Mark 12:31

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Mark 12:31, Jesus Christ articulates the second of the two greatest commandments, declaring that to "love thy neighbour as thyself" is a principle of paramount importance, second only to loving God with all one's being. This profound directive, drawn from the Old Testament, distills the essence of ethical living and underscores the inseparable connection between one's relationship with God and one's conduct toward fellow human beings, serving as a foundational pillar of Christian discipleship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a pivotal dialogue in the Temple courts, where Jesus is challenged by a scribe who asks about the "first commandment of all" ([Mark 12:28](/mark/12-28 "Mark 12:28 - The Scribe's Question")). Jesus responds by first quoting the Shema from [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema"), emphasizing love for God, and immediately follows with the command to love one's neighbor from [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor"). The scribe's affirmation of Jesus' answer ([Mark 12:32-33](/mark/12-32-33 "Mark 12:32-33 - The Scribe's Affirmation")) highlights the wisdom and theological depth of Jesus' synthesis. This exchange is a climactic moment in Jesus' public teaching before His passion, demonstrating His authority and insight into the heart of God's Law. Parallel accounts are found in [Matthew 22:34-40](/matthew/22-34-40 "Matthew 22:34-40 - The Greatest Commandment") and [Luke 10:25-28](/luke/10-25-28 "Luke 10:25-28 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan's Context").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, the Mosaic Law was central to life and identity. Rabbis frequently debated which of the 613 commandments was the greatest or most essential. Jesus' contemporaries would have been familiar with both commands individually, but His unique contribution was to link them inextricably and elevate them above all others. The concept of "neighbor" in Jewish thought, while often interpreted narrowly to mean fellow Israelites or co-religionists, was expanded by Jesus to encompass all humanity, especially highlighted in parables like the [Good Samaritan](/luke/10-29-37 "Luke 10:29-37 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan"). Jesus' answer was revolutionary in its simplicity and comprehensive scope, cutting through legalistic complexities to reveal the moral core of God's expectation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the **primacy of love** as the fulfilling principle of God's Law, echoing the prophets who emphasized righteousness and justice over ritual ([Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Steadfast Love")). It highlights the **interconnectedness of love for God and love for humanity**, demonstrating that true piety is not merely vertical but also horizontal; one cannot genuinely love God without demonstrating that love to others ([1 John 4:20](/1_john/4-20 "1 John 4:20 - Love for God and Neighbor")). Furthermore, it establishes a foundational principle for **Christian ethics and discipleship**, serving as a concise summary of how believers are to live in community and engage with the world, reflecting God's character through selfless action and compassion.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **love (Greek, _agapáō'_):** This verb signifies a selfless, benevolent, and unconditional love. Unlike other Greek words for love (e.g., _phileō_ for brotherly affection or _eros_ for passionate desire), _agapáō_ denotes a deliberate choice and commitment of the will, often involving sacrifice for the good of the beloved. It is not merely an emotion but an active, principled care that seeks the highest good of the other, regardless of their merit or the reciprocal feeling.
* **neighbour (Greek, _plēsíon'_):** This term literally means "one who is near" or "close by." While in Old Testament contexts it often referred to fellow Israelites, Jesus consistently expands its meaning to include anyone with whom one interacts, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or social standing. It emphasizes proximity and the opportunity for interaction, making the command universally applicable to all people one encounters.
* **commandment (Greek, _entolḗ'_):** This noun refers to an authoritative injunction or prescription. It signifies a divine directive, a binding instruction from God. By using this term, Jesus underscores that loving one's neighbor is not merely a suggestion or a good idea, but a non-negotiable, divinely ordained imperative that carries the weight of God's will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the second [is] like, [namely] this,"**: This clause immediately links the second commandment to the first, establishing its parallel importance and foundational nature. The word "like" (_hómoios_) suggests not identical, but similar in kind, weight, and significance, indicating that these two commands are of the same essence and together form the core of God's Law. It prepares the listener for the content of this equally vital directive.
* **"Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."**: This is the core injunction, directly quoted from [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor"). The command to "love" (_agapáō_) is an imperative, demanding active, volitional benevolence. The standard for this love is "as thyself," implying that the natural self-preservation, care, and desire for well-being that one possesses for oneself should be extended to others. It is not about self-love as a prerequisite, but self-care as a measure for how to care for others. This sets a profound and challenging standard for altruism and empathy.
* **"There is none other commandment greater than these."**: This concluding declaration by Jesus underscores the supreme authority and comprehensive nature of these two commands. It asserts that no other single commandment, nor any combination of others, surpasses the combined weight and importance of loving God and loving one's neighbor. This statement effectively summarizes and fulfills the entire Mosaic Law and the Prophets, distilling their vast teachings into two inseparable, overarching principles.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 12:31, in conjunction with Mark 12:30, employs several significant literary devices. The primary device is **Parallelism**, as Jesus presents two commandments that are "like" each other, creating a balanced and equally weighted pair. The structure "And the first... And the second..." emphasizes their complementary nature and equal importance in the divine economy. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** in the declaration "There is none other commandment greater than these," which serves to powerfully emphasize the ultimate supremacy and all-encompassing nature of these two commands, effectively summarizing the entire Law. The use of **Direct Quotation** from the Old Testament ([Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - Love the Lord Your God") and [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor")) lends immense authority and continuity to Jesus' teaching, demonstrating His deep understanding and fulfillment of the Hebrew Scriptures. Finally, the phrase "as thyself" functions as a **Simile**, providing a clear and relatable standard for the quality and extent of the love commanded.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The command to love one's neighbor as oneself is not merely a moral platitude but a profound theological statement. It reveals the very character of God, who is love ([1 John 4:8](/1_john/4-8 "1 John 4:8 - God Is Love")), and calls humanity to reflect that divine nature in their relationships. This love, _agape_, is the active pursuit of another's well-being, mirroring God's benevolent action towards creation and humanity. It forms the ethical backbone of the new covenant, transforming external adherence to law into an internal disposition of the heart. Theologically, it implies that genuine worship of God is incomplete without tangible love for His image-bearers, making social justice, compassion, and reconciliation integral to authentic faith. This commandment serves as a powerful antidote to self-centeredness and division, fostering community and embodying the kingdom of God on earth.

