Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

ROMANS 13:10KJV
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Romans 13:10 (KJV)

What does Romans 13:10 mean?

Romans 13:10 teaches that genuine love does not harm others, and because of this, love itself sums up and completes what the law requires. The verse highlights that acting in love toward others is the heart of what God’s commandments are all about.

Paul is writing to believers in Rome, explaining how Christians should live in relation to others, especially in society. In this part of his letter, Paul has just listed several commandments and then says that all are summed up in loving your neighbor. Romans 13:10 draws a clear connection between love and the true purpose of the law—showing that if you act in love, you are already fulfilling what the law asks.

The Greek behind Romans 13:10

  • ἀγάπη (agapē, G26): This word for "love" means a selfless, sacrificial care for others. Paul uses it here to show that the kind of love he is talking about is not just a feeling but an active commitment to another’s good.
  • κακόν (kakon, G2556): Translated as "ill" or "harm," this word means something morally bad or harmful. The verse points out that real love cannot produce harm toward a neighbor.
  • πλήρωμα (plērōma, G4138): Translated as "fulfilling," this word means "completion" or "fullness." Paul is saying that love is not just one part of the law, but actually brings the law to its intended goal.
  • νόμος (nomos, G3551): This is the word for "law," referring to God’s commandments. Paul is emphasizing that the law’s true aim is reached when people act in love.

Why Romans 13:10 matters

  • Romans 13:10 clarifies that following rules is not the main point; the deeper purpose of God’s law is to guide people to love others well.
  • This verse helps clear up the idea that love and law are in conflict; instead, Paul says love is how the law is truly kept.
  • By connecting love to the law, Paul shows that Christian ethics are not about legalism, but about relationships shaped by genuine care for others.

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.

“fulfilling” Greek G4138 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 9:16 No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.
  • Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
  • Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

“worketh” Greek G2038 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
  • Acts 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
  • Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

“ill” Greek G2556 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 21:41 They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.
  • Romans 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
  • Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: