What is the meaning of storge love?

from the old testament

• The love of Jacob for his sons (Genesis 37:3), the compassion of a mother for her nursing child (Isaiah 49:15), and the loyalty of Ruth toward Naomi (Ruth 1:16–17) all display storge love (although that exact word is not used since the Old Testament is not written in Greek)—an enduring, affectionate devotion, rooted in relationship and commitment.
• God loves His own with fatherly compassion, as shown in passages like Psalm 103:13: “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.”

from the new testament

• While storge itself isn't used, the opposite of storge, astorgos, is used twice in the New Testament. The definition of astorgos is "devoid of natural or instinctive affection, without affection to kindred." In 2 Timothy 3:3, it is translated as "heartless" or "without love." In context, Paul is describing "times of difficulty" in the last days (2 Timothy 3:1). One characteristic is that people will lack storge love for their families.
• Astorgos is also found in Romans 1:31, which says that sinful humanity is "heartless" (ESV) or has "no love" (NIV).
• Another version of the term storge is found in Romans 12:10. This version of storge is the compound philostorgos, which means to "be devoted." Literally, this compound is broken down to mean "to love one's kindred." Romans 12:10 calls Christians to "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." Although philostorgos is only used once in the New Testament, God repeats His command that we must love one another because, as believers, we are all part of His family.

implications for today

The Greek language has terms for four different types of love. These four types of love are eros, phileo, agape, and storge. Although only two of these types of love are used in the New Testament (phileo and agape), it is important to understand how all of them work, as compared to each other.

Phileo love is brotherly love, while eros love is sexual love, which we see displayed in Song of Solomon. Agape love is self-sacrificial, the greatest example being when Christ died for us. Storge love is natural, unforced, familial love; a great example of storge love is the love that a parent has for a child.

We are called to love with storge love—the natural, affectionate love that flows from family-like devotion and genuine care for others. This kind of love reflects God’s heart as our Father and models how we are to treat one another as members of His family. When we show storge love, we express warmth, loyalty, and compassion even in ordinary moments—helping a struggling friend without being asked, comforting someone who feels overlooked, or forgiving a family member who has hurt us. Romans 12:10 calls us to “be devoted to one another in love” (NIV), reminding us that storge love strengthens our relationships and builds unity within the body of Christ. We practice this love when we put others before ourselves, nurture those around us with patience and kindness, and create spaces where people feel safe, seen, and valued—just as God does for us.