King James Version

What Does Mark 12:31 Mean?

Mark 12:31 in the King James Version says “And the second is like, namely this , Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater ...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the second is like, namely this , Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”

Mark 12:31 · KJV

Love

Context

29

And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

30

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

31

And the second is like, namely this , Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

32

And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but he:

33

And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus adds the second commandment, quoting Leviticus 19:18, and declares it "like" (homoia, ὁμοία) the first—not equal in rank but similar in character and inseparably connected. Love for God necessarily produces love for others created in God's image (1 John 4:20-21). The command "love thy neighbour as thyself" (agapēseis ton plēsion sou hōs seauton, ἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου ὡς σεαυτόν) assumes legitimate self-love (proper self-care) and commands extending the same concern to others. "Neighbour" (plēsion, πλησίον) isn't limited to friends or fellow Israelites—Jesus expanded this definition in the Good Samaritan parable (Luke 10:29-37) to include anyone in need, even enemies. The phrase "There is none other commandment greater than these" declares that all biblical ethics derive from these two principles: love God supremely and love others sacrificially. Reformed theology emphasizes that genuine love is impossible apart from regeneration; believers increasingly love God and neighbor as the Spirit sanctifies them, though perfection awaits glorification.

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Historical & Cultural Context

By combining Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18, Jesus provided a hermeneutical key for understanding Torah—all commandments flow from these two principles. Rabbinic tradition included similar summaries: Hillel said, "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor; that is the whole Torah" (Shabbat 31a). But Jesus positively commanded active love, not merely avoiding harm. Paul later wrote that love fulfills the Law (Romans 13:8-10; Galatians 5:14), echoing Jesus' teaching. The early church made love its distinguishing mark—"See how they love one another" pagan observers noted. Caring for widows, orphans, poor, sick, and persecuted became Christian community hallmarks (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35; James 1:27), demonstrating that love for God produces tangible love for others. This two-fold command became foundational to Christian ethics throughout church history.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what practical ways do you demonstrate love for your neighbor—not just those you like, but those in need, even those who oppose you?
  2. How does understanding that love for God and love for neighbor are inseparable challenge any tendency to separate spirituality from practical care for others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
καὶ1 of 16

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

δευτέρα2 of 16

“the second”

G1208

(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)

ὁμοία,3 of 16

“is like”

G3664

similar (in appearance or character)

αὕτη4 of 16
G846

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

Ἀγαπήσεις5 of 16

“Thou shalt love”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

τὸν6 of 16
G3588

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

πλησίον7 of 16

“neighbour”

G4139

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

σου8 of 16

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

ὡς9 of 16

“as”

G5613

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

σεαυτόν10 of 16

“thyself”

G4572

of (with, to) thyself

μείζων11 of 16

“greater”

G3187

larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age)

τούτων12 of 16

“than these”

G5130

of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)

ἄλλη13 of 16

“other”

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

ἐντολὴ14 of 16

“commandment”

G1785

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription

οὐκ15 of 16

“none”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔστιν16 of 16

“There is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Mark 12:31 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 Mark 12:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 13:8-9Matthew 22:39Leviticus 19:18Luke 10:271 Corinthians 13:4-8Matthew 7:12

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