King James Version

What Does Matthew 22:39 Mean?

Matthew 22:39 in the King James Version says “And the second is like unto it , Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And the second is like unto it , Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

Matthew 22:39 · KJV

Love

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,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus adds the second commandment: 'And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself' (Greek: δευτέρα ὁμοία αὐτῇ, ἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου ὡς σεαυτόν, 'a second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself'). This quotes Leviticus 19:18. 'Like unto it' (ὁμοία) means similar in kind and importance. The two commands are inseparable - love for God produces love for neighbor. 'Neighbor' includes all people, even enemies (5:44). 'As yourself' assumes appropriate self-regard, making it the measure for neighbor-love. Authentic love for God will manifest in neighbor-love (1 John 4:20-21).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish tradition emphasized loving fellow Jews; debate existed about boundaries. Jesus' parable of Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) explodes ethnic boundaries. Paul summarizes law in this command (Romans 13:9, Galatians 5:14). Early Christian communities demonstrated radical neighbor-love through charity, hospitality, and care for poor, widows, and orphans. This visible love attracted pagan converts impressed by Christian community care. Neighbor-love became defining Christian characteristic, fulfilling law's intent.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does love for God produce love for neighbor?
  2. Who qualifies as 'neighbor' in Jesus' definition?
  3. What does loving neighbor 'as yourself' require practically?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
δευτέρα1 of 10

“the second”

G1208

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

δὲ2 of 10

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὁμοία3 of 10

“is like”

G3664

similar (in appearance or character)

αὐτῇ4 of 10

“unto it”

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 10

“Thou shalt love”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

τὸν6 of 10
G3588

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

πλησίον7 of 10

“neighbour”

G4139

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

σου8 of 10

“thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

ὡς9 of 10

“as”

G5613

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

σεαυτόν10 of 10

“thyself”

G4572

of (with, to) thyself

Study Guide

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 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 12:31Luke 10:27-37Leviticus 19:18Romans 13:9-10Galatians 5:14Matthew 19:19

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