Matthew 19:19

Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Matthew 19:19 (KJV)

Context

Jesus spoke these words to a rich young man who asked what good thing he must do to receive eternal life (Matthew 19:16). After the young man asked which commandments to keep, Jesus listed several from the second table of the Ten Commandments, ending with the two commands in this verse. The order is inverted here—the fifth commandment appears last—but this does not change the meaning.

Meaning

“Honour thy father and thy mother” comes from Exodus 20:12 and Deuteronomy 5:16. It calls us to respect and care for our parents, recognizing their God-given authority and the sacrifices they have made. This is the first commandment with a promise (Ephesians 6:2), showing how foundational family relationships are to a life that pleases God.

“Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” comes from Leviticus 19:18. It summarizes the second table of the law, teaching us to treat others with the same care, compassion, and respect we naturally give ourselves. This love is not limited to family or friends; it extends to every person we encounter.

Together, these commands show our responsibilities in two directions: toward God and toward others. Honoring parents and loving neighbors are not optional extras for those who seek eternal life; Jesus presents them as essential. The rich young man claimed he had kept all these commands (Matthew 19:20), but Jesus then told him to sell his possessions and follow Him. That reveals that true obedience is a matter of the heart, not merely outward compliance.

Application

These commands direct our attention to our attitudes and actions toward those around us. We are called to cultivate a spirit of honor, respect, and love in our relationships with family members and neighbors alike. Love for God is expressed through concrete love for others, beginning at home and extending to all people.

Reflection

Matthew 19:19 reminds us that following Jesus involves daily, practical obedience. As we honor our parents and love our neighbors, we reflect the character of God and the teaching of Jesus Himself.