Romans 13 8

Romans 13:8 kjv

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

Romans 13:8 nkjv

Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Romans 13:8 niv

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.

Romans 13:8 esv

Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Romans 13:8 nlt

Owe nothing to anyone ? except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God's law.

Romans 13 verses

Romans 13 8 Meaning

This verse emphasizes the eternal obligation of love, stating that loving others is the fulfillment of all the commandments laid down in the Law. It is the foundational principle upon which all other ethical and relational duties are built. Love, in this context, is not mere emotion but an active, self-giving disposition that naturally leads to obedience to God's commands regarding how we should treat our neighbors.

Romans 13 8 Context

This verse is part of Romans chapter 13, where Paul addresses the proper conduct of Christians in relation to governing authorities. Following instructions on submitting to rulers (vv. 1-7), Paul shifts to the horizontal dimension of Christian living: our duties to one another. He establishes that fulfilling our obligation to love one another supersedes any other specific command. The preceding verses laid the groundwork by speaking of "paying taxes" and "giving honor" as forms of fulfilling one's civic duties, framing these acts within the larger principle of loving one's neighbor.

Historically, Roman society had a complex system of debts and obligations, both financial and social. Paul uses this concept of "owing" to underscore the pervasive and unceasing nature of love that Christians are meant to demonstrate. There are no outstanding debts of love because love, when properly exercised, preemptively fulfills all other duties related to how one treats their neighbor.

Romans 13 8 Word Analysis

• Owe nothing: Greek: ὀφειλήν (opheilēn) - a debt, that which is owed, a moral obligation. This implies there are no outstanding obligations that haven't been met.
• to anyone: Greek: μηδενὶ (mēdeni) - to no one, not anyone. A general statement excluding all people.
• except: Greek: εἰ μὴ (ei mē) - except, but. Introduces the sole exception to the rule of owing nothing.
• to love: Greek: ἀγαπᾷν (agapân) - to love, particularly a deep, sacrificial, unconditional love (agape). This is the perpetual duty.
• one another: Greek: ἀλλήλους (allēlous) - each other, one another. Emphasizes reciprocity and community responsibility.
• for: Greek: γάρ (gar) - for, because. Introduces the reason or justification for the preceding statement.
• he who loves: Greek: ὁ ἀγαπῶν (ho agapōn) - the one loving. Refers to a habitual, ongoing action of loving.
• his neighbor: Greek: τόν πλησίον (ton plēsion) - the neighbor, one who is near. Refers to any fellow human being.
• has fulfilled: Greek: πεπλήρωκεν (peplērokken) - has completed, has accomplished, has filled up. A perfect tense verb, indicating a completed action with lasting results.
• the law: Greek: τόν νόμον (ton nomon) - the law, specifically referring to the Mosaic Law or, in this context, the entirety of God's commands concerning interpersonal conduct.

Words-group Analysis

• "Owe nothing to anyone—except to love one another": This is the core principle. The act of "loving one another" is presented as a standing obligation that, when continuously practiced, discharges all other specific commands. It's not about neglecting duties, but about understanding that love is the foundational, overarching principle that, when rightly applied, inherently leads to the observance of all other precepts concerning neighbors.
• "he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law": This signifies that love is the summation and embodiment of the Law's intent concerning human relationships. The commandments against stealing, killing, coveting, etc., are all expressions of what neighborly love looks like in practice. Therefore, a life characterized by this selfless love naturally adheres to these commandments.

Romans 13 8 Bonus Section

The concept of "fulfilling the law" through love connects directly to Christ's teaching that the greatest commandments were to love God and love neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). This verse acts as a bridge, applying the principle of love to practical, everyday relationships. It signifies that while there are external authorities to obey (as discussed in earlier verses), the internal disposition of love is the ultimate measure of obedience to God’s commands regarding fellow human beings. This understanding has profound implications for Christian ethics, emphasizing that genuine faith is always expressed in active, selfless concern for others. It stands in contrast to a merely ritualistic or legalistic adherence to rules.

Romans 13 8 Commentary

The command "Owe nothing to anyone—except to love one another" is not a license to neglect financial or legal obligations. Instead, it highlights love as the supreme and enduring debt that believers owe to their fellow humans. This is not a debt that can ever be fully repaid because love, by its very nature, compels one to continuously act for the well-being of others. It's an ongoing process of giving, not a transaction. By consistently demonstrating this unconditional love, the believer implicitly fulfills all the ethical requirements of the Law concerning how they should treat others. The Old Testament's summary of the Law by Jesus and other rabbis in terms of love provides a strong theological underpinning for Paul’s statement. Love is not merely an emotion but a volitional commitment that is the very essence of obeying God's commands towards humanity.