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Matthew 22:39

Matthew 22:39 in Multiple Translations

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

And a second like unto it is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

And a second like it is this, Have love for your neighbour as for yourself.

The second is just like it, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

And the second is like vnto this, Thou shalt loue thy neighbour as thy selfe.

and the second [is] like to it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself;

A second likewise is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’

And the second is like it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

And the second is like to this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

The next most important commandment that everyone must surely obey is: ‘You must love the people you come in contact with as much as you love yourself.’

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Matthew 22:39

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Matthew 22:39 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK δευτερα δε ομοια αυτη αγαπησεις τον πλησιον σου ως σεαυτον
δευτερα deuteros G1208 secondly Adj-NSF
δε de G1161 then Conj
ομοια homoios G3664 like Adj-NSF
αυτη autos G846 it/s/he Pron-DSF
αγαπησεις agapaō G25 to love Verb-FAI-2S
τον ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASM
πλησιον plēsion G4139 near/neighbor Adv
σου su G4771 you Pron-2GS
ως hōs G5613 as/when Adv
σεαυτον seautou G4572 yourself F-2ASM
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — Matthew 22:39

δευτερα deuteros G1208 "secondly" Adj-NSF
Secondly refers to something that happens after something else, as in John 3:4. It can also mean a second time or in second place.
Definition: δεῦτερος, -α, -ον, second in order, with or without idea of time: Mat.22:26, 39, al.; θάνατος, Rev.2:11 20:14 21:8; χάρις, 2Co.1:15. In neut. as adv., secondly, a second time; opposite to πρῶτον: Jhn.3:4 21:16, 1Co.12:28, Rev.19:3; τὸ δ., 2Co.13:2, Ju 5; ἐν τ. δ., at the second time: Act.7:13; in later usage (as 1Ma.9:1), ἐκ δ., Mrk.14:72, Jhn.9:24, Act.11:9, Heb.9:28. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 43 NT verses. KJV: afterward, again, second(-arily, time) See also: 1 Corinthians 12:28; Luke 19:18; Hebrews 8:7.
δε de G1161 "then" Conj
This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.
Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.
ομοια homoios G3664 "like" Adj-NSF
This word means similar in appearance or character, like something or someone else. It is used in John 9:9 and Revelation 1:13 to describe someone or something that resembles another. It can also describe a similarity in nature or condition.
Definition: ὅμοιος, -οία, -οιον [in LXX for כְּמוֹ, etc. ;] like, resembling, such as, the same as: with dative, of form or appearance, Jhn.9:9, Rev.1:13 (WH, mg., R, but see infr.) Rev.1:15 2:18 4:6-7 9:7, 10 (B1., § 37, 62) Rev_9:19; Rev_11:1; Rev_13:2; Rev_13:11; ὁράσει, Rev_4:3; of nature, condition, ability, etc., Mat_22:39, Act_17:29, Gal_5:21, 1Jn_3:2, Rev_13:4; Rev_18:18; Rev_21:11; Rev_21:18; of comparison in parables, Mat_13:31 ff. Mat_20:1, Luk_13:18-19; Luk_13:21; of thinking, acting, etc., Mat_11:16; Mat_13:52, Luk_6:47-49; Luk_7:31-32 (T, with genitive; 131., § 36, 11) Luk_12:36, Joh_8:55, Jud_1:7; with accusative, Rev_1:13 (WH, txt.; Swete, Hort, in l) Rev_14:14.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 42 NT verses. KJV: like, + manner See also: 1 John 3:2; Matthew 13:47; Revelation 1:13.
αυτη autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-DSF
This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.
Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.
αγαπησεις agapaō G25 "to love" Verb-FAI-2S
To love means to show esteem and goodwill towards someone, as seen in Matthew 5:43 and John 8:42. This love is not just a feeling, but an action that is demonstrated towards others. It is a key concept in the Bible.
Definition: ἀγαπάω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for אהב ;] to love, to feel and exhibit esteem and goodwill to a person, to prize and delight in a thing. __1. Of human affection, to men: τ. πλησίον, Mat.5:43; τ. ἐχθρούς, ib. 44; to Christ, Jhn.8:42; to God, Mat.22:37; with accusative of thing(s), Luk.11:43, Jhn.12:43, Eph.5:25, II Tim 4:8, 10, Heb.1:9, 1Pe.2:17, 3:10, 2Pe.2:15, 1Jn.2:15, Rev.12:11. __2. Of divine love; __(a) God's love: to men, Rom.8:37; to Christ, Jhn.3:35; __(b) Christ's love: to men, Mrk.10:21; to God, Jhn.14:31; with cogn. accusative, Jhn.17:26, Eph.2:4. SYN.: φιλέω. From its supposed etymology (Thayer, LS; but see also Boisacq) ἀ. is commonly understood properly to denote love based on esteem (diligo), as distinct from that expressed by φιλέω (amo), spontaneous natural affection, emotional and unreasoning. If this distinction holds, ἀ. is fitly used in NT of Christian love to God and man, the spiritual affection which follows the direction of the will, and which, therefore, unlike that feeling which is instinctive and unreasoned, can be commanded as a duty. (Cf. ἀγάπη, and v. Tr., Syn. §xii; Cremer, 9, 592; and esp. MM, VGT, see word) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 109 NT verses. KJV: (be-)love(-ed) See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; John 3:35; 1 Peter 1:8.
