Matthew 22:39

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

Matthew 22:39 (KJV)

Context

Jesus spoke these words in a conversation with Pharisees who were testing him. One of them, a lawyer, asked which commandment in the law was the greatest. Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy 6:5, commanding love for God with all the heart, soul, and mind, and then added the words of Matthew 22:39, quoting Leviticus 19:18. Together, Jesus said, hang all the law and the prophets.

Meaning

The word “like” in “the second is like unto it” shows that the two commands are inseparable and of the same kind. Love for God and love for neighbor are bound together; genuine love for God expresses itself in love for others. The Greek word for “neighbor” (plesion) means “near one” or “fellow man,” and in this context includes any person one encounters, not just a fellow Israelite. The standard of love is “as thyself,” meaning the natural care each person has for their own well-being is the baseline for how they should treat others. This is a direct command, not a suggestion, and it calls for action, not just feeling. In biblical terms, to love means willing the good of another and acting for their benefit.

Biblical connections

Jesus expands the concept of “neighbor” beyond the person living next door. In Luke 10:25-37, the parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates that a neighbor is anyone in need whom we have the opportunity to help, even strangers or enemies. The Apostle Paul echoes this teaching in Romans 13:8-10, stating that loving our neighbor fulfills the requirements of the law. When we genuinely love others, we naturally avoid harming them, deceiving them, or coveting what they have. Love becomes the foundation on which all other commandments rest. This command is also consistent with the Golden Rule in Matthew 7:12.

Application

To live out Matthew 22:39, we should cultivate a genuine concern for the well-being of others. We can show love through acts of kindness, forgiveness, encouragement, and support. It involves being considerate, empathetic, and generous towards others, seeking their best interest even when it requires sacrifice on our part. This command challenges us to extend love and compassion to all people, treating them with respect and kindness. It is a call to love not in word or speech but in deed and truth (1 John 3:18), reflecting the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us (Ephesians 5:2).

Reflection

Matthew 22:39 emphasizes the importance of love in the life of a believer. By loving our neighbors as ourselves, we demonstrate our love for God and fulfill the essence of the law. This command is a reminder that true religion is not just about correct belief but also about right action toward others. The standard is high, and human love is often self-centered and conditional, so this command requires the enabling grace of God. It points to the need for a transformed heart, which is a work of the Holy Spirit. May we strive to live out this commandment and reflect God’s love in our interactions with others.