And the second is like it:This phrase refers to the second greatest commandment, following the first and greatest commandment to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind. The use of "like it" indicates that this commandment is of similar importance and nature. In the context of Jewish teaching, commandments were often ranked, and Jesus emphasizes that loving one's neighbor holds a significant place in the law. This reflects the holistic nature of the Law, where love for God and love for others are interconnected.
‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
This commandment is a direct quotation fromLeviticus 19:18, which is part of the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites. The command to love one's neighbor was revolutionary in its scope, extending beyond familial or tribal boundaries to include all people. In the cultural context of first-century Judea, this would challenge prevailing social norms, which often prioritized ethnic and religious exclusivity. The phrase "as yourself" implies a standard of care and empathy, suggesting that one should treat others with the same respect and kindness they desire for themselves. This commandment is foundational to Christian ethics and is echoed in other New Testament writings, such asRomans 13:9 andGalatians 5:14, where it is described as fulfilling the law. Theologically, it reflects the nature of Jesus Christ, who exemplified perfect love and selflessness, serving as the ultimate model for believers.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, Jesus is responding to a question about the greatest commandment. He emphasizes love as central to the law.
2.
PhariseesA religious group in Israel known for strict adherence to the law. They often challenged Jesus with questions to test Him.
3.
The LawRefers to the Mosaic Law, which includes commandments given to the Israelites. Jesus summarizes the law with love for God and neighbor.
4.
NeighborsIn the context of this commandment, "neighbor" refers to fellow human beings, emphasizing the universal call to love others.
5.
The Great CommandmentThe context of this verse is Jesus summarizing the law with two commandments: love for God and love for neighbor.
Teaching Points
The Centrality of LoveLove is not just an emotion but an action and commitment. It is the foundation of Christian ethics and behavior.
Understanding 'Neighbor'In the original Greek, "neighbor" (pl?sion) implies anyone we encounter, not just those we are close to or agree with.
Self-Love as a MeasureThe command to love others as ourselves implies a healthy self-regard. We are to care for others with the same attention and respect we desire for ourselves.
Practical LoveLoving your neighbor involves tangible actions—helping, serving, and showing kindness, even when it is inconvenient.
Love as WitnessOur love for others is a testimony to our faith in Christ. It is through love that others see the reality of the Gospel in our lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 22:39?
2.How can we practically "love your neighbor as yourself" in daily interactions?
3.What does Matthew 22:39 reveal about the nature of Christian love?
4.How does Leviticus 19:18 connect with Matthew 22:39's command to love others?
5.In what ways can loving others reflect our love for God?
6.How can we overcome obstacles to loving our neighbors as commanded in Matthew 22:39?
7.How does Matthew 22:39 define the concept of loving your neighbor as yourself?
8.Why is loving your neighbor as yourself considered a commandment in Matthew 22:39?
9.How does Matthew 22:39 relate to the overall message of the New Testament?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 22?
11.What defines Islamophobia?
12.What does it mean to be chivalrous?
13.Who qualifies as my neighbor?
14.What defines the Judeo-Christian ethic?What Does Matthew 22:39 Mean
And the second- Jesus had just affirmed the greatest commandment: “Love the Lord your God…” (Matthew 22:37–38).
- Calling this next command “the second” shows it flows directly from the first—love for God naturally overflows into love for people (1 John 4:20–21).
- It is not optional or secondary in importance; it is the necessary partner to wholehearted devotion to God (Micah 6:8;1 Corinthians 13:2).
is like it- “Like it” means the same in quality, springing from the same heart of love. We cannot separate the two (1 John 4:7–8).
- Loving God is invisible until it is expressed toward others (James 2:15–17).
- Both commands summarize “all the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 22:40), echoingGalatians 5:14: “The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
- Practical link:
• Worship without love for people is hypocrisy (Isaiah 58:6–10).
• Service to people without love for God becomes empty activism (Revelation 2:3–4).
Love your neighbor as yourself.- Quoted fromLeviticus 19:18, proving this has always been God’s expectation.
- “Neighbor” reaches beyond family or friends; Jesus’ Good Samaritan story shows it includes anyone in need (Luke 10:29–37).
- “As yourself” sets the measure: the same instinctive care you give your own life—food, safety, dignity—is what God commands you to give others (Ephesians 5:29).
- Daily application:
• Speak with the same respect you desire (Proverbs 15:1).
• Share resources generously (1 John 3:17).
• Forgive quickly, just as you long to be forgiven (Colossians 3:13).
- Love is active, not merely emotional: “Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:10).
summaryJesus ties devotion to God and compassion for people into one inseparable command. Loving our neighbor with the same practical, tangible care we naturally give ourselves is the visible proof that we truly love God. This simple, far-reaching call frames every decision, relationship, and act of service for the believer today.
(39)
Thou shalt love thy neighbour.--The words were found, strangely enough, in the book which is, for the most part, pre-eminently ceremonial (
Leviticus 19:18), and it is to the credit of the Pharisees, as ethical teachers, that they, too, had drawn the law, as our Lord now drew it, from its comparative obscurity, and gave it a place of dignity second only to that of the first and great commandment.
Verse 39. -
The second. The scribe had not asked any question about a second commandment: but Christ is not satisfied with propounding an abstract proposition; he shows how this great precept is to be made practical, how one command involves and leads to the other.
Like unto it;
ὁμοίααὐτῇ: in nature and extent, of universal obligation, pure and unselfish.
Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. From
Leviticus 19:18. The verb, both here and ver. 37, is
ἀγαπήσεις, which implies, not mere animal or worldly affection (
φιλέω), but love from the highest moral considerations, without self-interest, holy. The Latins indicated this difference by
amo and
diligo. Our "neighbour" is every one with whom we are concerned,
i.e. virtually all men. He is to be loved because he is God's image and likeness, heir of the same hope as we ourselves, and presented to us as the object on and by which we are to show the reality of our love to God. "This commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God love his brother also" (
1 John 4:21). And for the measure of our love to man, we have Christ's word in another place (
Matthew 7:12), "All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Andδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.[the] secondδευτέρα(deutera)Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1208:Second; with the article: in the second place, for the second time. As the compare of duo; second.[is] likeὁμοία(homoia)Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3664:Like, similar to, resembling, of equal rank. From the base of homou; similar.it:αὐτῇ(autē)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Feminine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.‘LoveἈγαπήσεις(Agapēseis)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 25:To love, wish well to, take pleasure in, long for; denotes the love of reason, esteem. Perhaps from agan; to love.yourσου(sou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.neighborπλησίον(plēsion)Adverb
Strong's 4139:Near, nearby, a neighbor. Neuter of a derivative of pelas; close by; as noun, a neighbor, i.e. Fellow.asὡς(hōs)Adverb
Strong's 5613:Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.yourself.’σεαυτόν(seauton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4572:Of yourself.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 22:39 A second likewise is this 'You shall (Matt. Mat Mt) 
