King James Version

What Does Galatians 5:14 Mean?

Galatians 5:14 in the King James Version says “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. — study this verse from Galatians chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Galatians 5:14 · KJV


Context

12

I would they were even cut off which trouble you.

13

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

14

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

15

But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

16

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. ye: or, fulfil not


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Paul summarizes law's intent. "For all the law is fulfilled" (ho gar pas nomos en heni logō peplērōtai, ὁ γὰρ πᾶς νόμος ἐν ἑνὶ λόγῳ πεπλήρωται)—the entire law is summed up, completed, fulfilled in one statement. Perfect tense indicates permanent state. "Even in this" (en tō)—in this word/statement. He quotes Leviticus 19:18: "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (agapēseis ton plēsion sou hōs seauton, ἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου ὡς σεαυτόν).

Jesus taught the same (Matthew 22:39-40, Mark 12:31). Love for neighbor fulfills law's second table (commands regarding human relationships). The Spirit produces this love; law commands but can't create it. Believers fulfill law not by legal obedience but by Spirit-produced love. This isn't replacing law with love but recognizing love as law's goal and essence. Walking in the Spirit naturally fulfills what law intended but couldn't accomplish. Love is law's fulfillment, not its replacement.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish teaching often sought to summarize Torah's essence. Hillel's negative version: "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor." Jesus and Paul phrase it positively: actively love neighbor as yourself. This isn't general benevolence but costly, sacrificial love modeled on Christ's love for us (John 13:34-35, Ephesians 5:2). Paul's argument: since law's purpose is love, and the Spirit produces love, Spirit-led believers fulfill law's intent without being under law as means of righteousness. This resolves apparent antithesis between freedom from law and moral living.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does love for neighbor fulfill all the law's ethical demands regarding human relationships?
  2. What's the difference between trying to keep the law externally and allowing Spirit-produced love to fulfill law naturally?
  3. Who is your 'neighbor' that you're called to love as yourself, and what does that love look like practically?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
1 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γὰρ2 of 16

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

πᾶς3 of 16

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

νόμος4 of 16

the law

G3551

law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat

ἐν5 of 16

even in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ἑνὶ6 of 16

one

G1520

one

λόγῳ7 of 16

word

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

πληροῦται,8 of 16

is fulfilled

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

ἐν9 of 16

even in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ·10 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἀγαπήσεις11 of 16

this Thou shalt love

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

τὸν12 of 16
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πλησίον13 of 16

neighbour

G4139

(adverbially) close by; as noun, a neighbor, i.e., fellow (as man, countryman, christian or friend)

σου14 of 16

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

ὡς15 of 16

as

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

εαυτόν16 of 16

thyself

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Galatians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Galatians 5:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Galatians 5:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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