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.

And {G2532} the second {G1208} is like {G3664}, namely this {G3778}{G846}, Thou shalt love {G25} thy {G4675} neighbour {G4139} as {G5613} thyself {G4572}. There is {G2076} none {G3756} other {G243} commandment {G1785} greater {G3187} than these {G5130}.

The second is this: `You are to love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other mitzvah greater than these."

The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”

The second is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

Mark 12:31 presents the second of the two greatest commandments, as declared by Jesus Christ himself. Following the command to love God wholeheartedly, this verse emphasizes the indispensable call to love one's fellow human being.

Context

This verse is part of a crucial dialogue in the Temple courts where a scribe asks Jesus about the greatest commandment in the Law. Jesus responds by first quoting Deuteronomy 6:5, which commands love for God, and then this verse, which is drawn from Leviticus 19:18. This exchange highlights Jesus' profound understanding of the Old Testament and His ability to distill its essence into two foundational principles. It also appears in similar accounts in Matthew 22:39 and Luke 10:27.

Key Themes

  • Love for Neighbor: The core message is the imperative to extend genuine affection and care to those around us, treating them with the same consideration we would give ourselves. This is not merely a passive feeling but an active, benevolent regard for others.
  • The Golden Rule's Foundation: While not explicitly stated, this commandment is foundational to what is often called the "Golden Rule": "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them."
  • Essence of the Law: Jesus declares that "There is none other commandment greater than these," indicating that these two commands (love for God and love for neighbor) encapsulate the entire spirit and purpose of the Mosaic Law and the Prophets. As Paul later affirms, "love is the fulfilling of the law" (Romans 13:10).
  • Connectedness of Love: The proximity of this command to the first (Mark 12:30) underscores that love for God and love for humanity are inextricably linked. One cannot truly love God without also loving their neighbor, and vice-versa (1 John 4:20).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "love" used here is agapaō (the verb form of agape), which signifies a selfless, unconditional, and benevolent love. It is not merely an emotion but a deliberate choice and action of goodwill. To "love thy neighbour as thyself" means to act towards others with the same care, concern, and desire for good that one naturally has for oneself. This is a profound standard, moving beyond mere reciprocity to genuine empathy and active kindness.

Practical Application

This commandment calls believers to a life of active compassion and service, extending God's love to everyone they encounter. It challenges us to:

  • Empathy and Compassion: Put ourselves in others' shoes and respond to their needs with understanding.
  • Forgiveness: Extend grace and forgiveness, just as we would desire it for ourselves.
  • Justice and Fairness: Advocate for what is right and treat all people justly, regardless of their background or status.
  • Selfless Action: Go beyond personal convenience to serve others, reflecting the self-giving nature of Christ (Philippians 2:4).

Living out Mark 12:31 means that our faith is not just intellectual assent but a practical, outward expression of love that transforms communities and reflects God's character to the world.

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.

  • Romans 13:8

    Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:4

    ¶ Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

  • 1 Corinthians 13:8

    ¶ Charity never faileth: but whether [there be] prophecies, they shall fail; whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease; whether [there be] knowledge, it shall vanish away.

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