Romans 13:8
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
Original Language Analysis
ὀφείλετε
Owe
G3784
ὀφείλετε
Owe
Strong's:
G3784
Word #:
3 of 15
to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
5 of 15
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 13:10Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.Galatians 5:14For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.Matthew 7:12Therefore 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.Romans 13:7Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.James 2:8If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:Colossians 3:14And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.John 13:34A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.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:
Historical Context
Paul transitions from civic duty (vv. 1-7) to personal ethics (vv. 8-14). The connection: both civil obedience and loving neighbors fulfill God's law. Debt was dangerous in the ancient world—defaulting could lead to slavery or prison. Paul's counsel is both practical (avoid financial bondage) and theological (the only legitimate perpetual debt is love). Early Christians were known for generosity and care for the poor, widow, orphan—fulfilling the law's heart through Spirit-enabled love.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's command to 'owe no man anything' apply to modern consumer debt, mortgages, or business loans?
- What does it mean practically that love is a perpetual debt—how do you 'pay' this obligation daily?
- How does '<em>agapē</em>' (self-giving love) fulfill the law in ways mere rule-keeping cannot?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another—Mēdeni mēden opheilete, ei mē to allēlous agapan (μηδενὶ μηδὲν ὀφείλετε, εἰ μὴ τὸ ἀλλήλους ἀγαπᾶν). The double negative mēdeni mēden (to no one nothing) is emphatic: no outstanding debts. Opheilete (owe) shifts from civic debts (v. 7) to personal finances—pay what you owe, don't accumulate debt. The exception: to agapan (to love) is a perpetual debt never fully paid. Allēlous agapan (love one another) uses the present infinitive—continuous, habitual love.
For he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law—Ho gar agapōn ton heteron nomon peplērōken (ὁ γὰρ ἀγαπῶν τὸν ἕτερον νόμον πεπλήρωκεν). The perfect tense peplērōken (has fulfilled) indicates completed action with lasting results. Agapē is not emotion but self-giving commitment to another's good. Love fulfills the law because the law's moral content is summarized in love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40; Galatians 5:14). This echoes Romans 8:4—the Spirit fulfills the law's righteous requirement through love.