For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

GALATIANS 5:14KJV
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Galatians 5:14 (KJV)

What does Galatians 5:14 mean?

Galatians 5:14 says that the entire law can be summed up in one command: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This means that, according to Paul, loving others in the same way you care for yourself captures the heart of what God’s law requires.

Paul is writing to the churches in Galatia, addressing confusion about whether Christians must follow the Jewish law. He points out that all the commandments are fulfilled if a person truly loves their neighbor. This highlights that the purpose behind the law is not just rule-keeping but genuine care and love for others.

The Greek behind Galatians 5:14

  • νόμος (nomos) — “law”: This word refers to the whole set of commandments and instructions given in the Jewish Scriptures. Paul is saying that the entire scope of these laws is fulfilled in the act of loving others.
  • πληρόω (plēroō) — “fulfilled”: This Greek word means to complete or bring to its intended goal. Paul is emphasizing that loving your neighbor is not just one command among many, but the way the law’s true purpose is reached.
  • λόγος (logos) — “word”: Here, “word” means a single saying or statement. Paul is pointing out that the whole law is captured in this one statement about love.
  • ἀγαπάω (agapaō) — “love”: This word for love often describes a self-giving, active care for others, not just a feeling. Paul is highlighting an active, practical kind of love.

Why Galatians 5:14 matters

  • Galatians 5:14 clarifies that following Jesus is not about legalistic rule-keeping but about living out love for others, which is the true intent of God’s law.
  • Paul’s emphasis helps clear up misunderstandings about the role of the Old Testament law for Christians, showing that love is the guiding principle.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage, where Paul warns against using freedom as an excuse for selfishness and instead calls believers to serve one another through love.

Where else these words appear

“neighbour” Greek G4139 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
  • Luke 10:27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
  • Romans 13:9 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.

“fulfilled” Greek G4137 · used in 90 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Luke 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
  • Acts 19:21 After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

“love” Greek G25 · used in 109 verses

  • Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
  • John 15:9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
  • 2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.