Romans 13:9

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} this, Thou shalt {G3431} not {G3756} commit adultery {G3431}, Thou shalt {G5407} not {G3756} kill {G5407}, Thou shalt {G2813} not {G3756} steal {G2813}, Thou shalt {G5576} not {G3756} bear false witness {G5576}, Thou shalt {G1937} not {G3756} covet {G1937}; and {G2532} if there be any {G1536} other {G2087} commandment {G1785}, it is briefly comprehended {G346} in {G1722} this {G5129} saying {G3056}, namely {G1722}, Thou shalt love {G25} thy {G4675} neighbour {G4139} as {G5613} thyself {G1438}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the commandments, “Don’t commit adultery,” “Don’t murder,” “Don’t steal,” “Don’t covet,” and any others are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Berean Standard Bible

The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

American Standard Version

For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not covet, and if there be any other commandment, it is summed up in this word, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 13:9 masterfully encapsulates the essence of God's moral law, demonstrating that the diverse commands of the Decalogue, particularly those governing human relationships, are fundamentally summarized and fulfilled by the singular principle of love. Paul asserts that prohibitions against adultery, murder, theft, false witness, and coveting, along with any other commandment concerning interpersonal conduct, are all comprehensively contained within the divine mandate to "love thy neighbour as thyself." This foundational truth reveals love not merely as a virtue, but as the ultimate interpretive key and active expression of righteousness in the believer's life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 13:9 is deeply embedded within a larger discourse (Romans 12-15) where Paul transitions from theological exposition to practical Christian living. Specifically, it follows Paul's instructions regarding submission to governing authorities in [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities") and immediately elaborates on the command to "owe no man any thing, but to love one another" found in [Romans 13:8](/romans/13-8 "Romans 13:8 - Love Fulfills the Law"). The listing of specific commandments from the Decalogue serves as concrete examples of how a lack of love manifests in harmful actions against one's neighbor. By demonstrating that love fulfills these specific prohibitions, Paul reinforces his overarching argument that love is the active principle that undergirds and completes the law, rather than nullifying it. This section thus bridges the gap between abstract theological principles and tangible ethical conduct within the Christian community and society at large.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to the Romans was written to a diverse church in the heart of the Roman Empire, a society characterized by a complex legal system and a variety of moral philosophies. While Roman law provided a framework for public order, it did not necessarily align with the ethical demands of God's covenantal law. The Jewish community within Rome, and by extension Jewish Christians, would have been intimately familiar with the Mosaic Law, particularly the Ten Commandments. Paul's argument in Romans 13:9 would have resonated with their understanding of divine commands, while simultaneously offering a profound reinterpretation through the lens of Christ-centered love. The concept of "neighbor" in Jewish thought, originating from [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself"), primarily referred to fellow Israelites, but Jesus expanded this understanding to include all humanity, even enemies, as seen in the parable of the [Good Samaritan](/luke/10-25-37 "Luke 10:25-37 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan"). Paul's reiteration of this command in a Roman context underscores the universal applicability of Christian love beyond ethnic or social boundaries.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in Romans and Pauline theology. The most prominent is **Love as the Fulfillment of the Law**, which asserts that genuine love for others naturally leads to the observance of God's moral precepts, making external adherence to rules secondary to the internal motivation of love. This theme is echoed in [Galatians 5:14](/galatians/5-14 "Galatians 5:14 - The Whole Law Fulfilled in Love"), where Paul states, "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." Another significant theme is **The Unity of God's Commandments**, demonstrating that seemingly disparate rules are interconnected and stem from the foundational command to love. This simplifies and unifies the moral demands of the Law, moving beyond a legalistic checklist to a holistic principle. Furthermore, the emphasis on "love thy neighbour as thyself" highlights **Neighborly Love** as the outward-focused nature of Christian ethics, stressing that faith is not merely about internal piety but about how believers interact with and treat those around them. This concept is central to Jesus' teaching on the two greatest commandments in [Matthew 22:37-40](/matthew/22-37-40 "Matthew 22:37-40 - The Greatest Commandment"). Finally, the verse provides a framework for **Practical Christian Living**, illustrating that if one truly loves their neighbor, they will naturally refrain from actions that harm or exploit them, such as those explicitly listed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **briefly comprehended (Greek, _anakephalaíomai'_):** This word (G346) literally means "to sum up," "to bring under a head," or "to recapitulate." Paul uses it to convey the idea that all the specific commandments, particularly those related to human interaction, are gathered together and find their ultimate expression and summary in the single principle of love. It suggests a comprehensive inclusion and a thematic condensation, indicating that love is the overarching principle that gives meaning and purpose to the individual commands.
