The Greek word *phileo* (G5368) signifies a personal warmth, affection, and regard for another, often encompassing friendship and a deep fondness outside one's family. It can be a powerful form of human emotional love, exemplified by the bond between David and Jonathan, which was a profound companionship and emotional closeness, not a romantic or sexual connection. *Phileo* forms the foundational emotional aspect of a sound mutual relationship, often with those not related by blood, akin to the concept of a best friend forever. This love is also reflected in the relationship between Jesus Christ and the disciple whom He loved, traditionally thought to be John, son of Zebedee, demonstrating a deep companionship. Remarkably, God Himself expresses *phileo* love toward us, an emotional warmth alongside His other forms of love, as seen in various passages in the Gospel of John. In Hebrews 13:1, the exhortation to let brotherly love continue refers to *philadelphia*, a derivative of *phileo*, meaning a tight-knit brotherhood established by fellowship within a covenant. This term, used seven times in the New Testament, encourages persistence in exercising warmth and affection among those in the Family of God, treating each other as members of one's own group. It denotes a natural affection toward others who share similarities or belong to the same chosen peer group, such as the New Covenant Family of God, where this warmth is essential for kindness, service, and unity. In secular Greek, *phileo* expressed strong feeling, devotion, and even passion for those one prefers to interact with, indicating a strong emotional preference for a chosen group above others. Jesus Christ, in John 15:18-19, uses *phileo* to describe how the world loves its own, showing affection, unity, and preference for those with commonalities, while rejecting those who differ, such as His followers. Similarly, in John 17:14 and John 16:26-27, the concept reinforces that *phileo* applies within groups sharing common beliefs and goals, with God reciprocating this love to His chosen, reflecting a mutual preference and warmth as part of His Family.

The Hebrew word for love, *ahab* (Strong's 157), as seen in Genesis 22:2, carries a broad spectrum of meaning, encompassing a range from great affection or care to loyalty. This range mirrors the Greek terms *phileo* (G5368), which denotes caring for or loving as a brother, to *agape*, which signifies unconditional and sacrificial love. In the context of Abraham's love for Isaac, God highlights this deep affection, using it as a reflection to illustrate His own profound love for His Son. Through this narrative, the human bond of fatherly love serves as a tangible example, helping us grasp the divine relationship between the Father and the Son, though it remains a faint echo of that boundless love.

In John 21:15-17, two different Greek words are translated as love, revealing a nuanced exchange between Jesus and Peter. Twice, Jesus asks Peter about a deeper form of love, but Peter responds each time with *phileo* (G5368), indicating personal warmth, regard, and affection, a more human and fickle love. On the third occasion, Jesus uses *phileo* Himself, lowering the expectation by asking if Peter feels affection for Him as a close friend. This grieves Peter, and he replies, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You," again using *phileo* to affirm his personal affection. In this third response, Peter implies that Jesus has experienced this *phileo* love from him, though he remains humbled and does not claim a higher form of devotion.