Galatians 5:14

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, [even] in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

For {G1063} all {G3956} the law {G3551} is fulfilled {G4137} in {G1722} one {G1520} word {G3056}, even in {G1722} this; Thou shalt love {G25} thy {G4675} neighbour {G4139} as {G5613} thyself {G1438}.

For the whole of the Torah is summed up in this one sentence: “Love your neighbor as yourself”;

The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

Galatians 5:14 is a pivotal verse in Paul's letter, encapsulating the essence of Christian living and freedom in Christ. It succinctly states that the entire Mosaic Law finds its ultimate expression and fulfillment in the single command to love one's neighbor as oneself.

Context

The Apostle Paul writes to the churches in Galatia to combat false teaching that insisted Gentile believers needed to observe the rituals and laws of Judaism, particularly circumcision, to be truly saved. Paul vehemently argues for salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the law (Galatians 2:16). However, he also addresses the potential misconception that Christian freedom (liberty from the Law's demands) is an excuse for lawlessness or selfish indulgence. Instead, true freedom is for service through love. This verse serves as a bridge, showing that while believers are free from the curse and bondage of the Law, the moral principles underlying it are upheld and fulfilled by love, especially when walking in the Spirit.

Key Themes

  • Love as the Fulfillment of the Law: Paul asserts that love does not abolish the Law but rather brings it to its intended purpose and completion. When one truly loves their neighbor, they inherently fulfill commandments like "Thou shalt not commit adultery," "Thou shalt not kill," "Thou shalt not steal," and "Thou shalt not covet," because love naturally prevents harm and seeks the good of others. This concept is further elaborated in Romans 13:10.
  • The Core of God's Commands: This verse highlights a fundamental truth taught by Jesus Himself, who identified loving one's neighbor as oneself as the second greatest commandment, second only to loving God (Matthew 22:37). It echoes the original command found in Leviticus 19:18, showing continuity between Old and New Covenant ethics.
  • Christian Liberty and Responsibility: Freedom in Christ is not a license for sin but an empowerment to serve others in love (Galatians 5:13). Love becomes the guiding principle and the internal motivation for righteous living, replacing external legalistic rules.

Linguistic Insights

The word "fulfilled" translates the Greek verb peplērōtai (perfect passive indicative of plēroō). This doesn't mean the Law is abolished or done away with, but rather that it is brought to its full measure, completion, or true meaning. Love is the ultimate aim and comprehensive summary of the Law's requirements concerning human relationships. It implies that genuine love for others naturally leads to actions that align with the Law's moral demands.

Practical Application

For believers today, Galatians 5:14 serves as a powerful reminder that love is the distinguishing mark of a true follower of Christ. It shifts the focus from rigid adherence to external rules to an internal, Spirit-led motivation to genuinely care for and serve others. This verse encourages us to examine our actions, attitudes, and relationships through the lens of love, recognizing that true Christian living is expressed not by legalistic performance, but by selfless affection and service towards our neighbors, which includes everyone we encounter. It is through this active love that we demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit and live out our freedom in Christ.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 7:12

    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.

  • Leviticus 19:18

    Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I [am] the LORD.

  • Galatians 6:2

    Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

  • Mark 12:31

    And the second [is] like, [namely] this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

  • John 13:34

    A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

  • Matthew 22:39

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

  • Matthew 22:40

    On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

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