What Does the Bible Say About Loving Your Neighbor?
What Does the Bible Say About Loving Your Neighbor? Jesus identified 'love your neighbor as yourself' as the second greatest commandment, and the parable of the Good Samaritan defines neighbor as anyone in need.
Key verse: Matthew 22:39 (KJV)
Jesus identified 'love your neighbor as yourself' as the second greatest commandment, and the parable of the Good Samaritan defines neighbor as anyone in need.
Jesus identified 'love your neighbor as yourself' as the second greatest commandment, and the parable of the Good Samaritan defines neighbor as anyone in need.
"And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." — Matthew 22:39 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The command to love your neighbor originates in Leviticus 19:18 and was elevated by Jesus as the second greatest commandment (Matthew 22:39). When a lawyer asked 'Who is my neighbour?' Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), radically expanding the definition to include anyone in need—even enemies. Loving your neighbor means practical action: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, caring for the sick (Matthew 25:35-40). Paul summarized the Law as fulfilled in this command (Romans 13:9-10, Galatians 5:14). John wrote that love for others is evidence of knowing God (1 John 4:7-8) and that you cannot love God while hating your brother (1 John 4:20).
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
What the Bible teaches about love — God's love for us, our love for others, and the greatest commandment.
Key Scripture References
"And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
"Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise."
"If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?"
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Mercy?
Mercy is God's compassionate withholding of deserved punishment, demonstrated supremely at the cross and expected of all believers.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
What Does the Bible Say About Money?
The Bible doesn't condemn money itself but warns against the love of money and teaches generosity, contentment, and wise stewardship.
What Is Tithing?
Tithing is the practice of giving a tenth (10%) of one's income to God, rooted in Old Testament law and reflected in New Testament generosity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Loving Your Neighbor?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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