How does love develop through the rest of Scripture?

Love begins as personal affection but evolves into the defining nature of God (1 John 4:8). By the New Testament, Jesus commands us to love our enemies—transforming love from sentiment into redemptive action.

All First Mentions

Law of First Mention

Where Does the Bible First Mention Love?

Q: Where does the Bible first mention love?

The Bible first mentions love in Genesis 22:2, using the original word ahavah (אהבה). God asks Abraham to sacrifice 'your son, whom you love'—the first use of ahavah introduces love as a covenant bond, specifically father-son love that foreshadows God's willingness to sacrifice His own Son.

The Bible first mentions love in Genesis 22:2, from the original word ahavah (אהבה). God asks Abraham to sacrifice 'your son, whom you love'—the first use of ahavah introduces love as a covenant bond, specifically father-son love that foreshadows God's willingness to sacrifice His own Son.

The Seed of Everything That Follows

The first mention of love is not romance or feeling, but willing sacrifice.

Explore all 100+ biblical first mentions