τον ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASM
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
πλησιον plēsion G4139 "near/neighbor" Adv
This word means near or neighbor, referring to someone close by, like a fellow Christian or friend, as in Luke 10:29 and Romans 13:10, where it talks about loving your neighbor.
Definition: πλησίος, -α, -ον (πέλας, near), near, close by, neighbouring. As adv., πλησίον = πέλας, near: with genitive, Jhn.4:5; with art., ὁ π., one's neigh­bour [in LXX chiefly for רֵעַ ]: Luk.10:29, 36, Act.7:27, Rom.13:10 15:2, Eph.4:25, Jas.4:12; ἀγαπήσεις τὸν π. σου ὡς σεαυτόν (Lev.19:18, LXX), Mat.5:43 19:19 22:39, Mrk.12:31, 33, Luk.10:27, Rom.13:9, Gal.5:14, Jas.2:8 (on the various senses of ὁ π. in OT, NT, see DB, iii, 511; DCC, ii, 240 f.).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 16 NT verses. KJV: near, neighbour See also: Acts 7:27; Mark 12:31; James 2:8.
σου su G4771 "you" Pron-2GS
This Greek word means 'you' and is used to address someone directly, like in John 1:30 and Matthew 26:64. It's a way to emphasize or contrast the person being spoken to. The KJV Bible translates it as 'thou'.
Definition: σύ, pron. of 2nd of person(s), thou, you, genitive, σοῦ, dative, σοί, accusative, σέ, pl., ὑμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς (enclitic in oblique cases sing., except after prep. (BL, §48, 3), though πρὸς σέ occurs in Mat.25:39). Nom. for emphasis or contrast: Jhn.1:30, 4:10, 5:33, 39, 44, Act.4:7, Eph.5:32; so also perhaps σὺ εἶπας, Mat.26:64, al. (M, Pr., 86); before voc., Mat.2:6, Luk.1:76, Jhn.17:5, al.; sometimes without emphasis (M, Pr., 85f.), as also in cl., but esp. as rendering of Heb. phrase, e.g. υἱός μου εἶ σύ (בְּנִי־אַתָּה, Psa.2:7), Act.13:33. The genitive (σοῦ, ὑμῶν) is sometimes placed bef. the noun: Luk.7:48, 12:30, al.; so also the enclitic σοῦ, Mat.9:6; on τί ἐμοὶ κ. σοί, see: ἐγώ. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2041 NT verses. KJV: thou See also: 1 Corinthians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 Peter 1:2.
ως hōs G5613 "as/when" Adv
This word means as or when, showing a comparison or timing. It's used in many verses, like Mark 4:26 and 1 Corinthians 3:15, to show how things are done. It helps explain how or when something happens.
Definition: ὡς, adverbial form of the relative pron. ὅς, ἥ, ὅ. __I. As relat. adv. of manner, as, like as, just as, even as; __1. with a demonstrative, like οὕτως, expressed or understood: οὕτως . . . ὡς, Mrk.4:26, 1Co.3:15, Eph.5:28, Jas.2:12, al.; ὡς . . . οὕτως, Act.8:32, 1Co.7:17, al.; elliptically (sc. οὕτως, οὕτω), with nom., Mat.6:29, al.; with accusative, Mat.19:19, Mrk.12:31, al.; with prep., Mat.26:55, Mrk.14:48, Luk.22:52, Jhn.7:10, al.; with verb., Jhn.15:6, 2Co.3:1, Eph.2:3, 1Th.5:6, al.; with ptcp. (the ptcp. however not having the special force wh. it has in cl.; see Bl., §73, 5; 74, 6), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Heb.13:17, al.; freq implying opinion or belief, Rom.9:32; so esp, with genitive absol., 1Co.4:18, 2Co.5:20, 1Pe.4:12, 2Pe.1:3. __2. Before numerals, about, nearly: Mrk.5:13, Jhn.1:40, Act.5:7, al. __3. Before adjectives and adverbs, how: Rom.10:15 11:33, 1Th.2:10; with superl., ὡς τάχιστα, as quickly as possible, Act.17:15. __II. As conjunction; __1. temporal, __(a) as, when, since: Mrk.9:21 14:72, Luk.1:23, Jhn.2:9, al.; __(b) while, when, as long as: Luk.12:58, Jhn.12:36, Gal.6:10 (Field, Notes, 191); ὡς ἄν (M, Pr., 167, and see: ἄν), Rom.15:24, 1Co.11:34, Php.2:23. __2. Final, in order that; with inf., in order to (M, Pr., 204n), Luk.9:52, Act.20:24, Heb.7:9. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 436 NT verses. KJV: about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, X with all speed See also: 1 Corinthians 3:1; 2 Timothy 1:3; 1 Peter 1:14.
σεαυτον seautou G4572 "yourself" F-2ASM
Yourself refers to a person's own actions or thoughts, like in Matthew 4:6 and John 8:13. It's about taking care of or thinking about oneself.
Definition: σεαυτοῦ, -ῆς, -οῦ (in NT not contracted, σαυτοῦ, as in Att..), reflex. prop. of 2nd of person(s) sing., used only in genitive, dative and accusative (of, to) thyself: Mat.4:6, Jhn.8:13, 1Ti.4:16, al. (In Hellenistic, the pl. is ἑαυτῶν (which see), not ὑμῶν αὐτῶν as in Attic, see Bl., § 13, 1.) † (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 40 NT verses. KJV: thee, thine own self, (thou) thy(-self) See also: 1 Timothy 4:7; Luke 5:14; James 2:8.

