21:15 knowest (a-28) Oida , see Note at 1 Corinthians 8:1 . lovest (b-15) to (b-33) This passage (vers. 15-17) illustrates the force of two Greek words for 'to love,' phileo and agapao . The former signifies the love of friendship, and is more intimate and intense. It is here translated 'I am attached to,' and in ch. 16.27 'have affection for.' Agapao , more often used in the New Testament, is more general, and signifies love as the settled disposition of a person rather than as an emotion. It is used for God's love to man (except in Titus 3:4 , where a compound word is used which embodies the word phileo ) and for the love of men to God. Both words are used for the love of the Father for the Son, phileo once only, John 5:20 , and agapao in John 3:35 , &c.. and for the love of Christ for his own, phileo in John 11:3 and agapao in John 11:5 and elsewhere. Phileo is used in John 16:27 , of the love of the Father for the disciples, and of the love of the disciples for Christ.

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