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Ironically, this sidebar has gone full circle to the point I originally raised which roughly was that the meaning of words is in the eyes of the beholder, that each belief system would have greater peace with others if it used terms which did not require footnotes.

And this long sidebar has come to that same point, that we perceive a difference between the word “dear” and “beloved” based on our common usage of the words. But the differences that we perceive do not exist in the words of God.

me: Besides, the word "beloved" is more profound than the word "dear."

you: But it is less personal.

IOW, you have asserted that “dear” is more personal than “beloved” and previously, that the word "dear" offends you whereas the word "beloved" does not.

And I have asserted that the word “beloved” is more profound (has a greater intellectual depth) than the word “dear” - that it is more striking when I use it.

But those are merely our perceptions. They are not "real" thus substantiating the original point, that the meaning of words is in the eyes of the beholder.

In Scripture - the words of God - both "dear" and "beloved" are translated from the same Greek word, agapetos:

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; - Ephesians 5:1

So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. – I Thessalonians 2:8

While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. – Matthew 17:5

Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. – I John 4:7

Agape is the root word of the command to love God surpassingly above all else and to love our neighbors as ourselves:

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love [agapao] the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

This is the first and great commandment.

And the second [is] like unto it, Thou shalt love [agapao] thy neighbour as thyself.

On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. – Matthew 22:37-40

And so we have disputed at length over a perception. The "observer problem" strikes again! LOLOL!

But God has been praised throughout, so thank you all so very much for this Spiritually revealing sidebar, agapetos [translate as you wish to beloved or dear] Petronski, OLD REGGIE, betty boop, TXnMA, hosepipe, Quix, MarySecretary, Dr. Eckleburg, 1000 silverlings, P-Marlowe, trisham and Judith Anne!

Yes.. a study of the greek words for love is a veritable education.. English having only one word.. is very limiting.. The surface descriptions of the greek words for love is not enough.. but a study into the "spirit" of the greek words is required.. Where Jesus told Peter to LOVE three times is another lesson.. in the greek.. in the english translation it is a mystery or easily misleading..

A sidebar by you(or betty boop) or both (or others) to explain these words would be refreshing.. MAny sermons could be spoken on this subject.. Many "here" could add to the discussion also.. The greek words propose a deep understanding of love.. much deeper than the english word.. I know of few "christians" that know of these things..