Study Notes — Matthew 22:39

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Mark 12:31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
2 Luke 10:27–37 He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” “You have answered correctly,” Jesus said. “Do this and you will live.” But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus took up this question and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down the same road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So too, when a Levite came to that spot and saw him, he passed by on the other side. But when a Samaritan on a journey came upon him, he looked at him and had compassion. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Take care of him,’ he said, ‘and on my return I will repay you for any additional expense.’ Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” “The one who showed him mercy,” replied the expert in the law. Then Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
3 Leviticus 19:18 Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
4 Romans 13:9–10 The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
5 Galatians 5:14 The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
6 Matthew 19:19 honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”
7 Romans 15:2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
8 James 2:8 If you really fulfill the royal law stated in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.
9 Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

Matthew 22:39 Summary

This verse means that we should treat others with the same love and kindness that we want for ourselves. It's not just about how we feel, but about how we act towards others. As Jesus said, loving our neighbors is one of the most important commands, right after loving God with all our heart, as seen in Matthew 22:37-40. By loving our neighbors, we are showing love to God, as it says in 1 John 4:20, if we do not love our brothers and sisters, whom we have seen, how can we love God, whom we have not seen?

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to love my neighbor as myself?

Loving your neighbor as yourself means treating others with the same kindness, care, and compassion that you would want for yourself, as Jesus taught in Matthew 22:39 and also in Luke 10:27, where He tells the story of the Good Samaritan.

Who is my neighbor?

According to Jesus' teaching in Luke 10:25-37, our neighbor is anyone in need, regardless of their background or relationship to us, and we are called to show them love and kindness as we would want to be treated ourselves.

How can I balance loving myself with loving my neighbor?

Loving yourself is not about being selfish, but about taking care of yourself so you can love and serve others, as seen in Ephesians 5:29, where it says we nourish and cherish our own bodies, and in Matthew 22:39, where we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Is loving my neighbor just about feelings, or is there action involved?

Loving your neighbor involves both feelings and actions, as seen in 1 John 3:18, where it says we should not love just in words, but in actions and truth, and in James 2:14-17, where faith without works is dead.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can show love to my neighbors this week, whether it's a kind word, a helping hand, or a listening ear?
  2. How can I balance my desire to love and serve others with my own need for rest and self-care, so I don't burn out?
  3. What are some common obstacles that keep me from loving my neighbors as myself, and how can I overcome them with God's help?
  4. In what ways can I be a good neighbor to those around me, whether it's in my community, at work, or in my family?