* [Romans 13:9-10](/romans/13-9-10 "Romans 13:9-10 - Love Fulfills the Law")
* [Galatians 5:14](/galatians/5-14 "Galatians 5:14 - The Whole Law Fulfilled in One Word")
* [1 John 4:20-21](/1_john/4-20-21 "1 John 4:20-21 - Loving God and Neighbor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The command to "love thy neighbour as thyself" is arguably one of the most challenging yet transformative principles for daily living. It calls us beyond mere tolerance or passive acceptance to an active, empathetic, and sacrificial posture towards others. This means intentionally seeking the good of those around us—our family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers or those with whom we disagree. It challenges us to confront our own biases, prejudices, and self-centered tendencies, urging us to consider how our words and actions impact others. Living out this commandment requires a willingness to listen, to serve, to forgive, and to advocate for justice, reflecting the generous and compassionate heart of God in every interaction. It transforms our faith from a private conviction into a public demonstration of God's love, building bridges and fostering genuine community in a fragmented world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do I naturally "love myself" (e.g., care for my health, seek my comfort, protect my reputation)? How can I intentionally extend these same forms of care and consideration to my "neighbor"?**
* **Who is a "neighbor" in my life that I find particularly challenging to love? What steps can I take to cultivate _agape_ love towards them?**
* **How does my current lifestyle reflect or contradict the command to love my neighbor as myself, particularly in areas of consumption, advocacy, or generosity?**
* **What practical actions can I commit to this week to demonstrate tangible love to someone in my immediate community or beyond?**

### FAQ
**Does "neighbor" only refer to people I like or those who are similar to me?**

Answer: No, Jesus' teaching consistently expands the definition of "neighbor" beyond narrow interpretations. While the Old Testament context of [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor") often referred to fellow Israelites, Jesus' parables, particularly the [Parable of the Good Samaritan](/luke/10-29-37 "Luke 10:29-37 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan"), clearly demonstrate that "neighbor" includes anyone in need, even those from traditionally hostile groups. It encompasses all humanity, especially those with whom we come into contact and those who are marginalized or suffering. The command is universal, extending to strangers, enemies, and those who are different from us.

**How can I truly love someone "as myself" if I struggle with self-love or have a negative self-image?**

Answer: The command "love your neighbor as yourself" is not primarily a directive to love yourself first, but rather uses the natural human instinct for self-preservation and well-being as a *standard* or *measure* for how we should treat others. It assumes a basic level of self-care and concern. If one struggles with self-love, the focus should still be on extending compassion and care to others, as this outward focus can often be a pathway to healing and a healthier self-perception. Furthermore, our capacity to love others is ultimately rooted in God's prior love for us ([1 John 4:19](/1_john/4-19 "1 John 4:19 - We Love Because He First Loved Us")), which enables us to love both ourselves and our neighbors.

**Is this commandment more important than loving God?**

Answer: No, Jesus explicitly states that the first and greatest commandment is to [love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength](/mark/12-30 "Mark 12:30 - The First Great Commandment"). The command to love your neighbor is "the second [that] is like" the first, meaning it is equally essential and inseparable from it. Jesus declares, "There is none other commandment greater than these," indicating that both are of paramount importance and together form the complete essence of God's Law. One cannot truly love God without loving His creation, and genuine love for neighbor flows from a heart transformed by God's love. They are two sides of the same divine coin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 12:31 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the perfect embodiment of this commandment, demonstrating what it truly means to "love thy neighbour as thyself." Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently prioritized the needs of others, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, comforting the grieving, and extending grace to the outcast and marginalized. His life was a continuous act of selfless service, epitomized by His teaching on servant leadership ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The pinnacle of His neighborly love is seen in His sacrificial death on the cross, where He laid down His life for humanity, even for His enemies ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Own Love")). He did not merely teach this command; He lived it perfectly, becoming the ultimate "neighbor" to all. Furthermore, Jesus elevates this command by giving His disciples a "new commandment" to [love one another as He has loved them](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - The New Commandment"), thereby raising the standard from "as thyself" to "as Christ loved us." Through His Spirit, Christ empowers believers to live out this demanding yet beautiful command, making His selfless love visible in the world.

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 13:8

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.