Romans 13:9
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 13:9
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.
Chapter Context
Romans 13 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of judgment, creation, wisdom. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 57 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Christians in Rome navigated tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers under imperial watch.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-14: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Romans and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Romans 13:9
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.
Analysis
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—Paul quotes five commandments from the Decalogue's second table (Exodus 20:13-17), summarized by agapēseis ton plēsion sou hōs seauton (ἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου ὡς σεαυτόν, 'you shall love your neighbor as yourself,' Leviticus 19:18).
Anakephalaiouta (ἀνακεφαλαιόω, summed up/comprehended) means to bring to a head, to unify under one principle. All relational commands are fulfilled in love. Plēsion (neighbor) is anyone in proximity or need (Luke 10:25-37). Hōs seauton (as yourself) doesn't command self-love but assumes it—you naturally seek your own good; extend the same care to others. This isn't sentimental feeling but active benevolence—willing and working for another's welfare.
Historical Context
Jesus first linked Deuteronomy 6:5 (love God) and Leviticus 19:18 (love neighbor) as the law's summary (Matthew 22:37-40). Paul applies this: Christians fulfill the law not through external compliance but through love flowing from faith (Galatians 5:6). This countered both legalistic Jews (who multiplied regulations) and antinomian Gentiles (who dismissed moral law). Love is law's fulfillment, not its abolition—the Spirit writes God's heart-law on believers, producing obedience from love not fear.
Reflection
- How does summarizing the law in love (<em>agapēseis ton plēsion</em>) simplify Christian ethics without becoming simplistic or permissive?
- What is the difference between loving your neighbor 'as yourself' and modern self-love psychology or self-esteem teachings?
- Which of the Ten Commandments (adultery, murder, theft, lying, coveting) is hardest for you to fulfill through love rather than mere rule-keeping?
Word Studies
- Love: ἀγάπη (Agape) G25 - Divine love
Cross-References
- Love: Leviticus 19:18, 19:34, Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31, Luke 10:27, Galatians 5:13
- Word: Mark 10:19, Luke 18:20