Matthew 19:19

KJV

Honour thy father and [thy] mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

KJV (with Strong's)

Honour {G5091} thy {G4675} father {G3962} and {G2532} thy mother {G3384}: and {G2532}, Thou shalt love {G25} thy {G4675} neighbour {G4139} as {G5613} thyself {G4572}.

Complete Jewish Bible

honor father and mother and love your neighbor as yourself."

Berean Standard Bible

honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.’”

American Standard Version

Honor thy father and thy mother; and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 19:19 presents two foundational commands reiterated by Jesus to the rich young ruler: to honor one's parents and to love one's neighbor as oneself. These injunctions, drawn directly from the Mosaic Law, encapsulate the essence of human responsibility within God's covenant, emphasizing both familial respect and selfless societal love as integral components of a life seeking eternal life and righteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a pivotal dialogue between Jesus and a wealthy young man who approaches Him asking, "What good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" The preceding verses ([Matthew 19:16-17](/matthew/19-16-17 "Matthew 19:16-17 - The Rich Young Ruler's Question")) set the stage for Jesus's response, which initially directs the young man to keep the commandments. When pressed for clarification ("Which ones?"), Jesus proceeds to list several, primarily from the second table of the Ten Commandments, which govern human relationships. [Matthew 19:18](/matthew/19-18 "Matthew 19:18 - Jesus Lists Commandments") lists prohibitions against murder, adultery, theft, and false witness, followed by the positive commands in [Matthew 19:19](/matthew/19-19 "Matthew 19:19 - Honoring Parents and Loving Neighbor"), culminating in the challenge to sell all possessions and follow Him in [Matthew 19:21](/matthew/19-21 "Matthew 19:21 - The Cost of Discipleship"). This immediate context highlights Jesus's emphasis on the practical outworking of faith in ethical conduct and relational duties, particularly concerning the Law's demands.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The commands in [Matthew 19:19](/matthew/19-19 "Matthew 19:19 - Honoring Parents and Loving Neighbor") are direct quotations from the Old Testament Law. "Honour thy father and thy mother" is the fifth of the Ten Commandments, found in [Exodus 20:12](/exodus/20-12 "Exodus 20:12 - The Fifth Commandment") and [Deuteronomy 5:16](/deuteronomy/5-16 "Deuteronomy 5:16 - The Fifth Commandment in Deuteronomy"), unique for being the first commandment with a promise attached (long life in the land). This command was foundational to ancient Israelite society, underscoring the patriarchal family structure, respect for elders, and the transmission of faith and heritage across generations. "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" is from [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - The Command to Love Your Neighbor"), a pivotal verse in the Holiness Code. In Jewish thought, "neighbor" (Hebrew: _rea'_ or Greek: _plēsíon_) typically referred to fellow Israelites, but Jesus consistently expanded this definition to include all humanity, even enemies, as exemplified in the Parable of the Good Samaritan ([Luke 10:25-37](/luke/10-25-37 "Luke 10:25-37 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan")). Jesus's reiteration of these commands underscores their enduring relevance and His affirmation of the moral core of the Torah.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **righteousness and the Law**, demonstrating that Jesus did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). By citing these specific commandments, Jesus distills the Law into its core relational principles, emphasizing that true righteousness extends beyond mere external observance to encompass internal disposition and action. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **love as the fulfillment of the Law**. Jesus later identifies the command to love God and to love one's neighbor as the two greatest commandments, upon which "hang all the law and the prophets" ([Matthew 22:37-40](/matthew/22-37-40 "Matthew 22:37-40 - The Greatest Commandment")). Thirdly, the interaction with the rich young ruler, culminating in this verse, explores the theme of **discipleship and the cost of following Jesus**, revealing that true obedience requires not just adherence to rules but a radical reorientation of priorities and a willingness to surrender everything for the sake of the Kingdom ([Matthew 19:21-22](/matthew/19-21-22 "Matthew 19:21-22 - The Rich Young Ruler's Sorrow")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Honour (Greek, _timáō'_):** From G5091, meaning "to prize, i.e. fix a valuation upon; by implication, to revere." This word signifies more than mere obedience; it denotes a deep respect, esteem, and valuing of one's parents, recognizing their authority, wisdom, and the care they have provided. It suggests active support and care, particularly in their old age, and a recognition of their foundational role in one's life and in society.
* **love (Greek, _agapáō'_):** From G25, meaning "to love (in a social or moral sense)." This refers to _agape_ love, a distinct form of love in the New Testament. It is not primarily an emotion but a volitional, selfless, benevolent, and unconditional commitment to the well-being of another. It is the kind of love God demonstrates towards humanity and the standard for how believers are to relate to one another, prioritizing the other's good even at personal cost.
* **neighbour (Greek, _plēsíon'_):** From G4139, meaning "(adverbially) close by; as noun, a neighbor, i.e. fellow (as man, countryman, Christian or friend)." While its Old Testament context often referred to fellow Israelites, Jesus consistently expanded its scope to include anyone with whom one interacts, regardless of social, ethnic, or religious boundaries, emphasizing universal human dignity and the call to extend love to all.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Honour thy father and thy mother:"** This clause directly quotes the fifth commandment from the Decalogue. It mandates respect, reverence, and care for one's parents. This honor is not merely a youthful obligation but a lifelong responsibility, encompassing obedience, provision, and upholding their dignity. It signifies the foundational importance of the family unit and the intergenerational transfer of values and faith within God's covenant community.
* **"and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."** This second clause quotes [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself"). It is a summary command that encapsulates the spirit of the entire second table of the Law, which deals with human relationships. The phrase "as thyself" implies that the standard for loving others is the natural self-care and concern one has for oneself. This love is not merely emotional but active, seeking the good and welfare of others with the same earnestness one seeks for oneself, demonstrating empathy, compassion, and practical help.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 19:19 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Quotation/Allusion**, as Jesus directly quotes two distinct Old Testament commands, demonstrating His affirmation of the Law's authority and continuity. This act of quoting also serves as a **Summary/Distillation**, as Jesus distills the vastness of the Mosaic Law into two essential relational principles: vertical (respect for authority, beginning with parents) and horizontal (love for fellow human beings). By juxtaposing these two commands, the text also subtly uses **Juxtaposition** to highlight the comprehensive nature of ethical living, encompassing both familial duties and broader societal responsibilities. The structure of Jesus's response, moving from specific prohibitions to these overarching positive commands, also shows a pedagogical technique of **Progression**, guiding the rich young ruler (and the reader) towards a deeper understanding of the Law's true intent beyond mere external compliance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 19:19 profoundly connects the two great commandments concerning human relationships, revealing that true righteousness is not merely about avoiding sin but actively pursuing love and honor. The command to honor parents establishes the foundational principle of respect for authority and the sacredness of family, reflecting God's design for order and intergenerational faithfulness. The command to love one's neighbor as oneself expands this principle to all human interaction, embodying the selfless, benevolent character of God. Together, these commands demonstrate that genuine faith is expressed through tangible acts of love and respect within all spheres of life, serving as the practical outworking of one's love for God. They underscore the holistic nature of God's demands, where personal piety is inextricably linked to social ethics.

