Matthew 7:12

In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Jesus addresses his disciples in the Sermon on the Mount, immediately following a teaching about the Father’s willingness to give good gifts to those who ask. He positions this directive as the concluding summary of the ethical instructions in this section.

The words — The Greek term πᾶντα (panta) means "all things," establishing the universal scope of the command. The conjunction οὖν (oun) translates to "therefore," linking the instruction directly to the preceding context about divine provision.

The thread — The exact command appears in Luke 6:31 and serves as the practical expression of the neighbor-love that Romans 13:8 identifies as fulfilling the law. Galatians 5:13 further clarifies the boundary of this practice by warning against using freedom as an opportunity for the flesh.

Why it lands — The text commands concrete action toward others, measured by one’s own desires, and identifies this practice as the essence of the Law and the Prophets. It requires the reader to replace self-interest with active, reciprocal treatment of every person.

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

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.

Cross-references

Luke 6:31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Romans 13:8 Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
Galatians 5:13 For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love.
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.
Mark 12:29 Jesus replied, “This is the most important: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One.
Matthew 22:39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
Zechariah 8:16 These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another, render true and sound judgments in your gates,
1 Timothy 1:5 The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith.
Amos 5:14 Seek good, not evil, so that you may live. And the LORD, the God of Hosts, will be with you, as you have claimed.