Bible Bytes

The phrase “love your neighbor” derives from a biblical commandment in the Old Testament. In the Bible’s King James Version (KJV), the specific verse is found in the Book of Leviticus. Here is the passage:

Leviticus 19:18 (KJV): “Thou 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.”

This verse is part of a larger passage in Leviticus that provides various ethical and moral guidelines for the Israelites. The command to “love thy neighbor as thyself” is recognized as a central principle in both the Old and New Testaments, and it is often cited by Jesus and other biblical figures.

In the New Testament, Jesus reaffirms the importance of loving one’s neighbor. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus summarizes the commandments, and the concept of loving one’s neighbor is central to His teachings:

Matthew 22:39 (KJV): “And the second [commandment] is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

This teaching emphasizes the idea that love for one’s neighbor is interconnected with the love of God and the foundation of ethical conduct. The command to love one’s neighbor is a moral guideline and a reflection of the broader biblical principles of love, compassion, and justice.

Part 2 will be published on Monday, 8 January 2024