THE GREEK GEEK  



The Greek Geek

Agape vs. Phileo


By S. Edgar



Introducting: The Greek Geek. Translations are always a sticky business, but when moving from an unused biblical language to the mess that is English, things get dangerous. The Greek Geek is here to help.


When reading anything that's been translated from another language it's certain that some nuances will get lost. This challenge can become even greater when the original language is one that's no longer used by any people group. The Bible has been translated into English numerous times at different points in history. These translations vary from attempting a word for word rendering to paraphrasing the intent of the passage into modern idioms that can more easily be understood today. Studying the original languages of the Bible can enhance our understanding of the original intent of the authors.

The first example that comes to mind is John 21:15 - 17, the reinstatement of Peter. In English the passage reads (from the NKJV):
So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?"
He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You."
He said to him, "Feed My lambs."
He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?"
He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You."
He said to him, "Tend My sheep."
He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?"
And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You."
The repeated question seems a bit peculiar. Perhaps Jesus didn't believe Peter and Peter was sad that He kept asking? But when we look closer into the original language, the meaning becomes apparent:
So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you agape Me more than these?"
He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I phileo You."
He said to him, "Feed My lambs."
He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you agape Me?"
He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I phileo You."
He said to him, "Tend My sheep."
He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you phileo Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you phileo Me?"
And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I phileo You.
It is generally known that the Greeks had more than one word for love. Agape is a godly love, to love sacrificially, perfectly, to prefer above all else, an unconditional love. Phileo is a brotherly love, to be fond of, to enjoy spending time together and sharing activities. With that in mind, this passage takes on a clearer meaning. Jesus asks Peter if he prefers Him above all else and Peter answers, essentially, "You know You're my bro." This is repeated until Jesus lowers His standards and Peter is grieved. A much different passage, but one that still outlines that Jesus will accept our love, imperfect though it may be.


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Published 7-31-13