Matthew 7:12

KJV

¶ Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G3767} all things {G3956} whatsoever {G302}{G3745} ye would {G2309} that {G2443} men {G444} should do {G4160} to you {G5213}, do {G4160} ye {G5210} even {G2532} so {G3779} to them {G846}: for {G1063} this {G3778} is {G2076} the law {G3551} and {G2532} the prophets {G4396}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Always treat others as you would like them to treat you; that sums up the teaching of the Torah and the Prophets.

Berean Standard Bible

In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.

American Standard Version

All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 7:12, often revered as the "Golden Rule," stands as a pivotal summation within Jesus's Sermon on the Mount. This profound ethical principle calls believers to proactively extend to others the same treatment, respect, and kindness they themselves wish to receive, declaring that this active, empathetic love encapsulates the very essence and intent of the entire Old Testament Law and the Prophets. It serves as a concise yet comprehensive guide for righteous human interaction, flowing directly from the preceding teachings on God's generosity and the nature of true discipleship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes the section of the Sermon on the Mount dealing with human relationships and ethical conduct, immediately following Jesus's teachings on not judging others ([Matthew 7:1-5](/matthew/7-1-5 "Matthew 7:1-5 - Do Not Judge")) and the powerful encouragement to persistent prayer and God's benevolent response ([Matthew 7:7-11](/matthew/7-7-11 "Matthew 7:7-11 - Ask, Seek, Knock")). The introductory "Therefore" (Greek: _oûn_) acts as a crucial logical connector, indicating that the Golden Rule is not an isolated command but a direct consequence and practical outworking of the preceding truths: because God, our heavenly Father, is good and gives good gifts to those who ask, His children are likewise called to embody that same proactive goodness in their interactions with humanity. It serves as the ethical climax of the Sermon's practical instructions, distilling the entire moral code into a single, actionable principle.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of reciprocal ethics was not entirely new in the ancient world, with various cultures and philosophical traditions possessing similar maxims, often expressed in a negative or prohibitive form (e.g., "Do not do to others what you would not want done to you"). However, Jesus's formulation in Matthew 7:12 is distinctively positive and proactive. While Old Testament passages like [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor") commanded love for one's neighbor, Jesus's "do ye even so to them" elevates the principle from merely refraining from harm to actively seeking the good of others. This positive injunction was revolutionary, setting a higher standard for ethical behavior within the Jewish context, where the Law and Prophets were the ultimate authority, and for all who would follow Him.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 7:12 powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the Sermon on the Mount and the broader Gospel of Matthew. Firstly, it embodies the theme of **Radical Righteousness**, challenging disciples to exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees by internalizing God's character and living out a kingdom ethic that goes beyond external observance. Secondly, it highlights **Love for Neighbor** as the ultimate expression of God's will, echoing the second great commandment that Jesus affirms elsewhere as being like the first ([Mark 12:30-31](/mark/12-30-31 "Mark 12:30-31 - The Greatest Commandments")). Finally, and most significantly, it presents the theme of **Fulfillment of the Law and Prophets**. Jesus's declaration that this principle *is* "the law and the prophets" signifies that this single, positive command distills the entire ethical and moral instruction of the Old Testament Scriptures, demonstrating how He came not to abolish but to fulfill them ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Therefore (Greek, _oûn'_):** This particle (G3767) serves as a strong logical connector, signaling a conclusion or consequence drawn from the preceding statements. In this context, it links the Golden Rule directly to Jesus's teaching on God's benevolent character and willingness to give good gifts (Matthew 7:7-11). The implication is that because God is good and generous to us, we are obligated to extend that same goodness and generosity to others.
* **would (Greek, _thélō'_):** Derived from G2309, this verb signifies a strong desire, choice, or intention stemming from subjective impulse. It points to what one genuinely wishes or prefers for oneself. This is crucial because the Golden Rule is not about what one *ought* to do based on external rules, but what one *desires* to receive, making the ethical imperative deeply personal and empathetic.
* **law (Greek, _nómos'_):** This term (G3551) refers to divine law, specifically the Mosaic Law, encompassing the commandments and statutes given to Israel. By stating that the Golden Rule *is* "the law," Jesus asserts that this principle embodies the very essence and spirit of God's entire covenantal instruction concerning human conduct, rather than merely one of its many regulations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you":** This initial clause establishes the premise of the Golden Rule. It calls for an empathetic imagination, prompting the listener to consider their own desires, preferences, and needs in any given situation. It's an invitation to step into one's own shoes and identify how one would wish to be treated by others, setting the internal standard for external action. The phrase "all things whatsoever" emphasizes the comprehensive and universal applicability of the principle, covering every conceivable interaction.
* **"do ye even so to them":** This is the core command, the active and proactive injunction. Having identified what one desires for oneself, the imperative is to then unilaterally and intentionally apply that same standard of treatment to others. It moves beyond mere passive non-aggression to active benevolence, challenging individuals to initiate kindness, fairness, and respect without waiting for it to be reciprocated. The "even so" underscores the direct correspondence between one's desire and one's action.
* **"for this is the law and the prophets":** This concluding declaration provides the theological weight and authority for the Golden Rule. "The law and the prophets" is a common Jewish idiom referring to the entirety of the Old Testament Scriptures. Jesus asserts that this single, concise principle encapsulates the sum and substance of all moral and ethical instruction found within the Hebrew Bible regarding human relationships. It is the interpretive key and the practical fulfillment of God's revealed will for how humanity should interact.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 7:12 is a masterclass in concise ethical instruction, employing several powerful literary devices. It functions primarily as an **Aphorism**, a brief, memorable statement of a general truth or principle, designed for easy recall and profound impact. The structure itself demonstrates a form of **Reciprocity**, where the action desired (from others to self) is mirrored by the action commanded (from self to others), creating a balanced and intuitive ethical equation. Furthermore, Jesus utilizes **Hyperbole** in the phrase "all things whatsoever," not to exaggerate truth, but to emphasize the universal and comprehensive scope of the principle, implying that there is no human interaction to which this rule does not apply. Finally, the declaration "for this is the law and the prophets" serves as a powerful **Summary** or **Distillation**, presenting a complex body of scripture (the entire Old Testament ethical code) in a remarkably simple and actionable form, highlighting its essential spirit.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The Golden Rule, as presented by Jesus, is far more than a mere ethical guideline; it is a profound theological statement rooted in the character of God and the nature of His kingdom. It reflects the very heart of God's love and generosity, as seen in the preceding verses where God gives good gifts to His children. This principle calls believers to mirror that divine benevolence, making their actions a tangible expression of God's love in the world. It transcends cultural and temporal boundaries, serving as a universal moral compass that guides individuals toward righteous and empathetic living, fostering harmonious relationships built on mutual respect and active goodwill. It underscores that true righteousness is not merely about avoiding evil, but proactively pursuing good, embodying the self-giving love that defines the divine.

