Matthew 19:19

Matthew 19:19 (KJV) presents two fundamental commands from the Mosaic Law, reiterated by Jesus during His encounter with the rich young ruler. This verse is part of Jesus's direct answer regarding what is required to inherit eternal life, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct and relational duties.

Context

This verse is extracted from a pivotal dialogue in the Gospel of Matthew. A wealthy young man approaches Jesus, asking, "What good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" (Matthew 19:16). Jesus initially directs him to keep the commandments. When asked "Which?", Jesus lists several, primarily from the latter half of the Ten Commandments, which deal with human relationships. Matthew 19:19 specifically quotes the fifth and a key summary command, highlighting their enduring relevance.

Key Themes

• Honoring Parents: The command to "Honour thy father and thy mother" is the fifth of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12). It is unique in that it is the first commandment with a promise attached: "that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee." This command underscores the importance of respect for authority, family structure, and the foundational unit of society.
• Love for Neighbor: The injunction, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself," is a direct quote from the Old Testament Law found in Leviticus 19:18. This command is profoundly significant as Jesus Himself identifies it as the second great commandment, following the command to love God (Matthew 22:39). It encapsulates the essence of the entire second table of the Law, which pertains to one's duties towards fellow human beings.
• The Essence of the Law: By citing these two commandments, Jesus distills the Law into its core relational principles. While the rich young ruler claimed to have kept all these from his youth, Jesus later reveals his deficiency in love for others by challenging him to sell his possessions and give to the poor.

Linguistic Insights

• The Greek word for "Honour" is timaō, meaning to value, respect, or hold in high esteem. It implies more than just obedience; it suggests a deep reverence and care for one's parents.
• The word for "love" here is agapaō, referring to agape love. This is a selfless, unconditional, and benevolent love, not merely an emotional affection. It is the kind of love God has for humanity and the standard for how believers are to love one another.
• "Neighbour" (Greek: plēsion) broadly refers to one's fellow human being, anyone near or with whom one interacts, extending beyond immediate family or community members.

Practical Application

Matthew 19:19 remains highly relevant for Christian ethics and daily living. It calls believers to:

• Show Respect and Care: Actively honor parents, not just in youth but throughout life, by providing for their needs, listening to their counsel, and showing them due respect.
• Practice Selfless Love: Extend agape love to all people, treating others with the same care, dignity, and consideration one would desire for oneself. This includes compassion, generosity, forgiveness, and justice.
• Live Out the Spirit of the Law: Understand that true righteousness goes beyond mere external obedience to rules. It involves an internal transformation that expresses itself in genuine love for God and for one's neighbor, reflecting the very character of Christ.