Matthew 7:12
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
Therefore
G3767
οὖν
Therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 23
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
θέλητε
ye would
G2309
θέλητε
ye would
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
5 of 23
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ποιεῖτε
do
G4160
ποιεῖτε
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
7 of 23
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ποιεῖτε
do
G4160
ποιεῖτε
do
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
14 of 23
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
αὐτοῖς·
to them
G846
αὐτοῖς·
to them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 23
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
οὗτος
this
G3778
οὗτος
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
16 of 23
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
γάρ
for
G1063
γάρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
17 of 23
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμος
the law
G3551
νόμος
the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
20 of 23
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
21 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Luke 6:31And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.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.1 Timothy 1:5Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:Micah 6:8He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?Malachi 3:5And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.Ezekiel 18:21But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
Historical Context
Various ancient teachers articulated negative Golden Rule - Confucius: 'What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.' Rabbi Hillel: 'What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. This is the whole Torah; the rest is commentary.' Jesus' positive formulation is more demanding - active benevolence rather than passive non-harm. This became foundational Christian ethic, summarizing love of neighbor (Leviticus 19:18) in universal, practical terms. It applies across all relationships and situations.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the positive formulation of the Golden Rule differ from merely avoiding harm?
- What does it mean practically to treat others the way you wish to be treated?
- How does empathy for how we wish to be treated shape ethical behavior toward others?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus articulates the Golden Rule: 'Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets' (Greek: πάντα οὖν ὅσα ἐὰν θέλητε ἵνα ποιῶσιν ὑμῖν οἱ ἄνθρωποι, οὕτως καὶ ὑμεῖς ποιεῖτε αὐτοῖς, 'therefore all things whatever you wish that people would do to you, thus also you do to them'). This positive formulation ('do unto others') exceeds negative versions ('don't do to others what you don't want'). It requires proactive love, not merely avoiding harm. 'This is the law and the prophets' summarizes all biblical ethics in this principle of active, empathetic love.