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CHARITY.—The word ‘charity’ never occurs in AV [Note: Authorized Version.] in the sense of almsgiving, but always with the meaning of love. It comes from the Vulg. [Note: Vulgate.] caritas, which was frequently used to translate the Greek agapç, probably because amor had impure associations, and because dilectio (which is sometimes so used) was scarcely strong enough. Wyclif followed the Vulg. [Note: Vulgate.] , as did afterwards the Rhemish translators. Tindale and the Genevan Version preferred ‘love’; but in the Bishops’ Bible’ charity’ was again often used, and the AV [Note: Authorized Version.] followed the Bishops in this. In the RV [Note: Revised Version.] , however, ‘charity’ never occurs, the Gr. agapç being everywhere rendered ‘love.’
For Feast of Charity (Jud_1:12 AV [Note: Authorized Version.] ) see Love Feast.