Matthew 22:39
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Original Language Analysis
δευτέρα
the second
G1208
δευτέρα
the second
Strong's:
G1208
Word #:
1 of 10
(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)
αὐτῇ
unto it
G846
αὐτῇ
unto it
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 10
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πλησίον
neighbour
G4139
πλησίον
neighbour
Strong's:
G4139
Word #:
7 of 10
(adverbially) close by; as noun, a neighbor, i.e., fellow (as man, countryman, christian or friend)
Cross References
Mark 12:31And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.Leviticus 19:18Thou 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.Galatians 5:14For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.Matthew 19:19Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.Romans 15:2Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.James 2:8If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:Galatians 6:10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Historical Context
Jewish tradition emphasized loving fellow Jews; debate existed about boundaries. Jesus' parable of Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) explodes ethnic boundaries. Paul summarizes law in this command (Romans 13:9, Galatians 5:14). Early Christian communities demonstrated radical neighbor-love through charity, hospitality, and care for poor, widows, and orphans. This visible love attracted pagan converts impressed by Christian community care. Neighbor-love became defining Christian characteristic, fulfilling law's intent.
Questions for Reflection
- How does love for God produce love for neighbor?
- Who qualifies as 'neighbor' in Jesus' definition?
- What does loving neighbor 'as yourself' require practically?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus adds the second commandment: 'And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself' (Greek: δευτέρα ὁμοία αὐτῇ, ἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου ὡς σεαυτόν, 'a second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself'). This quotes Leviticus 19:18. 'Like unto it' (ὁμοία) means similar in kind and importance. The two commands are inseparable - love for God produces love for neighbor. 'Neighbor' includes all people, even enemies (5:44). 'As yourself' assumes appropriate self-regard, making it the measure for neighbor-love. Authentic love for God will manifest in neighbor-love (1 John 4:20-21).