King James Version

What Does Leviticus 19:18 Mean?

Leviticus 19:18 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thys...” — study this verse from Leviticus chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou 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.”

Leviticus 19:18 · KJV

Love

Context

16

Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.

17

Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. and: or, that thou bear not sin for him

18

Thou 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.

19

Ye shall keep my statutes. Thou shalt not let thy cattle gender with a diverse kind: thou shalt not sow thy field with mingled seed: neither shall a garment mingled of linen and woollen come upon thee.

20

And whosoever lieth carnally with a woman, that is a bondmaid, betrothed to an husband, and not at all redeemed, nor freedom given her; she shall be scourged; they shall not be put to death, because she was not free. betrothed: or, abused by any: Heb. reproached by (or, for) man she shall: or, they, etc: Heb. there shall be a scourging

Read Leviticus 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou 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.

This verse falls within the section on Various Laws of Holiness. Wide-ranging ethical and ceremonial laws, including the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (19:18).


Every sacrifice and ritual in Leviticus points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfills the entire sacrificial system as both perfect sacrifice and eternal high priest.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Wide-ranging ethical and ceremonial laws, including the command to 'love your neighbor as yourself' (19:18). Chapters 17-27, often called the 'Holiness Code,' expand covenant obligations beyond ritual to encompass all of life—sexuality, economics, justice, and relationships. The repeated refrain 'I am the LORD' grounds these laws in God's character and covenant relationship with Israel. Israel received these laws while encamped at Sinai, before entering Canaan. The laws prepared them for life in the promised land, distinguishing them from Canaanite practices and establishing their identity as God's holy nation. The portable tabernacle, central to Levitical worship, accompanied them through wilderness wanderings and eventually found permanent form in Solomon's temple. The tabernacle's design parallels ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet its portable nature and absence of divine images distinguished it from pagan temples.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse help you understand both God's justice and His mercy in salvation?
  2. What practical steps can you take this week to apply the principles taught in this verse?
  3. How can you use this verse to worship God more fully, obey Him more faithfully, or love others more sacrificially?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
לֹֽא1 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִקֹּ֤ם2 of 12

“Thou shalt not avenge”

H5358

to grudge, i.e., avenge or punish

וְלֹֽא3 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

תִטֹּר֙4 of 12

“nor bear any grudge”

H5201

to guard; figuratively, to cherish (anger)

אֶת5 of 12
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּנֵ֣י6 of 12

“against the children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

עַמֶּ֔ךָ7 of 12

“of thy people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וְאָֽהַבְתָּ֥8 of 12

“but thou shalt love”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

לְרֵֽעֲךָ֖9 of 12

“thy neighbour”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

כָּמ֑וֹךָ10 of 12

“as thyself”

H3644

as, thus, so

אֲנִ֖י11 of 12
H589

i

יְהוָֽה׃12 of 12

“I am the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Leviticus 19:18 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 Leviticus 19:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 13:9Matthew 22:39-40Mark 12:31-34Luke 10:27-37Galatians 5:14James 2:8

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