Romans 13:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Love {G26} worketh {G2038} no {G3756} ill {G2556} to his neighbour {G4139}: therefore {G3767} love {G26} is the fulfilling {G4138} of the law {G3551}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Love does not do harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fullness of Torah.

Berean Standard Bible

Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

American Standard Version

Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: love therefore is the fulfilment of the law.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 13:10 profoundly declares that genuine love inherently causes no harm to others, thereby serving as the ultimate fulfillment and summation of God's moral law. This verse encapsulates the essence of Christian ethics, asserting that the benevolent and self-giving nature of love naturally leads to righteous conduct, embodying the spirit and intent behind all divine commands concerning human relationships.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic statement in a section (Romans 13:8-10) where Paul transitions from discussing the believer's submission to governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7) to their interpersonal responsibilities. Paul begins in [Romans 13:8](/romans/13-8 "Romans 13:8 - Owe No Man Anything But Love") by stating that believers owe nothing to anyone "but to love one another," because "he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law." He then illustrates this by listing several commandments from the Decalogue in [Romans 13:9](/romans/13-9 "Romans 13:9 - Love Summarizes the Law")—"Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet"—and concludes that these are "briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." [Romans 13:10](/romans/13-10 "Romans 13:10 - Love Fulfills the Law") then serves as the logical and theological conclusion, explaining *why* love fulfills the law: because its very nature is to do no harm, thus encompassing and perfecting all specific prohibitions and injunctions.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to the Romans was written to a diverse church in the heart of the Roman Empire, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers. This community faced challenges related to cultural differences, legalistic tendencies, and the moral permissiveness of the surrounding pagan society. Paul's emphasis on love as the fulfilling principle of the law would have resonated with Jewish believers familiar with the Mosaic Law, while also providing a universal ethical framework for Gentiles. In a society often characterized by self-interest, power dynamics, and social stratification, Paul's radical call to selfless love (agápē) would have presented a counter-cultural ethos, promoting unity and mutual respect within the nascent Christian community and distinguishing it from the broader Roman world.
* **Key Themes:** [Romans 13:10](/romans/13-10 "Romans 13:10 - Love Fulfills the Law") contributes significantly to several major themes within Romans and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it underscores **Love as the Fulfillment of the Law**, arguing that true, active love for one's neighbor naturally leads to obedience to the moral commands of the Old Testament. If one genuinely loves their neighbor, they will not steal from them, lie to them, harm them, or covet what belongs to them. Secondly, it highlights **Non-Maleficence**, emphasizing that love actively avoids causing harm, injury, or injustice, which is a foundational aspect of how Christian love should manifest in daily interactions. Lastly, this verse reinforces the **Centrality of Love** in the New Testament's ethical framework, echoing Jesus' own teachings on the greatest commandments: to love God and to [love your neighbor as yourself](/matthew/22-39 "Matthew 22:39 - Love Your Neighbor"). This concept is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, specifically [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself"), which Jesus and Paul both draw upon. Paul's argument here is that love is not merely an emotion but a principle that guides righteous action and brings the law to its intended purpose.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Love (Greek, _agápē'_):** From G26, this term signifies a selfless, divine, unconditional love that chooses the highest good of the other, regardless of their merit or worthiness. It is distinct from mere affection (philía) or erotic desire (erōs) and is often associated with God's own character and actions. In this context, it describes the active, volitional benevolence that Christians are called to extend.
* **ill (Greek, _kakós'_):** From G2556, this word denotes something intrinsically worthless, depraved, or injurious. It refers to that which is bad or harmful, not merely in effect but in its inherent nature. When Paul states that love "worketh no ill," he means that love, by its very essence, cannot produce anything morally corrupt, damaging, or wicked towards another person.
* **fulfilling (Greek, _plḗrōma'_):** From G4138, this term means "repletion," "completion," or "that which fills up." It suggests that love does not abolish or negate the law but rather brings it to its intended purpose, perfect expression, and full measure. Love is the ultimate aim and summation of the law's moral requirements, providing the substance and meaning that fills out its commands.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Love worketh no ill to his neighbour":** This clause presents the active, practical manifestation of *agápē* love. It asserts that genuine, Christ-like love inherently abstains from causing any form of harm—whether physical, emotional, spiritual, or relational—to one's fellow human being. The word "worketh" (G2038, _ergázomai_) implies an active engagement; love is not passive but actively ensures that no injurious or depraved action (G2556, _kakós_) is directed towards one's "neighbour" (G4139, _plēsíon_), which encompasses anyone with whom one interacts. This is a powerful statement of love's protective and benevolent nature.
* **"therefore love [is] the fulfilling of the law":** This second clause provides the logical consequence and theological justification for the first. The conjunction "therefore" (G3767, _oûn_) establishes a direct causal link. Because love, by its very nature, "worketh no ill" and actively seeks the good of the other, it naturally embodies and completes the moral requirements of the Mosaic Law. Love (G26, _agápē_) is presented as the "fulfilling" (G4138, _plḗrōma_) of the law (G3551, _nómos_), meaning it is the culmination, the perfect expression, and the ultimate aim of all divine commands concerning human relationships. It is the spirit that gives life and meaning to the letter of the law.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 13:10 is a masterclass in concise theological expression, employing several literary devices. Its **Aphoristic** quality makes it a memorable and impactful statement, distilling complex ethical principles into a simple, profound truth. The verse exhibits clear **Cause and Effect**, establishing a logical progression: because "Love worketh no ill to his neighbour," it naturally follows that "therefore love is the fulfilling of the law." This logical structure reinforces the inherent connection between benevolent action and moral obedience. Furthermore, Paul uses **Personification** when he says "Love worketh," imbuing love with an active agency, as if it were a living entity performing actions. This emphasizes that love is not merely an emotion but a dynamic force that shapes behavior. Finally, the phrase "the law" functions as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "love" stands in for the entire moral code, implying that love encompasses and summarizes all ethical obligations, making it the comprehensive virtue that embodies the essence of God's commands.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 13:10 stands as a foundational statement in Pauline theology, asserting that love is not merely one virtue among many, but the comprehensive principle that encapsulates and fulfills all moral obligations. It teaches that the external observance of rules, while important, finds its true meaning and ultimate expression in the internal disposition of self-giving love. This concept elevates love beyond a mere emotion, presenting it as the active, benevolent force that prevents harm and promotes the well-being of others, thereby perfectly embodying the spirit of God's law. When love is the motivating factor, obedience becomes a natural outflow of a transformed heart, rather than a burdensome obligation, reflecting the New Covenant promise of God's law written on our hearts.

