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.