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.

ROMANS 13:9KJV
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Romans 13:9 (KJV)

What does Romans 13:9 mean?

Romans 13:9 lists several commandments from the Old Testament—such as not committing adultery, not killing, not stealing, not bearing false witness, and not coveting—and says that all these, and any other commandment, are summed up by the command to love your neighbor as yourself. The verse teaches that loving others fulfills the intent behind all these rules.

Paul is writing to Christians in Rome, explaining how they should live in relation to others. He points out that the heart of God's law is not just about following rules, but about showing genuine love to other people. By quoting the command to love your neighbor, Paul connects the commandments to a single guiding principle that shapes Christian behavior.

The Greek behind Romans 13:9

  • The word for "love" is ἀγαπάω (agapaō), which often refers to a selfless, active care for others. Paul uses this word to show that the kind of love he means is more than just feelings—it's about actions that seek the good of others.
  • The Greek word for "neighbor" is πλησίον (plēsion), which means anyone nearby or anyone you encounter, not just close friends or family. This broadens the command to include all people we interact with, not just those we already know well.
  • The phrase "briefly comprehended" uses the word ἀνακεφαλαιοῦται (anakephalaioutai), meaning "summed up" or "brought together under one head." Paul is saying that all these commandments are gathered into one main idea: love for others.

Why Romans 13:9 matters

  • Romans 13:9 clarifies that the purpose of the commandments is not just rule-keeping, but fostering real love between people.
  • This verse helps readers see the unity between the Old Testament law and Jesus' teaching about loving others, showing that the heart of God's will has always been love.
  • By connecting specific commandments to the broader principle of love, Paul shows that ethical living is not about checking off a list, but about a transformed attitude toward others.

Where else these words appear

“comprehended” Greek G346 · used in 2 verses

  • 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:

“shalt” Greek G5576 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 19:18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
  • Mark 10:19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
  • Mark 14:57 And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying,

“shalt” Greek G5407 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
  • Matthew 23:35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.
  • James 2:11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

“shalt” Greek G3431 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 5:27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
  • Mark 10:19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
  • John 8:4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.