Matthew 22 39

Matthew 22:39 kjv

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

Matthew 22:39 nkjv

And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'

Matthew 22:39 niv

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

Matthew 22:39 esv

And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Matthew 22:39 nlt

A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

Matthew 22 verses

Matthew 22 39 Meaning

Jesus declares the second most important commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," establishing it as being fundamentally similar in significance and principle to the greatest commandment of loving God. This divine command calls believers to exercise active, self-giving goodwill and benevolence towards all humanity, treating others with the same inherent care and regard they naturally have for themselves. It implies empathy, respect, and a proactive pursuit of others' well-being.

Matthew 22 39 Context

Matt 22:39 is Jesus' concluding remark within a series of intense interrogations from Jewish religious leaders in the temple courts. Following debates with the Herodians (tribute to Caesar) and Sadducees (resurrection), the Pharisees attempt to trap Him with a question about the "greatest commandment in the Law." Jesus responds by first affirming Deut 6:5 (love God) and then, without being specifically asked about a second, immediately adds Lev 19:18 (love neighbor). This response not only directly answers their legalistic question by synthesizing the vast Mosaic Law into two foundational principles but also elevates the second command, asserting its inherent connection and comparable importance to the first. Historically, within Rabbinic Judaism, there were extensive discussions about which commandment was weightiest, and Jesus provides a radical yet coherent synthesis that prioritizes principles over mere rules.

Matthew 22 39 Word analysis

• And: Links directly to the preceding command, highlighting continuity and interconnectedness between loving God and loving one's neighbor.

• the second: Emphasizes its distinct yet equally vital standing alongside the first commandment of loving God.

• is like it: Greek homoía (ὁμοία), meaning "similar to" or "of the same kind/nature/value." It indicates not merely resemblance but a profound equivalence in principle and importance. This signifies that the second commandment derives its authority and nature from the first, reflecting God's own love and character.

• ‘You shall love’: Greek agapéseis (ἀγαπήσεις), an imperative form of agapaō (ἀγαπάω). This specifies agape love—a volitional, self-sacrificial, active, and benevolent goodwill, distinct from emotional or friendly love (philia or eros). It's a command to act in love, choosing the well-being of the other.

• your neighbor: Greek ho plēsion (ὁ πλησίον), meaning "the one near" or "anyone close by." In Jewish law, it often referred to fellow Israelites. Jesus, however, radicalized this concept, extending it universally to all humanity, even enemies or those previously despised, as powerfully exemplified in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37).

• as: Greek hōs (ὡς), indicating a standard or measure. It does not imply "instead of" or "more than," but "to the same extent as" or "in the same manner as."

• yourself.’: Refers to one's natural and inherent self-preservation and care. It presumes a healthy, non-narcissistic self-regard and sets the bar for how to treat others: with the same level of care, consideration, and desire for well-being that one naturally extends to oneself. This underlines the principle of empathy and reciprocity.

• "And the second is like it": Establishes the divine symmetry and equal footing between loving God and loving humanity. They are not competing but complementary and mutually reinforcing principles; one cannot genuinely demonstrate love for God without extending it to others.

• "You shall love your neighbor": This phrase functions as a divine mandate for active, volitional goodwill towards all humanity. It transcends tribal or ethnic boundaries, calling for a proactive benevolent posture towards everyone one encounters, regardless of their status or relationship to oneself.

• "as yourself": This provides the concrete benchmark for the application of love. It grounds the abstract command in tangible human experience, urging a practical empathy where one truly puts themselves in the "neighbor's" shoes and desires for them the good they desire for themselves.

Matthew 22 39 Bonus section

This verse is a crucial part of Jesus' teaching on the Kingdom of God, shifting emphasis from external legal observance to internal principles of love. It encapsulates what theologians often call "covenant love," highlighting mutual responsibility within God's family and among humanity. The linking of the two commands signifies that vertical piety (loving God) is validated by horizontal morality (loving neighbor), making genuine worship manifest in righteous living. While some Jewish commentators, like Hillel, had already identified Lev 19:18 as a core principle (summarized as "what is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow"), Jesus elevates and pairs it definitively with love for God as the foundation of all Law and Prophets, offering a clearer, more profound synthesis for Christian ethics. This command underlines that active, compassionate involvement in the lives of others is a direct outworking of faith and a fundamental characteristic of discipleship.

Matthew 22 39 Commentary

Matt 22:39 presents the second pillar of Christ's summary of the Law, intimately linked to the first. Jesus identifies a profound truth: genuine love for God necessarily spills over into tangible love for one's fellow human beings. This commanded agape love is not a mere emotion but an act of will and selfless service, designed to reflect God's own character. The term "neighbor" is expanded beyond kinship to include everyone, challenging any exclusive interpretation. "As yourself" isn't a call to self-absorption, but a foundational measure, urging us to apply the inherent concern we have for our own well-being to others. This two-fold command demonstrates that true piety is inextricably intertwined with profound human kindness, encompassing the entire spectrum of moral and ethical living. Practically, it guides believers to extend compassion, seek justice, offer help, and forgive, recognizing that every individual is made in God's image and thus worthy of love.