* [Ephesians 6:1-3](/ephesians/6-1-3 "Ephesians 6:1-3 - Children Obey Your Parents")
* [Romans 13:8-10](/romans/13-8-10 "Romans 13:8-10 - Love Fulfills the Law")
* [Galatians 5:14](/galatians/5-14 "Galatians 5:14 - The Whole Law Fulfilled in Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 19:19 calls believers to a profound and practical expression of faith in their daily lives. Honoring parents extends beyond childhood obedience; it encompasses lifelong respect, care, and support, recognizing their unique role in our lives and in God's design for family. This command challenges us to consider how we actively demonstrate value and reverence to those who have nurtured us. Simultaneously, the command to love our neighbor as ourselves demands a radical empathy and selfless action towards all people, transcending personal preferences or social boundaries. It means actively seeking the well-being of others, extending compassion, forgiveness, and justice, treating them with the same dignity and consideration we naturally afford ourselves. This dual command reminds us that true righteousness is not a checklist of prohibitions but a vibrant, active love that flows from a heart transformed by Christ, shaping our relationships and our engagement with the world around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I better honor my parents (or parental figures) in this season of my life?**
* **What does it truly mean to "love my neighbor as myself" in my specific context (e.g., workplace, community, online interactions)?**
* **How does my understanding of these two commands influence my priorities and actions in daily life?**

### FAQ

**What does "love thy neighbour as thyself" truly mean, and how is it practically applied?**

Answer: The phrase "love thy neighbour as thyself" (from [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself")) does not imply a prerequisite of self-love before one can love others, nor does it endorse narcissism. Instead, it uses the natural, inherent human tendency for self-preservation and self-care as the standard or measure for how we should treat others. Just as we instinctively desire good for ourselves, seek our own well-being, and avoid harm, so too should we extend that same earnest concern, care, and active pursuit of good to our "neighbor." Practically, this means treating others with the same dignity, respect, and compassion we would want for ourselves. It involves empathy, actively listening, forgiving, offering practical help, and advocating for justice. Jesus's parable of the Good Samaritan in [Luke 10:25-37](/luke/10-25-37 "Luke 10:25-37 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan") vividly illustrates this, showing that our "neighbor" is anyone in need, regardless of their background, and that love requires active, sacrificial intervention. Ultimately, it calls for a selfless, benevolent love (_agape_) that prioritizes the welfare of others.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 19:19, with its reiteration of the commands to honor parents and love one's neighbor, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the perfect embodiment of these commands, living a life of perfect obedience and selfless love. Jesus perfectly honored His heavenly Father, always doing His will ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")), and even in His earthly life, He showed respect and care for His mother ([John 19:26-27](/john/19-26-27 "John 19:26-27 - Jesus Cares for His Mother from the Cross")). More profoundly, Christ fulfilled the command to love one's neighbor by laying down His life for humanity, demonstrating the ultimate _agape_ love ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")). His sacrifice on the cross for a sinful world is the supreme act of loving the "neighbor" (even those who were His enemies) as Himself, taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus did not abolish the Law but fulfilled its righteous requirements ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), showing that love is the essence of the Law ([Romans 13:10](/romans/13-10 "Romans 13:10 - Love is the Fulfillment of the Law")). As believers, we are called to follow His example, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out these commands, for "the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit" ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - The Love of God Poured Out")). Thus, these ancient commands become not merely rules, but a call to participate in the very character of Christ, loving as He loved and honoring as He honored.

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

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.

Deuteronomy 5:16

Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Matthew 22:39

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

Exodus 20:12

¶ Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Matthew 15:4

For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

Matthew 15:6

And honour not his father or his mother, [he shall be free]. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

James 2:8

¶ If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: