Leviticus 19:18

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt not avenge {H5358}, nor bear any grudge {H5201} against the children {H1121} of thy people {H5971}, but thou shalt love {H157} thy neighbour {H7453} as thyself {H3644}: I am the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Don't take vengeance on or bear a grudge against any of your people; rather, love your neighbor as yourself; I am ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people; but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 19:18 stands as a pivotal command within the Mosaic Law, encapsulating a profound ethical and theological principle for the covenant community. It prohibits personal vengeance and the harboring of grudges, instead issuing the radical positive injunction to "love thy neighbour as thyself," all grounded in the divine authority and character of the LORD Himself. This verse transcends its ancient context, establishing a timeless standard for interpersonal relationships rooted in God's holiness and His desire for His people to reflect His own loving nature.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 19:18 is situated within the broader "Holiness Code" (chapters 17-26), a section of the book dedicated to outlining the moral, ethical, and ritual laws by which Israel was to live as a holy nation set apart for God. This chapter, in particular, presents a series of ethical commands that directly impact daily life and interpersonal relationships within the community. Preceding verses (e.g., [Leviticus 19:9-10](/leviticus/19-9 "Leviticus 19:9-10 - Gleaning and the Poor"), [Leviticus 19:11-12](/leviticus/19-11 "Leviticus 19:11-12 - Honesty and Oaths"), [Leviticus 19:13-14](/leviticus/19-13 "Leviticus 19:13-14 - Fair Wages and Care for the Vulnerable"), [Leviticus 19:15-16](/leviticus/19-15 "Leviticus 19:15-16 - Impartial Justice and Not Slandering")) address specific aspects of justice, honesty, respect for the vulnerable, and impartial judgment. Verse 18 serves as a culminating summary principle, moving beyond specific actions to address the underlying heart attitude required for a truly holy community, providing the overarching ethical framework for the preceding and subsequent interpersonal laws.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command in Leviticus 19:18 was given to Israel as a newly formed nation, transitioning from slavery in Egypt to a distinct covenant people. In the ancient Near East, personal vengeance and blood feuds were common, often leading to cycles of escalating violence. While the Mosaic Law included the principle of "lex talionis" (e.g., [Exodus 21:24](/exodus/21-24 "Exodus 21:24 - Lex Talionis - Eye for an Eye"), [Deuteronomy 19:21](/deuteronomy/19-21 "Deuteronomy 19:21 - Life for Life")), which limited retribution to proportionate justice administered by legal authorities, Leviticus 19:18 goes further by prohibiting *personal* acts of vengeance and the *internal disposition* of grudge-holding. This command was revolutionary, demanding a radical departure from prevailing cultural norms by calling for active love and forgiveness within the community. It underscored that Israel's identity as God's people required a higher standard of ethical conduct, reflecting the character of their holy God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Avenge (Hebrew, _naqam'_):** This verb signifies taking personal revenge or retaliation for a wrong committed. It implies a desire to inflict harm or punishment out of a sense of personal injury. The prohibition here is against individuals taking justice into their own hands, usurping God's prerogative for ultimate justice and disrupting community harmony.
* **Grudge (Hebrew, _natar'_):** This word describes the act of bearing or keeping resentment, holding onto anger, or cherishing ill will over an extended period. It speaks to the internal, lingering bitterness that can fester in the heart. The command forbids not only the outward act of vengeance but also the inward, destructive disposition that fuels it.
* **Love (Hebrew, _'ahavah'_):** More than a mere emotion, _'ahavah'_ in this context denotes an active, volitional commitment to the well-being of another. It implies loyalty, care, and a willingness to act for the benefit of the "neighbor." It is a love that expresses itself in concrete actions, contrasting sharply with the destructive impulses of vengeance and grudges.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people":** This initial clause presents a powerful double negative prohibition. It forbids both the active pursuit of retaliation ("avenge") and the passive, internal harboring of resentment ("bear any grudge"). The scope is specifically "against the children of thy people," emphasizing the importance of peace and unity within the covenant community of Israel. This command aims to prevent cycles of retribution and foster a spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation among fellow Israelites.
* **"but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself":** This is the positive command, serving as the antidote and higher standard to the preceding prohibitions. It calls for an active, benevolent regard for others. The phrase "as thyself" does not imply a selfish love, but rather uses one's natural, inherent self-care and desire for one's own well-being as the benchmark for how one should treat others. It demands empathy, treating others with the same consideration, respect, and desire for good that one instinctively applies to oneself.
* **"I [am] the LORD":** This concluding declaration serves as the ultimate ground and authority for the entire command. It is not merely a suggestion or a human ethical ideal, but a divine imperative rooted in God's own character and His covenant relationship with Israel. God's holiness, justice, and love are the foundation upon which this command rests, making obedience to it an act of worship and faithfulness to Him.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 19:18 powerfully employs **Antithesis** by contrasting the negative prohibitions ("shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge") with the positive command ("but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself"). This structural opposition highlights the radical nature of the positive command as the true fulfillment and antidote to the destructive impulses. The verse also functions as an **Ethical Maxim**, a concise and memorable statement of moral principle, designed for easy recall and application. The recurring phrase "I am the LORD" throughout Leviticus 19 (and the Holiness Code) acts as an **Inclusio** or **Framing Device**, emphasizing the divine origin and binding nature of each command, grounding all ethical behavior in God's sovereign authority and holy character.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 19:18 is a cornerstone of biblical ethics, revealing God's profound concern for the quality of human relationships within His covenant community. It demonstrates that true holiness is not merely ritualistic but deeply ethical, demanding that God's people reflect His character in their interactions with one another. The command to love one's neighbor as oneself is a radical call to empathy, selflessness, and active benevolence, directly countering humanity's natural inclination towards self-preservation, retaliation, and resentment. This principle elevates interpersonal conduct to a theological plane, making it an expression of obedience and devotion to God Himself, as the concluding "I am the LORD" clearly indicates. It underscores that love for God is inextricably linked to love for neighbor, forming the dual foundation of God's moral law.

