to true love, we mirror the heart of God, whose love for us leads to the fulfillment of all His promises. This verse underscores that true love is the guiding principle for all relationships and moral conduct.

1 John 4:19 – We Love Because He First Loved Us
“We love because He first loved us.”
This verse highlights the foundational truth that true love flows from God’s love for us. Without His love, we would be unable to love others authentically. God’s love empowers us to love others, even when it’s difficult. His unconditional love allows us to reflect that same love in our relationships with others, demonstrating the power of true love that is rooted in God’s grace and mercy.

Galatians 5:13-14 – Serve One Another in Love
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
In these verses, Paul instructs us that true love is expressed through humble service to others. Freedom in Christ is not a license to live selfishly, but rather an opportunity to serve others with genuine love. This verse emphasizes that true love is not self-centered but selfless, always seeking the best interests of others. By serving one another in love, we fulfill God’s command and embody His love to the world.

John 3:16 – God’s Ultimate Sacrifice of Love
“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, the heart of the gospel, showcases the ultimate act of true love: God’s willingness to sacrifice His Son for the salvation of humanity. True love is sacrificial, as seen in the gift of Jesus Christ, who was sent to save us from sin and eternal separation from God. God’s love is unconditional, boundless, and gives us eternal life, which exemplifies the highest form of love possible.

Ephesians 4:2 – Love in Humility
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Here, the Bible calls us to show true love through humility and gentleness. Loving others involves putting aside pride and embracing patience and kindness. This verse teaches that true love is not boastful or self seeking but seeks peace and unity in relationships. It encourages us to bear with one another’s weaknesses and flaws, making allowances for others’ shortcomings just as Christ has done for us.

Hebrews 10:24-25 – Encouraging One Another in Love
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
This passage emphasizes the importance of encouraging one another in true love. It reminds us that we are called to lift each other up, to inspire one another to love more deeply, and to engage in good works. True love is not just about words but also actions that promote growth in faith and godliness. We are encouraged to maintain fellowship and strengthen each other in the love of Christ, especially as the world faces challenging times.

Proverbs 17:17 – A Friend Loves at All Times
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
This verse reveals that true love in friendship is constant, unfailing, and reliable. A true friend is someone who sticks with you through both good times and bad. In the same way, God’s love is unchanging, and He is always present with us in times of need. True love in friendships reflects the faithfulness and support that we should offer one another in Christ.

Luke 6:32-36 – Loving Your Enemies
“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
In this powerful teaching, Jesus calls us to extend true love even to our enemies. He emphasizes that loving those who love us is easy, but true love is shown when we love and serve those who don’t reciprocate. By loving our enemies and doing good to those who wrong us, we demonstrate the unconditional, merciful love of God. True love is rooted in mercy, grace, and forgiveness, reflecting the very character of God.

These additional Bible verses offer more insight into the depth and power of true love as defined by God. True love is sacrificial, patient, humble, and selfless. It is rooted in God’s love for us and is meant to be expressed in our relationships with others. Whether it’s through acts of service, encouragement, or forgiveness, true love mirrors God’s own heart, and when we live according to His example, we transform the world around us with His love.

Why is Love the Greatest?

Love is considered the greatest virtue in the Bible because it transcends all other qualities, embodying the essence of God’s character. Love definition is central to the Christian faith, as it is the foundation upon which all other virtues are built. Jesus Himself said that love is the greatest commandment, instructing us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-39). In this way, the definition of love not only represents the depth of our relationship with God but also reflects how we should interact with others. Unlike other virtues like faith and hope, which are essential yet temporary, love is eternal. It remains as the greatest because it reflects the heart of God’s plan for humanity offering salvation and restoration through His love.

The reason love definition stands above all is because it is self-sacrificial, enduring, and unconditional. True love does not rely on conditions, but rather gives freely, as exemplified by Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice on the cross. This type of love does not seek its own but always seeks the good of others. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul teaches that even the most extraordinary gifts and abilities are meaningless without love, making it clear that no amount of talent or success can replace the importance of love. Love definition is powerful because it is the essence of God’s relationship with His creation and is the driving force behind His actions in the world. It is through love that we experience God’s presence and purpose in our lives.

FAQ’s

What is love in one word?

Love definition in one word is “selflessness,” as true love puts others before oneself without expecting anything in return.

What is the best definition of love?

The best love definition is unconditional, sacrificial, and giving without expecting anything in return, just as God loves humanity.

What is the true definition of love?

The true love definition is selfless, sacrificial, and pure, as it seeks the good of others without any selfish motives.

What is the definition of love in the Bible?

In the Bible, love definition is represented by “agape,” meaning God’s unconditional love for humanity, which is sacrificial and eternal.

What are the 4 definitions of love?

The four love definitions in the Bible are: agape (unconditional love), phileo (brotherly love), eros (romantic love), and storge (familial love).

Conclusion

The love definition in the Bible is deeply rooted in selflessness, sacrifice, and kindness. True love, as described in scripture, is not based on fleeting emotions but is grounded in action and commitment. Whether it’s the unconditional love of God for humanity or the love we are called to show one another, it reflects purity and humility. The Bible shows that love is more than just an emotion it’s a choice to act in ways that prioritize the well being of others, often even at great personal cost.

Ultimately, understanding the love definition in the Bible helps us cultivate a love that mirrors God’s perfect love. It teaches us that love is about forgiveness, patience, and commitment, transcending all challenges and conflicts. By embodying these biblical principles of love, we not only grow in our relationships with others but also deepen our connection with God, who is love itself.