Bible Strands
Matthew 22:39
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Jesus delivers this statement in direct response to a question about the greatest law, positioning it immediately after the command to love God. He frames it as the second commandment that completes his answer.
The words — ἀγαπήσεις (agapēseis) means "you will love," and πλησίον (plēsion) means "neighbor." The pronoun σου (sou) is second person, directing the standard of comparison to the listener rather than the speaker.
The thread — This command echoes Leviticus 19:18 and appears in Mark 12:31 and Luke 10:27 as part of the same teaching exchange. Jesus explicitly ties both commands together by stating that all the Law and the Prophets hang on them (Matthew 22:40).
Why it lands — The text commands the listener to treat others with the same practical care they naturally give themselves. It establishes this standard as a necessary component for correctly understanding all biblical instruction.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Cross-references
- Mark 12:31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
- Luke 10:27 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.’”
- 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.
- Romans 13:9 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.”
- Galatians 5:14 The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
- Matthew 19:19 honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.’”
- Romans 15:2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
- James 2:8 If you really fulfill the royal law stated in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.
- Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.