ἀγαπητός – Pronunciation Guide: ah-gah-pay-TOS (stressed on final syllable)
Basic Definition
Strong’s G27: A profound term denoting “beloved, dearly loved, esteemed, favorite, worthy of love.” This word carries the weight of being uniquely cherished and valued, often expressing the special love between God and His children, or the deep affection within the Christian community.
Word Study
- Part of Speech: Verbal adjective
- Language Origin: Derived from ἀγαπάω (agapaō), to love unconditionally
- Root: ἀγάπη (agapē), divine, selfless love
Morphology:
- ἀγαπητός (masculine singular)
- beloved son, dear brother
- ἀγαπητή (feminine singular)
- beloved sister, dear friend
- ἀγαπητοί (masculine plural)
- beloved ones, dear brothers
Word Origin & History
The term emerged from classical Greek, though its meaning was dramatically enriched in biblical usage. In pre-Christian literature, it appeared sparingly, mainly describing cherished objects or favored children. However, the New Testament authors elevated its significance, making it a distinctive marker of divine affection.
The Septuagint (LXX) employs ἀγαπητός to translate Hebrew terms expressing deep familial love, particularly יָדִיד (yadid) and אָהַב (ahav), establishing its connection to covenant relationship.
Biblical Usage
ἀγαπητός appears 61 times in the New Testament, with particularly significant usage in describing Jesus’ relationship with the Father and in apostolic addresses to Christian communities. The word carries special weight in God’s declarations about His Son, emphasizing both divine pleasure and chosen status.
Key Passages:
- Matthew 3:17 – “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”
- 1 John 3:2 – “Beloved, now we are children of God”
- Romans 1:7 – “To all who are beloved of God in Rome”
Cultural Insights
In Greco-Roman adoption practices, the term “beloved” often designated an officially adopted heir, adding depth to our understanding of spiritual adoption. This cultural background illuminates Paul’s usage when addressing believers as ἀγαπητοί, emphasizing their legal status as God’s adopted children.
Theological Significance
The use of ἀγαπητός in reference to Jesus reveals the intimate relationship within the Trinity and establishes the pattern for our own relationship with God. Just as the Father declared Jesus His beloved Son, believers are granted this same privileged status through adoption.
This term bridges the gap between divine and human love, showing how God’s love transforms our identity and relationships. It demonstrates that being beloved isn’t just about feeling loved but about having a new status and identity in God’s family.
Personal Application
Understanding ourselves as ἀγαπητοί should transform how we view our relationship with God and others. This identity as beloved children of God provides security in times of doubt and motivation for holy living. It calls us to extend this same quality of love to others, recognizing them as potential or actual beloved members of God’s family.
Related Words
- ἀγαπάω (to love unconditionally) – See G25
- ἀγάπη (divine love) – See G26
- φίλος (friend, loved one) – See G5384
- τέκνον (child) – See G5043
Did You Know?
- ἀγαπητός appears in all three accounts of Jesus’ baptism, emphasizing His unique relationship with the Father
- Modern Greek still uses this term as a term of endearment, particularly in formal letters
- The term was so significant that early Christians often used it as a proper name (Agapetos)
Remember This
To be ἀγαπητός is to be embraced in the same love with which the Father loves His Son—completely, permanently, and transformatively.
