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The Ancient Greeks and love 

Today, as the world celebrates Valentines Day the air is filled with love. It is only proper that we talk about this word love in the next few days. Hence let us explore the meaning and the depth of the word itself. In order to fully understand it we have to turn to the source of love, God himself as expressed in the Bible.
The writing in the New Testament was written in the ancient Greek. If we only have one word for love in English, the ancient greeks have 5 different words for love. In the English language, to properly distinguish the meaning of a single word, the context of the sentence is considered in order to fully appreciate the meaining of the word. In contrast when using New Testament Greek or "koine Greek" the context is given minimal consideration since the word itself conveys the full meaning. As an illustration, in English when we say we love our dog, we love our country, we love our parents and we love our wife, we are obviously not referring to the same kind of love. However in Koine greek different words for the word love is used for different kinds of purposes.
English is undoubtedly the "lingua franca" of the world, but I believe the ancient Greeks did a better job of expressing the word love than the English language does.
1.) Agape - This refers to a "pure" and "ideal" type of love. Often used to refer to the love of God or "such love that is willing to sacrifice one's life for another person." The single word "Agapo" itself could be used to say "I love you".
2.) Eros - Is the word used for "passionate love", or "sensual desire and longing." Lovers are the ones that frequently refer to this term.
3.) Philia - Commonly known as "brotherly love" This concept of "virtuous love", was developed by Aristotle. This is the "love" felt for family, friends and the community as a whole.
4.) Storge - Is being used to describe natural affection. Children are said to feel this kind of love for their parents.
5.) Xenia - Is often referred to as "hospitality." Ths best example of this is when a host and his guest forms a special friendship.
Now wouldn't you agree with me that the ancient Greeks did a far more better job of expressing the word "Love" than we do in the English ?

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Zigfred Diaz blogs about making money online, SEO, investing, financial planning, and other interesting topics. He has joined the Busby SEO Test contest. Check out his blog today at www.zdiaz.com

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