What Does 'Love Your Neighbor as Yourself' Mean?
What Does 'Love Your Neighbor as Yourself' Mean? Jesus called this the second greatest commandment — it means treating others with the same care, dignity, and concern we naturally show ourselves.
Key verse: Matthew 22:39 (KJV)
Jesus called this the second greatest commandment — it means treating others with the same care, dignity, and concern we naturally show ourselves.
Jesus called this the second greatest commandment — it means treating others with the same care, dignity, and concern we naturally show ourselves.
"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 thy neighbour as thyself' originates in Leviticus 19:18 and was elevated by Jesus as the second greatest commandment, alongside loving God with all your heart (Matthew 22:37-39). When a lawyer asked 'Who is my neighbour?' Jesus answered with the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), teaching that our neighbor is anyone in need — regardless of ethnicity, religion, or social status. Paul summarized the entire law in this one command: 'all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself' (Galatians 5:14). James calls it 'the royal law' (James 2:8). Loving your neighbor means meeting practical needs (James 2:15-16), speaking truth and kindness (Ephesians 4:25-29), bearing one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2), and seeking others' welfare above your own comfort. It is self-giving love modeled after Christ, who 'loved us, and gave himself for us' (Ephesians 5:2).
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."
"For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; 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."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible teaches that God is love, that He demonstrated love by sending His Son, and that love for God and neighbor is the greatest commandment.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible teaches that God is love, that He demonstrated love by sending His Son, and that love for God and neighbor is the greatest commandment.
What Does the Bible Say About Serving Others?
Jesus modeled servant leadership by washing His disciples' feet and taught that true greatness comes through serving others rather than being served.
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.
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 'Love Your Neighbor as Yourself' Mean?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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