Leviticus 19:18
What does Leviticus 19:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Leviticus 19:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Leviticus 19:18 means
Leviticus 19:18 commands against personal vengeance and grudges, instead calling for active love towards fellow Israelites. The phrase "love your neighbor as yourself" establishes a high standard of care and concern, equating the well-being of others with one's own. This love is not merely emotional but manifests in actions that forgo retaliation and resentment. The declaration "I am Yahweh" underscores the divine authority behind this commandment, rooting the ethical imperative in God's own character and covenant relationship with His people. It highlights that true love and forgiveness are intrinsic to the holiness God expects from His chosen nation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Thou shalt not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people; but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am Jehovah.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Thou shalt not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people; but thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself: I am Jehovah.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Do not make attempts to get equal with one who has done you wrong, or keep hard feelings against the children of your people, but have love for your neighbour as for yourself: I am the Lord.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Thou dost not take vengeance, nor watch the sons of thy people; and thou hast had love to thy neighbour as thyself; I <FI>am<Fi> Jehovah.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Seek not revenge, nor be mindful of the injury of thy citizens. Thou shalt love thy friend as thyself. I am the Lord.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Thou shalt not avenge thyself, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am Jehovah.
Context
This verse is a central part of Leviticus 19, a chapter detailing various laws and ethical guidelines for holy living within the Israelite community. Preceding verses address practical aspects of justice, respect for the vulnerable, fair dealings, and prohibitions against idolatry. Immediately following this verse are further commands concerning mixed breeding of animals, mixed seeds, and the planting of fruit trees, all contributing to the broader theme of maintaining separation and holiness. Yahweh is speaking directly to Moses, who then relays these instructions to the Israelites. The chapter as a whole emphasizes that holiness encompasses not only ritual purity but also moral uprightness and just relationships within the society.
v.17Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart: thou shalt surely rebuke thy neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.
v.18This passage
v.19Ye shall keep my statutes. Thou shalt not let thy cattle gender with a diverse kind: thou shalt not sow thy field with two kinds of seed: neither shall there come upon thee a garment of two kinds of stuff mingled together.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 22:39
And a second like unto it is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
- 1 Peter 2:1
Putting away therefore all wickedness, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,
- Mark 12:31
The second is this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
- 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 neighbor as thyself.
- Romans 12:17
Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men.
- Exodus 23:4
If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Leviticus 19
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Leviticus 19.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Brotherly Love
Discover what the Bible teaches about brotherly love, a cornerstone of Christian fellowship and a reflection of God's own character.
Topic
Bible Verses About Gossip
Gossip is a pervasive vice that damages relationships and reflects poorly on our character, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful speech.
Topic
Bible Verses About Honor
Exploring what it means to honor God and others through the lens of scripture.