Hebrew Ahavah to Greek Agape: Active Love in Matthew

The concept of love in Matthew 22:37-39 is deeply rooted in language and action, reflecting a profound understanding that transcends mere emotion. The phrase "love your neighbor" originates from the Hebrew Scriptures, where the Hebrew word for love is "ahavah." This term establishes the foundation for the command to love, as it was originally expressed in the Jewish tradition ([00:25]).

Jesus, who spoke Aramaic daily, used the word "rakhmah" for love, indicating a shift from the original Hebrew into the everyday language of his time ([00:25]). As his teachings spread beyond the Jewish community, they were translated into Greek, the lingua franca of the Roman Empire. The Greek word chosen was "agape," but this term was not simply adopted with its existing meaning. Instead, it was redefined through the lens of Jesus’ life and teachings, transforming "agape" into a concept embodying a way of living and loving modeled on Jesus himself ([00:59]).

Love, as taught by Jesus, is not a passive feeling or an abstract emotion. Unlike the English word "love," which can refer to a variety of affections—from familial love to fondness for objects—this love is an intentional action and a conscious choice. It involves deliberately seeking the well-being of others without expecting anything in return ([02:02]). This practical, self-giving nature of love is central to its meaning.

Loving God and loving one’s neighbor are inseparable commands. The Shema, an ancient Jewish prayer, commands love for God with all one’s heart, and this is immediately paired with the command to love one’s neighbor as oneself ([01:30]). These two commands are two sides of the same coin; love for God is expressed through love for people, and love for people reflects one’s love for God ([01:30]).

This love is radical and generous, extending even to enemies. It calls for doing good without expecting repayment, embodying a love that mirrors God’s own character ([02:35]). Such enemy-embracing love sets the ultimate standard for authentic love.

Tracing the word "love" from Hebrew "ahavah," to Aramaic "rakhmah," to Greek "agape," reveals a redefinition of love as a selfless, active commitment to the well-being of others. Loving God and neighbor are fundamentally linked, and love is most clearly demonstrated through action, especially toward those who cannot repay it ([00:25] [00:59] [01:30] [02:02] [02:35]).

This article was written by an AI tool for churches, based on a sermon from BibleProject, one of 60 churches in Boulder, CO