Romans 13 10

Romans 13:10 kjv

Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Romans 13:10 nkjv

Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Romans 13:10 niv

Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

Romans 13:10 esv

Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Romans 13:10 nlt

Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God's law.

Romans 13 verses

Romans 13 10 Meaning

Love, as a principle and practice, inherently seeks the good of others, preventing any intentional or unintentional harm. This fundamental posture of selfless regard towards one's neighbor fully embodies the true essence and ultimate goal of God's moral law.

Romans 13 10 Context

Romans 13:10 concludes a section of Paul's letter where he provides practical exhortations for Christian living within society. This verse is immediately preceded by verses 8 and 9, which state that Christians should owe no one anything except love, because "he who loves another has fulfilled the law." Verse 9 then lists several commandments from the second table of the Decalogue (do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not covet), all of which involve potential harm to a neighbor, and then states, "and any other commandment is summed up in this word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" Thus, verse 10 functions as a concise summary and governing principle for all such relational commands, reinforcing that love's very nature is incompatible with harm and perfectly aligns with the Law's intention. The broader chapter context includes submission to governing authorities (Rom 13:1-7) and transitions into an urgent call for spiritual alertness and Christ-like living in light of the approaching day of salvation (Rom 13:11-14). This positions love not merely as a sentiment, but as the active, responsible, and outward expression of a transformed life within both the civic and spiritual realms.

Romans 13 10 Word analysis

• Love (ἀγάπη - agapē): This Greek term denotes a self-sacrificial, benevolent love that actively seeks the welfare of others, regardless of their worthiness. It is not an emotional feeling but a principled commitment, a decision of the will rooted in divine love. Its significance lies in its power to motivate actions that transcend natural affections and societal norms.
• does no harm (οὐκ ἐργάζεται κακόν - ouk ergazetai kakon): This phrase translates literally as "does not work evil" or "does not produce harm." It indicates that agape is not merely passive; it actively refrains from any word or deed that could cause physical, emotional, or spiritual detriment to another. This proactive abstention from "evil" (κακόν, kakon), which refers to anything morally wrong or harmful, is intrinsic to its nature.
• to a neighbor (τῷ πλησίον - tō plēsion): This refers to anyone with whom one has interaction, extending beyond close friends, family, or fellow believers. Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10) dramatically expanded the definition of "neighbor" to include even one's enemies or those of different social or ethnic backgrounds, emphasizing an inclusive reach of love.
• therefore (οὖν - oun): This conjunction serves as a strong logical connector, indicating a conclusion or consequence drawn from the preceding statements. In this context, it signals that the premise of love's harmlessness leads directly to the logical outcome of love being the law's fulfillment.
• fulfillment (πλήρωμα - plērōma): This word signifies "completion," "fulness," or "that which fills up." It does not mean "abolition" or "termination" but rather that love embodies the essential purpose and completes the meaning of the law. Love acts as the internal principle that fully expresses the external requirements of the law, bringing them to their intended goal.
• of the law (νόμου - nomou): This refers to the Mosaic Law, specifically its moral requirements, particularly those concerning human relationships (the second table of the Decalogue). Paul makes it clear that the spirit and ultimate intent of these commands, which regulate societal and interpersonal conduct, are perfectly realized and contained within the practice of selfless love.
• Love does no harm to a neighbor: This phrase encapsulates the essence of applied Christian ethics. It teaches that authentic love is inherently constructive and preventive of evil. When motivated by genuine agape, a believer will naturally avoid actions like murder, adultery, theft, or coveting, which all inflict harm upon a neighbor, as these are contrary to love's very nature.
• therefore love is the fulfillment of the law: This second part of the verse presents the theological conclusion. Since love prohibits harm and actively seeks good, it intrinsically embodies and completes all the negative and positive injunctions of the Law concerning human relations. Love is the singular principle that provides both the internal motivation and external expression that fully realizes the moral requirements of the Law, aligning with Jesus' summation of the Law in the greatest commandments (Matt 22:37-40).

Romans 13 10 Bonus section

The teaching in Romans 13:10 profoundly impacts Christian understanding of legalism versus grace. While believers are saved by grace through faith, Paul consistently emphasizes that this grace empowers them to live righteously, and love is the paramount expression of this new life. Love does not diminish the importance of God's moral standards but rather fulfills them from a new heart transformed by the Holy Spirit. This verse reminds believers that Christ's coming did not abolish the Law's ethical demands but perfectly clarified and empowered them through His example and the indwelling Spirit. Loving one's neighbor means consistently choosing actions that benefit and protect them, reflecting the character of God who first loved us.

Romans 13 10 Commentary

Romans 13:10 stands as a foundational statement in Christian ethics, declaring that genuine love inherently prohibits any action that would harm another person. This understanding is crucial because it elevates love from a mere sentiment to an active, guiding principle for behavior. The law, with its specific commandments, aims to prevent harm and promote righteousness within human society. However, merely adhering to the letter of the law without love can lead to legalism or even subtle forms of malice. Love, specifically agapē, provides the spirit of the law. It motivates individuals to go beyond minimum compliance, instinctively seeking the well-being of others and, by extension, spontaneously fulfilling the moral law's deepest intentions. This is not about abrogating the law but recognizing love as its highest and truest expression, an internal disposition that shapes external actions towards good.