* **love (Greek, _agapáō'_):** The verb "agapáō" (G25) refers to a volitional, self-sacrificial, and unconditional love, distinct from mere affection or familial bond. In the biblical context, it describes the very nature of God and the kind of love He calls His people to embody. This love is not primarily an emotion but a commitment to the well-being and highest good of the other, even if it requires personal sacrifice. It is the active, benevolent concern that undergirds all righteous interpersonal conduct.
* **neighbour (Greek, _plēsíon'_):** This term (G4139) denotes someone who is "close by" or "near." While its Old Testament context often referred to fellow Israelites, Jesus expanded its meaning to encompass anyone with whom one interacts, regardless of background, ethnicity, or even relationship. In Romans 13:9, "neighbor" refers to any person one encounters, emphasizing that the principle of love extends universally to all humanity, not just to those within one's immediate community or social circle.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"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":** Paul begins by listing five specific prohibitions from the Decalogue (Exodus 20:13-17, Deuteronomy 5:17-21). These commandments are chosen because they directly relate to how one treats their fellow human beings. They represent fundamental ethical boundaries that, if crossed, inflict direct harm or injustice upon one's neighbor. The inclusion of "covet" is significant as it addresses the internal desire that often precedes outward sinful actions, highlighting that love governs not only actions but also the heart's inclinations.
* **"and if [there be] any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying":** This clause broadens the scope beyond the explicitly listed commandments. Paul asserts that *any* other divine command, particularly those pertaining to human relationships (the "second table" of the Law), is summarized and contained within the principle he is about to state. The phrase "briefly comprehended" (ἀνακεφαλαιοῦται) signifies that love acts as the unifying head or summary, gathering all these diverse ethical directives into one overarching truth.
* **"namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself":** This is the climactic statement, a direct quotation from [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - The Command to Love Your Neighbor"). It is presented as the singular, comprehensive principle that encompasses and fulfills all the preceding commandments. To "love thy neighbour as thyself" implies treating others with the same care, respect, and concern for their well-being that one naturally has for oneself. This love is the active, positive fulfillment of the law, making the negative prohibitions unnecessary for one who truly loves.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several effective **Literary Devices** in Romans 13:9. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, where he lists specific commandments ("Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet"). This technique provides concrete examples, grounding his abstract theological point in tangible, well-known moral precepts. Following this, he uses **Summary** or **Recapitulation**, explicitly stating that all these, and indeed "any other commandment," are "briefly comprehended" in a single principle. This acts as a powerful rhetorical move, taking a multiplicity of rules and distilling them into a unified, accessible truth. The verse also features **Quotation**, directly citing [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself"), which lends scriptural authority and historical weight to his argument, connecting New Testament ethics directly to Old Testament revelation. Finally, there is an element of **Synecdoche**, where the specific commandments listed represent the broader category of all laws pertaining to human interaction, with the singular command to love the neighbor standing in for the entire ethical code.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 13:9 stands as a pivotal theological statement, asserting that love is not merely an emotion or a virtue, but the very essence and fulfillment of God's moral law concerning human relationships. It shifts the focus from a legalistic adherence to external rules to an internal, Spirit-empowered motivation that naturally produces righteous behavior. This understanding elevates love to the supreme ethical principle, demonstrating that when one genuinely loves their neighbor as themselves, they inherently uphold the spirit and intent of all commandments designed to protect and promote human flourishing. This concept resonates deeply with the teachings of Jesus, who identified loving God and loving 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 Two Greatest Commandments")). It underscores the New Covenant emphasis on a transformed heart that desires to please God through loving actions, rather than a mere outward conformity to regulations.

