What Does 'Love Your Neighbor as Yourself' Mean — Meaning Explained
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)
What "What Does 'Love Your Neighbor as Yourself' Mean?" Actually Means
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).
Anchor Verses (KJV)
Matthew 22:39
"And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
Galatians 5:14
"For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
Luke 10:36-37
"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."
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