* [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself")
* [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 7:12 presents a timeless and universally applicable guide for daily living, challenging us to move beyond self-interest and reactive behavior to a posture of proactive, empathetic love. Applying this rule requires intentionality: it means pausing before speaking or acting to truly consider how we would feel if we were in the other person's shoes. This principle transforms our interactions from transactional exchanges into opportunities for grace and mutual flourishing. It calls us to be the first to extend kindness, to offer forgiveness, to show understanding, and to act with integrity, even when it is difficult or inconvenient. By consistently treating others as we wish to be treated, we not only build stronger, more compassionate relationships in our families, workplaces, and communities, but we also become living demonstrations of the transformative power of Christ's kingdom ethic in a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse challenge my natural inclination towards self-interest and reactive behavior?**
* **In what specific area of my life (e.g., family, work, social media) can I more intentionally apply the principle of treating others as I wish to be treated?**
* **How does the Golden Rule inform my interactions with those who are difficult, different from me, or even hostile towards me?**

### FAQ
**Is the Golden Rule unique to Christianity, and how does it relate to other ethical systems?**

Answer: While Matthew 7:12 is a cornerstone of Christian ethics, the concept of reciprocal treatment is found in various forms across many cultures, religions, and philosophical traditions throughout history. Often, these expressions are in a negative or prohibitive form, such as "Do not do to others what you would not want done to you" (e.g., in Judaism, Confucianism, and ancient Greek philosophy). This "Negative Golden Rule" or "Silver Rule" focuses on avoiding harm. Jesus's formulation, however, is distinctively positive and proactive: "do ye even so to them." This positive injunction demands active benevolence and initiation of good, rather than merely refraining from evil. It aligns with the positive command to love one's neighbor found in the Old Testament ([Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor")) and is elevated by Jesus as the summation of all ethical law, calling for a higher, more demanding standard of self-giving love.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 7:12 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely the one who taught the Golden Rule; He is its perfect embodiment and the source of our ability to live it out. Jesus consistently treated others as He desired to be treated, extending compassion to the marginalized, healing to the sick, and forgiveness to sinners, even when they scorned Him. His entire life was an active demonstration of doing unto others what He desired for them – reconciliation with God and eternal life. The pinnacle of this fulfillment is His sacrificial death on the cross, where He, though sinless, bore the sins of humanity, doing for us what we could never do for ourselves, providing the ultimate act of love and redemption ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World") and [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us")). Therefore, for the believer, living by the Golden Rule is not a mere ethical exercise but a Spirit-empowered response to Christ's own self-giving love. We are called to love one another as He has loved us ([John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - A New Commandment")), reflecting His character and fulfilling the law through the love poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - 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

Luke 6:31

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

Romans 13:8

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

Romans 13:10

Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love [is] the fulfilling of the law.

Mark 12:29

And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments [is], Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

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].

Galatians 5:13

¶ For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Galatians 5:14

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, [even] in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.