To love with warm affection, to be fond of, to kiss. Phileō describes the love of friendship, family affection, and personal attachment. It is warmer and more emotional than the volitional agapaō, though the two overlap significantly in the NT.
The famous exchange in John 21:15-17 between Jesus and Peter alternates agapaō and phileō: 'Do you love me?' Peter answers with phileō — personal, heartfelt affection. Jesus accepts it. The Father loves (philei) the Son (John 5:20). 'The one who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me' (Matthew 10:37 uses phileō). True discipleship engages the heart, not just the will.