And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

MARK 12:31KJV
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Mark 12:31 (KJV)

What does Mark 12:31 mean?

Mark 12:31 says that the second most important commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself, and that no other commandment is greater than this and the first. Jesus is teaching that caring for others with the same concern you have for yourself is central to following God's will.

In this scene, Jesus is answering a question from a scribe about which commandment is the greatest. After naming love for God as the first, Jesus immediately adds this commandment about loving others. The verse highlights that loving people around you is not a minor rule, but stands alongside love for God as the foundation of all God's instructions.

The Greek behind Mark 12:31

  • ἀγαπήσεις (agapēseis, from G25): This is the word for "love" used here, which often means a self-giving, active care for others, not just a feeling or affection. It points to practical action, not just emotion.
  • πλησίον (plēsion, from G4139): This word for "neighbor" refers to anyone nearby, not just close friends or family. In the context of Jesus’ teaching, it broadens the command to include all people you encounter, not just those you already like or know well.
  • ὡς (hōs, from G5613): This word means "as" or "like," emphasizing that the measure for loving others is the way you naturally care for yourself. It sets a high standard, making self-love the guide for how to treat others.

Why Mark 12:31 matters

  • Mark 12:31 clarifies that love for others is not optional or secondary, but is joined with love for God as the heart of all commandments.
  • The verse challenges narrow definitions of "neighbor," pushing readers to consider everyone they meet as someone to love.
  • By pairing this command with the greatest commandment, Jesus shows that genuine faith is always expressed in how we treat other people.

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 10:29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
  • Romans 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

“thyself” Greek G4572 · used in 39 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Luke 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
  • Romans 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

“greater” Greek G3187 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
  • Luke 22:24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
  • John 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.

“like” Greek G3664 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 11:16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows,
  • Luke 12:36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.
  • Revelation 4:6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.