Gill's Exposition on Matthew 22:39

And the second is like unto it,.... For there is but a second, not a third: this is suggested in opposition to the numerous commandments in the law, according to the opinion of the Jews, who reckon

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Matthew 22:39

Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk. For the exposition, see the notes at Mark 12:13-34.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Matthew 22:39

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Trapp's Commentary on Matthew 22:39

39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Ver. 39. And the second is like unto it] For it hath, 1. The same author, God "spake all these words." 2. The same tic. 3. The same sanction and punishment of the violation. 4. It requires the same kind of love and service; for the love of our neighbour is the service of God. Love thy neighbour as thyself] Now, thou lovest thyself truly, really, fervently, freely, constantly, hiding thine own defects and deformities as much as may be. Thou wouldst have others rejoice with thee and condole with thee as occasion serves. Go thou now and do likewise to others. Howbeit our Saviour strains us up a peg higher, John 13:34. His new commandment of the gospel is, that we love one another not only as we love ourselves, but as he loved us. This form hath something in it that is more express (in which respect partly it is called a new commandment), and for the incomparable sufficiency of the precedent is matchless, and more full of incitation to fire affection.

Ellicott's Commentary on Matthew 22:39

(39) Thou shalt love thy neighbour.—The words were found, strangely enough, in the book which is, for the most part, pre-eminently ceremonial (Leviticus 19:18), and it is to the credit of the Pharisees, as ethical teachers, that they, too, had drawn the law, as our Lord now drew it, from its comparative obscurity, and gave it a place of dignity second only to that of the first and great commandment.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Matthew 22:39

Verse 39. Thou shalt love thy neighbour] The love of our neighbour springs from the love of God as its source; is found in the love of God as its principle, pattern, and end; and the love of God is found in the love of our neighbour, as its effect, representation, and infallible mark. This love of our neighbour is a love of equity, charity, succour, and benevolence. We owe to our neighbour what we have a right to expect from him - "Do unto all men as ye would they should do unto you," is a positive command of our blessed Saviour. By this rule, therefore, we should speak, think, and write, concerning every soul of man: - put the best construction upon all the words and actions of our neighbour that they can possibly bear. By this rule we are taught to bear with, love, and forgive him; to rejoice in his felicity, mourn in his adversity, desire and delight in his prosperity, and promote it to the utmost of our power: instruct his ignorance, help him in his weakness, and risk even our life for his sake, and for the public good. In a word, we must do every thing in our power, through all the possible varieties of circumstances, for our neighbours, which we would wish them to do for us, were our situations reversed. This is the religion of Jesus! How happy would Society be, were these two plain, rational precepts properly observed! Love ME, and love thy FELLOWS! Be unutterably happy in me, and be in perfect peace, unanimity, and love, among yourselves. Great fountain and dispenser of love! fill thy creation with this sacred principle, for his sake who died for the salvation of mankind! On the nature of self-love, see Matthew 19:19.

Cambridge Bible on Matthew 22:39

34–40. The Greatest Commandment Mark 12:28-34; Luke 10:25-28 In St Luke the question is asked at an earlier period of the ministry, after the return of the Seventy; and the meaning of “neighbour” is illustrated by the parable of the “Good Samaritan.”

Whedon's Commentary on Matthew 22:39

39. Second is like unto it — Like in being founded in love; like in being in fact included in the first. For, if we love God completely, we shall perform all our duties to his creatures.

Sermons on Matthew 22:39

SermonDescription
Gladys Aylward Testimony - Part 1 by Gladys Aylward In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares their experience of being the only missionary in a heathen government and their journey of spreading the Gospel in South Shansey. Desp
Kathryn Kuhlman Mental Attitude by Kathryn Kuhlman In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of one's attitude in shaping their life. He quotes Proverbs 23:7, which states that as a person thinks in their heart, so the
Gladys Aylward Testimony and Challenge by Gladys Aylward In this sermon, the speaker shares their personal experience of being in China and looking after mules while others listened to a woman named Jeannie tell stories about Jesus. The
Francis Chan Think Hard, Stay Humble: The Life of the Mind and the Peril of Pride by Francis Chan In this sermon, the speaker addresses the audience's awareness of the suffering and struggles faced by their brothers and sisters around the world. He emphasizes the importance of
A.W. Tozer Attributes of God (Series 1): God's Omnipresence and Immanence by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the distance between humanity and God. He shares a personal experience of praying with a friend on a hill, feeling both the darkness and the
Erlo Stegen The Enemy of the Cross by Erlo Stegen In this sermon, the speaker begins by praying for understanding and guidance from God. He then reads from Luke chapter 14, where Jesus speaks about the requirements of being his di
A.W. Tozer Marks of a Spirit Filled Church - Part 2 by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a positive influence in the neighborhood. He believes that by living a godly life and having spirit-filled churches,

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