Some things preach well, and then some things preach very well! The idea that there are four unique and distinct words for “love” in Koine Greek is very popular among evangelical pastors. I surmise one reason it is so widely accepted as true, in light of the textual issues, is that it preaches well.

No one has had more influence in the mass proliferation of the four loves than C.S. Lewis. Lewis lays out this four-fold study of the Greek words for love in his book The Four Loves. Lewis argues that the four Greek words for love (agape, phileo, eros, storge) all communicate different types of love (unconditional, friendship, romantic, affectionate). But is this true? D.A. Carson thinks not and addresses this issue in his book Exegetical Fallacies: Continue Reading…