King James Version
What Does Matthew 22:39 Mean?
“And the second is like unto it , Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
Context
37
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
38
This is the first and great commandment.
39
And the second is like unto it , Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
41
While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(39) **Thou shalt love thy neighbour.**—The words were found, strangely enough, in the book which is, for the most part, pre-eminently ceremonial (Leviticus 19:18), and it is to the credit of the Pharisees, as ethical teachers, that they, too, had drawn the law, as our Lord now drew it, from its comparative obscurity, and gave it a place of dignity second only to that of the first and great commandment.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Matthew 22:39 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 Matthew 22:39
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge