What does Matthew 19:19 mean?

Explanation

The verse, "Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself," is from Matthew 19:19 in the New Testament of the Christian Bible.

This verse encapsulates two core teachings.

The first part, "Honour thy father and thy mother," is a commandment that emphasizes the importance of respecting and caring for one's parents.

It implies a duty of respect, obedience, and support.

The second part, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself," is known as the Golden Rule and calls for a universal love for others.

This statement encourages individuals to treat others with the same care and concern that they would wish to receive.

Together, these commands form a foundation for ethical conduct and interpersonal relationships.

Historical Context

This verse is part of a dialogue between Jesus and a young man recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, which was written in the first century, likely between AD 80 and AD 90.

The young man asks Jesus what he must do to gain eternal life, and Jesus responds by reciting several of the Ten Commandments, including the duty to honor one's parents, which is the fifth commandment.

He then summarizes the commandments with the principle of loving one's neighbor.

In the historical and cultural context, these teachings resonated with the Jewish law and tradition while also emphasizing the inward spiritual intent rather than merely outward obedience.

Theological Insights

Different theological traditions have approached this verse in various ways.

In Christian theology, this verse reflects the dual love command which Jesus taught: love for God and love for neighbor, with the latter being an expression of the former.

St.

Augustine, a prominent theologian, summarized the law as "love of God and love of neighbor," with this verse being a clear representation of that summation.

In Catholic theology, the commandment to honor one's parents is part of natural law and is seen as foundational for societal structures.

The commandment of loving one's neighbor is often understood as a call to social justice and compassion that transcends religious and cultural boundaries.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of this verse are wide-ranging.

It calls individuals to respect and provide for their parents, especially when they are in need, reflecting family values and societal obligations.

By extending the principle of love to neighbors, it encourages people to seek the well-being of others in their community and beyond.

This can manifest in acts of kindness, volunteer work, engaging in social activism, or simply being a supportive friend or colleague.

It challenges people to consider the impact of their actions on others and to approach relationships with empathy and consideration.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 6:2 - "Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)"
• Leviticus 19:18 - "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."
• Galatians 5:14 - "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
• Romans 13:9 - "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."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words stand out in this verse.

"Honour" (τίμα, tima) means to estimate, fix the value, or to revere. It encompasses not just respect but also an attribution of worth and dignity.

"Father" (πατέρα, patera) and "mother" (μητέρα, metera) have meanings similar to their English counterparts, denoting a direct biological or familial relationship.

For the phrase "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself," the word "love" (ἀγαπήσεις, agapēseis) is used, which refers to selfless, moral love.

"Neighbour" (πλησίον, plēsion) conveys the idea of someone who is near, not necessarily in proximity but as part of one's broader community or social context.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The commandments in this verse find parallels in various cultural and religious traditions.

The principle of loving one's parents is almost universal, appearing in Confucianism as "filial piety," which is integral to Chinese social ethics.

The Golden Rule of loving others as oneself is also seen across different religions.

For example, in Judaism, Hillel the Elder famously stated, "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor," while in Islam, the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad teaches to love for one's brother what one loves for oneself.

These parallels highlight a shared moral foundation across different traditions.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse itself is of a theological and moral nature and not directly related to science, social science and psychology studies often affirm the benefits of strong familial relationships and altruism.

For instance, research shows that honoring and maintaining strong ties with parents can lead to better emotional well-being.

Similarly, the habit of loving and showing compassion to others is linked to increased happiness and life satisfaction, highlighting the positive effects of living out the principles in this verse.

commentaries

Various Bible scholars and theologians have interpreted Matthew 19:19.

John Calvin notes that the command to honor parents is fundamental to our gratitude for life.

He also suggests that loving our neighbor as ourselves is a brief summary of our social duties and is an injunction toward selfless love.

Matthew Henry highlights that these commandments deal with our relationship with others and are a measure of our devotion to God.

Modern commentaries often discuss these commands in light of Jesus' broader ministry to redefine and deepen the understanding of the law in the context of love and mercy.