* [Galatians 5:14](/galatians/5-14 "Galatians 5:14 - The Whole Law Fulfilled in Love")
* [1 John 4:7-8](/1_john/4-7-8 "1 John 4:7-8 - God Is Love")
* [Matthew 7:12](/matthew/7-12 "Matthew 7:12 - The Golden Rule")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 13:10 provides a profound and actionable guide for ethical living, shifting our focus from a rigid adherence to external rules to an internal cultivation of love. For believers today, this means understanding that Christian conduct is not primarily about avoiding a list of prohibitions, but about actively embodying a principle that inherently prevents harm and seeks the highest good of others. This calls us to a proactive form of righteousness: it's not enough to simply *not* steal or *not* lie; true love compels us to contribute positively to our neighbor's flourishing. This principle challenges us to examine our motivations in every interaction: are our actions truly driven by a genuine desire for the well-being of others, or merely by a desire to avoid punishment or maintain appearances? When love becomes the guiding principle, it transforms our relationships, our communities, and our witness to the world, making our obedience a joyful expression of God's character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding love as the "fulfilling of the law" change your approach to Christian ethics and daily decision-making?**
* **In what specific ways can you "work no ill" but actively seek the good of your neighbor this week, both within your immediate circle and in the broader community?**
* **What are the practical implications of prioritizing love over rigid adherence to rules in your interactions, and how might this lead to greater spiritual freedom and impact?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that Christians no longer need to follow the Old Testament Law?**

Answer: No, Romans 13:10 does not imply that Christians are free from moral obligations or that the Old Testament Law is abolished. Instead, it asserts that love is the *fulfillment* or *completion* of the law. This means that love provides the ultimate interpretation and motivation for obeying the moral principles embedded within the Mosaic Law. Jesus himself stated that he did not come to abolish the Law but to [fulfill it](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"). When we genuinely love our neighbor, we naturally uphold the spirit and intent of commandments like "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," or "You shall not covet," because love inherently seeks the good and avoids causing harm. Therefore, love is not a replacement for the law, but rather the perfect lens through which the law is understood and lived out, bringing it to its intended purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 13:10 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential embodiment of the love (agápē) that "worketh no ill" and perfectly fulfills the law. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently demonstrated a selfless love that always sought the highest good of others, even those considered enemies or outcasts. His teachings, miracles, and compassionate interactions were all expressions of this love. Most significantly, His sacrificial death on the cross was the supreme act of love, where He, "being found in fashion as a man, humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility")). He "loved us, and gave himself for us" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")), working no ill but bringing ultimate good—redemption, reconciliation, and eternal life—to humanity. By perfectly obeying the Father and laying down His life, Jesus perfectly fulfilled the demands of the Law, not by rigid adherence to its letter alone, but by embodying its spirit through perfect love. Our ability to love as Romans 13:10 commands is not from our own strength, but is empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, who pours God's love into our hearts ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - God's Love Poured Out")). Thus, in Christ, we see the Law's true purpose revealed and the power to live a life of love made possible.

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.

Matthew 22:39

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

Matthew 22:40

On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

1 Corinthians 13:4

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

1 Corinthians 13:7

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.