Week #1: Eros
Blog Series Intention Recap
This four-week series for February focuses on Love. Love makes up a major topic in the Bible, which is fitting because Christianity is a faith centered on love, and God Himself is love. As it says in 1 John 4:8, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." In the ancient world, there were many words for different kinds of love, and many of these are mentioned in the Bible. For Christians, four main types of love are significant: agapē (self-sacrificial love), storgē (family love), philia (friendship love), and eros (romantic love).
This post is part of the series “Loves: Defined in the Bible.” Click here to check out the other posts.
Let’s jump into Week #1:
The love between a husband and wife, as depicted in the Song of Solomon, mirrors the deep love Christ has for the Church.
Why It Matters
Eros, a Greek word for physical attraction, is explored deeply in the Song of Solomon, highlighting the romantic love between a husband and wife.
This romantic love carries allegorical significance as it symbolizes the spiritual and deep connection between Christ and the Church.
Despite the term, eros, not being mentioned in the New Testament, its essence is present, showcasing its place in a godly marriage as defined by Paul in Ephesians 5:21-33.
Understanding this divine love helps us cultivate our relationships, both marital and spiritual, in a way that honors God.
Going Deeper
Eros: Reflecting Christ’s Love for the Church
Eros love is a term derived from the Greek word "eros," which refers to romantic, passionate, or sexual love. It is one of the four types of love described in ancient Greek philosophy, the others being agape (selfless love), philia (friendship love), and storge (familial love). Eros love is characterized by physical attraction and desire between two people. It involves feelings of affection, excitement, and emotional intensity typically associated with romantic relationships.
While the term "eros" itself does not appear in the New Testament, the concept is evident in passages that discuss marital love and desire. The Bible acknowledges eros love as a vital and beautiful part of marriage, designed to be enjoyed within the boundaries of a committed relationship. The entire book of Song of Solomon (also known as Song of Songs) is a vivid depiction of eros love, portraying the passionate and romantic love between a husband and wife.
Here are a few notable excerpts:
“Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth— for your love is more delightful than wine. Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes; your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the young women love you! Take me away with you—let us hurry! Let the king bring me into his chambers.” - Song of Solomon 1:2-4
“You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your necklace. How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume more than any spice!” - Song of Solomon 4:9-10
“How beautiful you are and how pleasing, my love, with your delights! Your stature is like that of the palm, and your breasts like clusters of fruit. I said, ‘I will climb the palm tree; I will take hold of its fruit.’ May your breasts be like clusters of grapes on the vine, the fragrance of your breath like apples, and your mouth like the best wine.” - Song of Solomon 7:6-9
Translating Marital Intimacy to Spiritual Relationships
Understanding the multifaceted nature of love in marriage can enhance our relationship with Christ and the Church. The physical, sensual, and spiritual intimacy shared between spouses can be a model for our spiritual journey. Just as a husband and wife are called to love each other deeply and faithfully, Christians are called to cultivate a similar devotion in their relationship with Christ.
Saint Augustine, one of the most influential theologians in Christian history, had a unique perspective on the Song of Solomon. His interpretation, rooted in his broader theological framework, is deeply allegorical. Augustine did not see the Song of Solomon merely as a collection of love poems but as a spiritual allegory that speaks to the relationship between Christ and the Church.
Augustine's Allegorical Interpretation
Christ and the Church: Augustine viewed the Song of Solomon as an allegory of the love between Christ and the Church. He believed that the intimate and passionate language used in the book symbolized the deep, spiritual love that Christ has for His people. The bridegroom in the Song represents Christ, and the bride represents the Church. This interpretation aligns with Augustine's broader theological perspective, which often sought to find spiritual meaning in biblical texts.
Spiritual Union: For Augustine, the Song of Solomon illustrated the spiritual union between the believer and Christ. He saw the text as a celebration of the soul's journey towards God and the ultimate union with Him. This interpretation reflects Augustine’s emphasis on the importance of divine love and grace in the life of a believer.
Purification of Desire: Augustine’s thoughts on human desire and love were also reflected in his interpretation of the Song of Solomon. He believed that human desires, when properly ordered toward God, lead to spiritual growth and fulfillment. The passionate language of the Song of Solomon, in Augustine's view, was not about earthly lust but about the purified, holy desire for union with God.
Symbolism and Mysticism: Augustine often employed a symbolic and mystical reading of Scripture, and his interpretation of the Song of Solomon was no different. He believed that the poetic imagery used in the book—such as gardens, vineyards, and kisses—had deeper spiritual meanings. These symbols, according to Augustine, pointed to the mystical experiences of divine love and the nurturing relationship between Christ and the Church.
Augustine’s interpretation of the Song of Solomon cannot be separated from his broader theological views. His thoughts on original sin, grace, and divine love deeply influenced his reading of this biblical text. Augustine believed that true happiness and fulfillment could only be found in God, and he saw the Song of Solomon as a poetic expression of this ultimate truth. Augustine’s allegorical interpretation of the Song of Solomon has had a lasting impact on Christian exegesis.
How does this help me understand, “Loves?”
Eros love is a passionate and intense form of love that focuses on romantic attraction and desire. It plays a crucial role in human relationships, especially in marriage, fostering intimacy and deep emotional connection. Understanding eros love helps appreciate its significance and maintain healthy, loving relationships.
In Ephesians 5, Paul uses the marriage metaphor to describe the profound relationship between Jesus and the church. He instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the church, emphasizing selfless, sacrificial love. Just as Christ gave Himself up for the church to make her holy and blameless, husbands are called to nurture and care for their wives. Conversely, wives are encouraged to submit to their husbands as the church submits to Christ. This imagery underscores the deep, intimate, and covenantal nature of the bond between Jesus and His followers, illustrating the unity, respect, and love that should characterize both Christian marriages and the communal relationship with Christ.
Here are a few marriage resources:
