King James Version

What Does Romans 13:10 Mean?

Romans 13:10 in the King James Version says “Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”

Romans 13:10 · KJV

Love

Context

8

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

9

For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

10

Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

11

And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

12

The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

Read Romans 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law—Hē agapē tō plēsion kakon ouk ergazetai. plērōma oun nomou hē agapē (ἡ ἀγάπη τῷ πλησίον κακὸν οὐκ ἐργάζεται. πλήρωμα οὖν νόμου ἡ ἀγάπη). Kakon ouk ergazetai (works no evil) uses the present tense—love continuously refuses to harm. Ergazomai (work/do) emphasizes active choice, not passive feeling. Love doesn't murder, steal, lie, commit adultery, or covet because these harm the neighbor.

Plērōma nomou hē agapē (πλήρωμα νόμου ἡ ἀγάπη, love is the fullness/fulfillment of the law). Plērōma (fullness) indicates completion, not abolition. The law is not discarded but fulfilled—its moral content realized through Spirit-produced love. This is the opposite of legalism (external conformity without heart-transformation) and antinomianism (rejecting moral standards). Love fulfills the law by exceeding it—not 'don't murder' but 'love your enemy'; not 'don't steal' but 'give generously.'

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's teaching on love fulfilling the law (Romans 13:8-10) parallels Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), which intensifies the law's demands while revealing its heart-intention: love. The early church fathers emphasized that Christian virtue surpasses external law-keeping through Spirit-transformed desires. Augustine summarized: 'Love God and do what you will'—not license but recognition that sanctified love naturally chooses righteousness. Luther and Calvin emphasized law's 'third use'—guiding the regenerate in grateful obedience flowing from love.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does love 'fulfill' the law rather than replace or abolish it—what's the relationship between love and moral commandments?
  2. In what situations might you technically obey a commandment (don't lie, don't steal) while violating the spirit of love behind it?
  3. How does understanding love as '<em>plērōma nomou</em>' (law's fulfillment) guard against both legalism and moral relativism?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
ἡ1 of 12
G3588

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

ἀγάπη2 of 12

“Love”

G26

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

τῷ3 of 12
G3588

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

πλησίον4 of 12

“to his neighbour”

G4139

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

κακὸν5 of 12

“ill”

G2556

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

οὐκ6 of 12

“no”

G3756

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

ἐργάζεται·7 of 12

“worketh”

G2038

to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc

πλήρωμα8 of 12

“is the fulfilling”

G4138

repletion or completion, i.e., (subjectively) what fills (as contents, supplement, copiousness, multitude), or (objectively) what is filled (as contai

οὖν9 of 12

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

νόμου10 of 12

“of 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

ἡ11 of 12
G3588

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

ἀγάπη12 of 12

“Love”

G26

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Romans 13:10 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 Romans 13:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 13:8Matthew 22:39-401 Corinthians 13:4-7

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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