* [Matthew 22:39](/matthew/22-39 "Matthew 22:39 - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself")
* [Galatians 5:14](/galatians/5-14 "Galatians 5:14 - The Law Fulfilled in Love")
* [James 2:8](/james/2-8 "James 2:8 - The Royal Law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 13:9 challenges believers to move beyond a minimalist approach to ethics—simply avoiding what is forbidden—and to embrace a maximalist, proactive ethic of love. It calls us to cultivate a heart that genuinely seeks the well-being of others, treating them with the same care, respect, and consideration we desire for ourselves. This means actively pursuing justice, showing compassion, extending forgiveness, and working for the good of those around us, even when it is inconvenient or costly. When love becomes the driving force, the specific prohibitions against harming others become not burdensome rules, but natural expressions of our transformed nature. This verse encourages self-examination: do my daily interactions, my words, my financial decisions, and my attitudes truly reflect a genuine love for my neighbor, or am I merely adhering to external standards? It reminds us that love is the most powerful and comprehensive ethic for navigating our relationships in a way that honors God and blesses our community.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding love as the "brief comprehension" of the law change my approach to Christian ethics and daily living?**
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be fulfilling the "letter of the law" but falling short of the "spirit of love" towards my neighbor?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to more intentionally demonstrate love for my neighbor, especially those who are different from me or challenging to love?**

### FAQ

**Why does Paul list only some of the Ten Commandments, and not all of them?**

Answer: Paul selectively lists commandments from the "second table" of the Decalogue (Exodus 20:12-17), which specifically deal with human-to-human relationships: "Thou shalt not commit adultery," "Thou shalt not kill," "Thou shalt not steal," "Thou shalt not bear false witness," and "Thou shalt not covet." He omits the first four commandments, which pertain to one's relationship with God (e.g., "Thou shalt have no other gods before me," "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain"). This is because Paul's immediate context in [Romans 13:8](/romans/13-8 "Romans 13:8 - Love for One Another") is about how believers are to "love one another," and the command to "love thy neighbour as thyself" directly addresses these interpersonal duties. By listing these specific examples, Paul illustrates concretely how a lack of love manifests in actions that harm one's neighbor, thus showing that love prevents such transgressions and fulfills the law's intent.

**What does "love thy neighbour as thyself" truly mean in a practical sense?**

Answer: This command, originally from [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - The Command to Love Your Neighbor"), means treating others with the same care, respect, and concern for their well-being that one naturally extends to oneself. It's not about self-love being the *object* of our love for others, but rather the *standard* or *measure* by which we love them. Practically, it means actively seeking their good, protecting their dignity, refraining from actions that would harm them (as the listed commandments illustrate), and desiring for them the same blessings and justice we desire for ourselves. Jesus expanded the definition of "neighbor" to include even those we might consider enemies or strangers ([Luke 10:25-37](/luke/10-25-37 "Luke 10:25-37 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan")), making this a universal ethical principle for all human interaction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 13:9 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of the law and the perfect exemplar of love. Jesus not only perfectly kept every commandment, but He also revealed the true essence of God's law as being rooted in love—love for God and love for neighbor ([Matthew 22:37-40](/matthew/22-37-40 "Matthew 22:37-40 - The Greatest Commandments")). In His life, ministry, and especially His atoning death, Christ demonstrated the ultimate act of loving His neighbor (humanity) by sacrificing Himself for their salvation ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")). Through His Spirit, believers are empowered to live out this "royal law" ([James 2:8](/james/2-8 "James 2:8 - The Royal Law")), not by mere human effort or legalistic striving, but by the transformative power of God's love poured into their hearts ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - God's Love Poured Out")). Thus, the Christian's ability to love their neighbor as themselves is a direct consequence of Christ's work in them, making love the defining characteristic of those who follow Him and the ultimate fulfillment of the law's righteous demands in the New Covenant.

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

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.

Exodus 20:17

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that [is] thy neighbour's.

Matthew 22:39

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

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.

Mark 12:31

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

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.

Deuteronomy 5:21

Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour's wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour's house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any [thing] that [is] thy neighbour's.