King James Version

What Does Romans 13:8 Mean?

Romans 13:8 in the King James Version says “Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 13:8 · KJV

Love

Context

6

For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.

7

Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another—Mēdeni mēden opheilete, ei mē to allēlous agapan (μηδενὶ μηδὲν ὀφείλετε, εἰ μὴ τὸ ἀλλήλους ἀγαπᾶν). The double negative mēdeni mēden (to no one nothing) is emphatic: no outstanding debts. Opheilete (owe) shifts from civic debts (v. 7) to personal finances—pay what you owe, don't accumulate debt. The exception: to agapan (to love) is a perpetual debt never fully paid. Allēlous agapan (love one another) uses the present infinitive—continuous, habitual love.

For he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law—Ho gar agapōn ton heteron nomon peplērōken (ὁ γὰρ ἀγαπῶν τὸν ἕτερον νόμον πεπλήρωκεν). The perfect tense peplērōken (has fulfilled) indicates completed action with lasting results. Agapē is not emotion but self-giving commitment to another's good. Love fulfills the law because the law's moral content is summarized in love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40; Galatians 5:14). This echoes Romans 8:4—the Spirit fulfills the law's righteous requirement through love.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul transitions from civic duty (vv. 1-7) to personal ethics (vv. 8-14). The connection: both civil obedience and loving neighbors fulfill God's law. Debt was dangerous in the ancient world—defaulting could lead to slavery or prison. Paul's counsel is both practical (avoid financial bondage) and theological (the only legitimate perpetual debt is love). Early Christians were known for generosity and care for the poor, widow, orphan—fulfilling the law's heart through Spirit-enabled love.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's command to 'owe no man anything' apply to modern consumer debt, mortgages, or business loans?
  2. What does it mean practically that love is a perpetual debt—how do you 'pay' this obligation daily?
  3. How does '<em>agapē</em>' (self-giving love) fulfill the law in ways mere rule-keeping cannot?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
μηδὲν1 of 15

“any thing”

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

μηδὲν2 of 15

“any thing”

G3367

not even one (man, woman, thing)

ὀφείλετε3 of 15

“Owe”

G3784

to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty

εἰ4 of 15
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ5 of 15
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

τὸ6 of 15
G3588

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

ἀγαπῶν7 of 15

“he that loveth”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

ἀλλήλους·8 of 15

“one another”

G240

one another

ὁ9 of 15
G3588

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

γὰρ10 of 15

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἀγαπῶν11 of 15

“he that loveth”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

τὸν12 of 15
G3588

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

ἕτερον13 of 15

“another”

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

νόμον14 of 15

“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

πεπλήρωκεν15 of 15

“hath fulfilled”

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

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 13:8 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 13:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 13:10Matthew 22:39-40Galatians 5:14Matthew 7:12Proverbs 3:27-28Romans 13:7

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

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