Leviticus 19:18

Authorized King James Version

Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.

Word-by-Word Analysis

לֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִקֹּ֤ם

H5358

Thou shalt not avenge

to grudge, i.e., avenge or punish

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִטֹּר֙

H5201

nor bear any grudge

to guard; figuratively, to cherish (anger)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּנֵ֣י

H1121

against the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַמֶּ֔ךָ

H5971

of thy people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וְאָֽהַבְתָּ֥

H157

but thou shalt love

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

לְרֵֽעֲךָ֖

H7453

thy neighbour

an associate (more or less close)

#10

כָּמ֑וֹךָ

H3644

as thyself

as, thus, so

#11

אֲנִ֖י

H589

#12

יְהוָֽה׃

H3068

I am the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Matthew 22:39 Matthew 22:39
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
— Love thy neighbour as thyself
² Romans 13:9 Romans 13:9
For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
— Love is the fulfilling of the law
³ Galatians 5:14 Galatians 5:14
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
— All the law is fulfilled in one word

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Leviticus Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes love in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of love differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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