The word “love” is undeniably a cornerstone of the English language, and its presence is significantly felt within the pages of the Bible. From the very beginning in Genesis, “love” emerges as a recurring theme. A key factor contributing to this high frequency is the English language’s reliance on a single word, “love,” to encompass a wide spectrum of affections. This single term must represent familial bonds, divine love, romantic feelings, and the deep connection between believers in Christ. However, when examining different Bible translations, the number of times “love” appears can vary. This discrepancy arises from the diverse translation philosophies applied when rendering the original texts into various versions.
Here’s an approximate count of the instances of “love” in several widely-read English Bible translations:
- New Living Translation: 759
- New International Version: 686
- English Standard Version: 684
- The Message: 611
- New American Standard Bible: 479
- King James Version: 442
It’s important to note a particular nuance within the King James Version (KJV). This count of 442 does not include instances of the word “charity.” In the early 17th century, when the KJV was first published, “charity” was understood as the highest form of love – selfless, reciprocal, and unconditional. The term “charity” appears approximately 24 times in the King James Bible. Perhaps the most well-known passage employing “charity” to denote this profound love is found in 1 Corinthians 13. This chapter provides a detailed definition of this concept, culminating in the famous verse, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and charity. But the greatest of these is charity” (1 Corinthians 13:13).
These numbers are specific to English translations. Bibles translated into other languages may present different counts. This is because unlike English, some languages possess multiple words to express different facets of “love.” The original Greek language of the New Testament provides a compelling example. It employs four distinct words to articulate various forms of love: agápē, érōs, philía, and storgē. These terms correspond to:
- Agápē: Often considered the highest form of love, representing selfless, unconditional love, and goodwill. It is frequently used to describe God’s love.
- Érōs: Refers to passionate or romantic love, often associated with desire and intimacy.
- Philía: Denotes brotherly love, friendship, or affectionate regard between equals.
- Storgē: Describes familial affection, particularly the love between parents and children, characterized by natural affection and loyalty.
These distinct Greek words reveal the richness and complexity of the concept of “love” as understood in the biblical texts. While the English word “love” serves as a broad umbrella term, the original languages offer a more nuanced understanding of the diverse expressions of affection and devotion described in the Bible.
Alt text for the image: A softly lit close-up photograph showing an open Bible, with a clear focus on the verses of 1 Corinthians 13, emphasizing the biblical text discussing love and charity within a religious context.
