ἀγαπητός

From the study of Romans 12:19

Range of meaning

Beloved, dear, one who is loved. In early Jewish and Christian Greek it is often a term for people loved by God, and so for members of the community.

Against the English

NIV and NLT 'dear friends' is warm, but it loses the sense of 'people who are loved' that the word carries. Romans 1:7 addresses the readers as 'beloved of God'.

Used elsewhere in the period

Romans 1:7 ('to all God's beloved in Rome'); 1 Corinthians 10:14; 15:58; common in the letters of John and Peter.

From the study of 1 John 3:2

Range of meaning

Beloved, dearly loved. In Jewish Greek it can also carry the sense "only, uniquely cherished".

Against the English

"Beloved" (KJV, ESV, BSB, WEB) keeps the link to love. "Dear friends" (NIV, NLT) is natural English but loses the echo of "love" in 3:1 and makes the readers friends rather than loved ones.

Used elsewhere in the period

The Greek Old Testament uses it for Isaac, "your beloved son" (Gen 22:2). The voice at Jesus' baptism says "my beloved Son" (Mark 1:11). 1 John uses it as a form of address six times (2:7; 3:2, 21; 4:1, 7, 11), often where it also says that God loves us.

From the study of James 1:16

Range of meaning

Beloved, dear. In the Septuagint it sometimes renders yaḥid, 'only (child)', with the sense of uniquely cherished (Gen 22:2, 12, 16, of Isaac). In the New Testament it is used of Jesus as God's beloved Son (Mark 1:11) and, in letters, as an affectionate address to fellow believers.

Against the English

'Beloved' (BSB, KJV, ESV) keeps the warmth. 'Dear' (NIV, NLT) is natural but a little lighter.

Used elsewhere in the period

A standard form of address in early Christian letters (Rom 12:19; 1 Cor 10:14; 1 John 2:7; Jude 3). In Jewish and Christian writing it often appears right before a warning or appeal.