Leviticus 19:18 (KJV)

What does Leviticus 19:18 mean?

Leviticus 19:18 commands the Israelites not to seek revenge or hold onto resentment against others in their community, but instead to love their neighbor as themselves, because God is the one giving this instruction. The verse sets a clear standard for personal relationships among the people, rooted in fairness, forgiveness, and active goodwill.

In Leviticus 19:18, God is speaking to the people of Israel through Moses, giving them practical laws for living together as a holy community. The verse is part of a larger section where God outlines how the Israelites should treat one another, emphasizing that their behavior toward each other reflects their relationship with God. The instruction to "love your neighbor as yourself" is presented as a foundational principle for community life.

The Hebrew behind Leviticus 19:18

• The word "avenge" (נָקַם, naqam) means to take revenge or retaliate. This highlights that the command is not just about avoiding violence, but also about letting go of the desire to get even.
• "Grudge" (נָטַר, natar) refers to keeping anger or holding onto a past wrong. The verse addresses not only actions, but also attitudes and feelings that can harm relationships.
• "Neighbor" (רֵעַ, re'a) in this context means a fellow member of the community, not just someone living nearby. The command is about relationships within the group, but the principle can be understood broadly.
• "Love" (אָהַב, ahav) means to seek the good of another, not just to feel affection. The verse calls for active concern and care, not just passive tolerance.

Why Leviticus 19:18 matters

• Leviticus 19:18 clarifies that loving others is not just an emotion, but a choice to act kindly and fairly, even when wronged.
• The verse shows that God’s laws are concerned with both outward actions and inward attitudes, addressing the roots of conflict and resentment.
• This command is quoted by Jesus and others in the New Testament as a summary of the law, showing its central place in biblical teaching about how people should treat one another.