What does Romans 13:9 mean?

Explanation

Romans 13:9 condenses a selection of commandments from the Decalogue (Ten Commandments), which are central to Jewish moral law, and reinterprets them within a Christian context.

The Apostle Paul emphasizes that these specific laws - not to commit adultery, murder, steal, bear false witness, or covet - are all encompassed by the overarching principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself.

The literal meaning is straightforward: adhering to these commandments is a demonstration of love to one's neighbor, as these actions ensure the wellbeing, respect, and dignity of others.

On a deeper level, Paul is underlining the unity of the law under the principle of love, suggesting that love is the fulfillment of the law.

Historical Context

This verse is taken from Paul's Epistle to the Romans, written approximately in the mid-first century AD.

Paul, a key figure in the early Christian Church who was once a Pharisee, wrote to the mixed Jewish and Gentile Christian communities in Rome.

At this time, the question of how the Jewish Law applied to Christians, particularly Gentiles, was of great concern.

By focusing on the law of love, Paul is bridging the gap between Jewish law and Gentile believers, aiming to establish a common moral foundation based upon the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse holds significant implications for Christian ethics.

The concept of love being the fulfillment of the law is central to Christian theology.

From the perspective of reformed theology, it is believed that while humans cannot completely fulfill the law due to their sinful nature, Christ's sacrifice enables believers to pursue a life of love and thereby uphold the law.

Catholic theology would emphasize the need for concrete actions of love as an expression of faith.

Liberation theology might take a more social justice-oriented view, interpreting the command to love your neighbor as a call to challenge systemic injustices that harm the neighbor.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse have profound practical implications.

It calls for individuals to consider the impact of their actions on others and to prioritize the welfare and dignity of their neighbors in their daily lives.

Such applications include fostering faithfulness in relationships, respecting the property and reputation of others, and nurturing contentment with one's own circumstances.

The verse implores believers to engage in self-examination and to demonstrate compassion and empathy in all their dealings.

Cross-References

• Matthew 22:37-40: "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

This is the first and great commandment.

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

On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

• Galatians 5:14: "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
• James 2:8: "If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well."

Language Study

The original Greek text uses the term "πληρόω" (plēroō) for "fulfill," indicating to make full or to complete.

This suggests that love is what brings the law to its intended purpose or completion.

The term "ἀγαπήσεις" (agapēseis) relates to "agape" love, the selfless, sacrificial love that is central to Christian teaching. "ὡς σεαυτόν" (hōs seauton) translates to "as yourself," indicating the measure or standard of the love expected.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons can be drawn with several ancient moral codes, such as the "Golden Rule" found in numerous cultures and religions, which states, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." In Confucianism, there is a similar teaching about benevolence and treating others with the kindness one would expect for oneself.

In Judaism, the love of neighbor is also a significant principle, as illustrated in Leviticus 19:18, which Jesus himself quoted in the Gospels.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, altruism and cooperation prove to be advantageous in evolutionary biology, contributing to the success of a species.

Psychological studies on empathy and social bonds could also relate to the concept of loving one's neighbor, as they contribute to healthy community life and personal well-being.

However, science does not necessarily speak directly to the moral or theological imperatives of love in the same way as religious texts.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians provide diverse insights on Romans 13:9.

Some emphasize the unity of Paul's message with the teachings of Jesus about love and the law.

Others focus on the ethical implications of the verse, considering it as a guideline for Christian living.

Matthew Henry's Commentary, for instance, notes that this love is a debt that always remains due and is never fully paid off.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary highlights the holistic approach to the law as integrating love and justice, rather than merely following a set of rules.

There is a consensus that this verse champions the primacy of love as the essential guiding principle of Christian ethics.