* [Matthew 22:39](/matthew/22-39 "Matthew 22:39 - The Second Great Commandment")
* [Romans 13:10](/romans/13-10 "Romans 13:10 - Love Fulfills the Law")
* [Galatians 5:14](/galatians/5-14 "Galatians 5:14 - The Whole Law Fulfilled in One Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Leviticus 19:18 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, challenging us to a higher standard of love and forgiveness in a world often driven by vengeance and self-interest. It calls us to examine our hearts, not just our actions, ensuring that we release bitterness and resentment, choosing instead to actively pursue the well-being of others. This command demands a radical shift from a transactional view of relationships ("I'll treat you well if you treat me well") to a transformative one, where we initiate love and kindness even when undeserved. Living out this verse requires intentional effort to practice forgiveness, cultivate empathy, and seek reconciliation, reflecting God's own unconditional love and mercy in our daily lives. It reminds us that our spiritual walk is inseparable from how we treat those around us, making our love for neighbor a tangible expression of our love for God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do I tend to hold grudges or seek personal vengeance, even subtly, in my thoughts or actions?**
* **How can I practically demonstrate "love your neighbor as yourself" in my daily interactions, especially with those who are difficult to love or who have wronged me?**
* **What does the phrase "I am the LORD" imply for my obedience to this command, and how does God's character motivate my response?**

### FAQ
**Is "neighbor" only referring to fellow Israelites in this verse?**

Answer: In its immediate literary and historical context, "the children of thy people" primarily referred to fellow Israelites, members of the covenant community. However, the spirit of the law and its expansion in later biblical revelation demonstrate a broader application. Jesus, in the parable of the Good Samaritan ([Luke 10:29-37 "Luke 10:29-37 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan"]), famously expanded the definition of "neighbor" to include anyone in need, even those from traditionally adversarial groups. The New Testament consistently applies the command to love one's neighbor universally, encompassing all humanity, as seen in passages like [Romans 13:8-10](/romans/13-8 "Romans 13:8-10 - Love Fulfills the Law"). Thus, while the original audience was Israel, the theological principle applies to all people.

**How does this command relate to "an eye for an eye"?**

Answer: The principle of "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" (lex talionis), found in passages like [Exodus 21:24](/exodus/21-24 "Exodus 21:24 - Lex Talionis - Eye for an Eye") and [Deuteronomy 19:21](/deuteronomy/19-21 "Deuteronomy 19:21 - Life for Life"), was a principle of *judicial* justice, designed to limit retribution in legal settings. It prevented excessive punishment and ensured that the penalty fit the crime, administered by courts, not individuals. In contrast, Leviticus 19:18 prohibits *personal* vengeance and the *internal* disposition of holding grudges. It moves beyond mere legal limitation to demand a radical heart attitude of love and forgiveness, preventing individuals from taking justice into their own hands and fostering community harmony. Jesus further elevated this principle, calling His followers to a higher standard of non-retaliation and love for enemies ([Matthew 5:38-48](/matthew/5-38 "Matthew 5:38-48 - Turn the Other Cheek; Love Your Enemies")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 19:18 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of the love it commands, demonstrating it perfectly in His life, ministry, and sacrificial death. Jesus not only affirmed this commandment as the second greatest ([Matthew 22:39](/matthew/22-39 "Matthew 22:39 - The Second Great Commandment")), but He also radically expanded its scope, teaching His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")). His parable of the Good Samaritan ([Luke 10:29-37](/luke/10-29 "Luke 10:29-37 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan")) redefined "neighbor" to include anyone in need, transcending ethnic or social boundaries. Most profoundly, Christ's death on the cross is the supreme act of loving others "as Himself," laying down His life for those who were His enemies ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Through His atoning work, believers are reconciled to God and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out this divine love, reflecting His character and fulfilling the law through love ([Romans 13:10](/romans/13-10 "Romans 13:10 - Love Fulfills the Law")). Thus, the command to love our neighbor is not merely an ancient ethical ideal, but a living reality made possible and exemplified by Christ Himself, enabling us to walk in the newness of life He provides ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

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.

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.

Mark 12:34

And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him [any question].

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.

Luke 10:37

And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.