And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

MATTHEW 22:39KJV
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Matthew 22:39 (KJV)

What does Matthew 22:39 mean?

Matthew 22:39 says that the second most important commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. This means treating others with the same care, respect, and concern that you naturally have for your own well-being.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a group of religious leaders who have asked Him about the greatest commandment in the Law. After naming love for God as the first, Jesus connects love for others directly to it, showing that genuine love for God is inseparable from how we treat the people around us. The idea is not just about feelings but about practical actions and attitudes toward others.

The Greek behind Matthew 22:39

  • The word for "love" here is ἀγαπάω (agapaō), which often points to a selfless, committed kind of love that seeks the good of another, not just affection or friendship.
  • "Neighbor" is πλησίον (plēsion), a term that in this context refers to anyone nearby or anyone you encounter, not just friends or people like you.
  • The phrase "as yourself" uses ὡς (hōs) and σεαυτόν (seauton), highlighting that the standard for loving others is the same as the natural care you have for your own needs and interests.

Why Matthew 22:39 matters

  • This verse clarifies that love for others is not a secondary or optional part of faith, but stands right alongside love for God as a core commandment.
  • By quoting this commandment, Jesus links the teachings of the Old Testament (specifically Leviticus 19:18) to His own message, showing continuity and depth in what it means to follow God.
  • The verse challenges common assumptions about who counts as a "neighbor," pushing readers to widen their circle of concern beyond just family or friends.

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;

“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.

“second” Greek G1208 · used in 45 verses

  • Matthew 21:30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
  • Acts 10:15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
  • Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.