What Is the Golden Rule — In Biblical Context
The Golden Rule is Jesus' command: 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you' — a summary of how God wants us to treat each other.
The Golden Rule is Jesus' command: 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you' — a summary of how God wants us to treat each other.
"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." — Matthew 7:12 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
The Golden Rule appears in Matthew 7:12 during the Sermon on the Mount: 'Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.' Jesus presented this as a summary of the entire ethical teaching of the Old Testament. While similar negative formulations ('do not do to others what you would not want done to you') existed in other ancient cultures, Jesus stated it positively — not merely avoiding harm but actively doing good. This shifts the focus from passive avoidance to proactive love. The Golden Rule flows naturally from the two greatest commandments: love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself. It requires empathy — putting yourself in another's position — and action. It applies to speech, business dealings, family relationships, and interactions with strangers. The Golden Rule has become one of the most widely recognized ethical principles in human history.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Matthew 7:12, sits inside Matthew 7. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."
Supporting Passages
"And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."
"Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."
Explore this question from another angle
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Is the Golden Rule?
Daily Living
Luke 6:31 — Meaning & Devotional
Christian Living
Matthew 7:12 — Meaning & Devotional
Golden Rule
Matthew 7:12 Commentary
In-depth study • Golden Rule
Luke 6:31 Commentary
In-depth study • The Golden Rule
What Does the Bible Say About Living Together Before Marriage?
Marriage & Family
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.