King James Version

What Does Romans 13:9 Mean?

Romans 13:9 in the King James Version says “For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, ... — study this verse from Romans chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Romans 13:9 · KJV


Context

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.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—Paul quotes five commandments from the Decalogue's second table (Exodus 20:13-17), summarized by agapēseis ton plēsion sou hōs seauton (ἀγαπήσεις τὸν πλησίον σου ὡς σεαυτόν, 'you shall love your neighbor as yourself,' Leviticus 19:18).

Anakephalaiouta (ἀνακεφαλαιόω, summed up/comprehended) means to bring to a head, to unify under one principle. All relational commands are fulfilled in love. Plēsion (neighbor) is anyone in proximity or need (Luke 10:25-37). Hōs seauton (as yourself) doesn't command self-love but assumes it—you naturally seek your own good; extend the same care to others. This isn't sentimental feeling but active benevolence—willing and working for another's welfare.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus first linked Deuteronomy 6:5 (love God) and Leviticus 19:18 (love neighbor) as the law's summary (Matthew 22:37-40). Paul applies this: Christians fulfill the law not through external compliance but through love flowing from faith (Galatians 5:6). This countered both legalistic Jews (who multiplied regulations) and antinomian Gentiles (who dismissed moral law). Love is law's fulfillment, not its abolition—the Spirit writes God's heart-law on believers, producing obedience from love not fear.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does summarizing the law in love (<em>agapēseis ton plēsion</em>) simplify Christian ethics without becoming simplistic or permissive?
  2. What is the difference between loving your neighbor 'as yourself' and modern self-love psychology or self-esteem teachings?
  3. Which of the Ten Commandments (adultery, murder, theft, lying, coveting) is hardest for you to fulfill through love rather than mere rule-keeping?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
τὸ1 of 30
G3588

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

γὰρ2 of 30

For

G1063

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

Οὐκ3 of 30

not

G3756

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

μοιχεύσεις4 of 30

commit adultery

G3431

to commit adultery

Οὐκ5 of 30

not

G3756

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

φονεύσεις6 of 30

Thou shalt

G5407

to be a murderer (of)

Οὐκ7 of 30

not

G3756

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

κλέψεις8 of 30

Thou shalt

G2813

to filch

Οὐκ9 of 30

not

G3756

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

ψευδομαρτυρήσεις,10 of 30

Thou shalt

G5576

to be an untrue testifier, i.e., offer falsehood in evidence

Οὐκ11 of 30

not

G3756

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

ἐπιθυμήσεις12 of 30

Thou shalt

G1937

to set the heart upon, i.e., long for (rightfully or otherwise)

καὶ13 of 30

and

G2532

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

εἴ14 of 30
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

τις15 of 30
G5100

some or any person or object

ἑτέρα16 of 30

other

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

ἐντολή17 of 30

commandment

G1785

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription

ἐν18 of 30

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τούτῳ19 of 30

this

G5129

to (in, with or by) this (person or thing)

τῷ20 of 30
G3588

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

λόγῳ21 of 30

saying

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

ἀνακεφαλαιοῦται,22 of 30

it is briefly comprehended

G346

to sum up

ἐν23 of 30

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ24 of 30
G3588

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

Ἀγαπήσεις25 of 30

Thou shalt love

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

τὸν26 of 30
G3588

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

πλησίον27 of 30

neighbour

G4139

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

σου28 of 30

thy

G4675

of thee, thy

ὡς29 of 30

as

G5613

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

ἑαυτόν30 of 30

thyself

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc


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 13:9 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 13:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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