Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

MATTHEW 7:12KJV
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Matthew 7:12 (KJV)

What does Matthew 7:12 mean?

Matthew 7:12 teaches that you should treat others the way you want to be treated yourself; this principle sums up the main message of the law and the prophets in the Hebrew Scriptures. Jesus is telling his listeners that this simple rule captures the heart of how God wants people to act toward one another.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd during his Sermon on the Mount, offering practical guidance for daily living. He connects this "Golden Rule" to the entire Jewish tradition by saying it fulfills the core of the law and the prophets, showing that loving and fair treatment of others is central to God's instructions.

The Greek behind Matthew 7:12

  • The word "men" is ἄνθρωποι (anthrōpoi), which means "people" or "human beings" in general, not just males. This makes clear that Jesus' instruction applies to everyone, not just a specific group.
  • The phrase "for this is the law and the prophets" uses νόμος (nomos, "law") and προφῆται (prophētai, "prophets"), which refers to the main sections of the Hebrew Scriptures. Jesus is saying that this rule sums up the core teachings of the Jewish faith.

Why Matthew 7:12 matters

  • Matthew 7:12 clarifies that ethical treatment of others is not just a suggestion but is at the heart of God's expectations, summarizing the entire moral teaching of the Old Testament.
  • By connecting this rule to "the law and the prophets," Jesus shows that this principle is not new but is a summary of what God has always wanted from his people.
  • This verse helps prevent a narrow or legalistic approach to religion by pointing to a simple, practical way to live out faith in everyday relationships.

Where else these words appear

“whatsoever” Greek G3745 · used in 104 verses

  • Matthew 9:15 And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.
  • Luke 12:3 Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.
  • Romans 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

“prophets” Greek G4396 · used in 143 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 6:23 Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.
  • Acts 7:42 Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?