In the Bible (KJV), a neighbor is defined as a person living near another, but it extends to anyone with whom one has interactions or responsibilities, as illustrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). Ultimately, loving one’s neighbor is emphasized as a fundamental commandment, reflecting God’s love and compassion for all people (Matthew 22:39).
Scripture
13 “You shall not oppress your neighbor or rob him. The wages of a hired worker shall not remain with you all night until the morning.”
14 You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.
15 “You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.”
16 You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord.
17 You shall not hate your brother in your heart, but you shall reason frankly with your neighbor, lest you incur sin because of him.
18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
Neighbor Definition in the Bible (KJV)
In the Bible, the concept of “neighbor” transcends mere geographical proximity to embody a broader call to love and moral responsibility toward others, regardless of their background or circumstances. This is beautifully illustrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), where Jesus teaches that true neighborliness involves showing compassion and mercy to those in need, even to those who might traditionally be considered outsiders or enemies. The Samaritan’s actions, contrasting with those of the priests and Levites who passed by, underline the idea that one’s neighbor includes anyone whose life intersects with ours, particularly through our actions toward those who suffer.
Moreover, the commandment to love one’s neighbor, articulated in Matthew 22:39, is portrayed as a reflection of divine love and a cornerstone of ethical behavior. Jesus reiterates this concept by connecting it to the love of God, emphasizing that the love we show to others is a direct expression of our love for Him. This fundamental command becomes a guiding principle for interpersonal relationships in the Christian faith, as seen in Romans 13:9, where Paul reiterates that love is the fulfillment of the law. Embracing this broader definition of neighbor challenges individuals to act selflessly and to cultivate a community marked by kindness, care, and mutual responsibility, embodying the very essence of Christ’s teachings.
Beyond the familiar passages typically associated with the concept of neighbor, the Bible offers additional insights that further enrich our understanding of this term. One notable mention occurs in the Old Testament, specifically in Leviticus 19:18, which instructs the Israelites to “love thy neighbor as thyself.” This foundational command not only reflects the social ethos of Israelite society but also sets a high standard for personal conduct and ethical relations, suggesting that a neighbor is anyone with whom one has a relationship or encounters. This command encompasses both fellow Israelites and foreigners residing among them, indicating an early recognition of the need for inclusivity and compassion in community life.
In a similar vein, the book of Proverbs emphasizes neighborly wisdom, cautioning against conflicts with neighbors and urging believers to seek harmony. Proverbs 3:29 advises against planning harm against one’s neighbor, reinforcing the idea that our attitudes and behaviors toward those around us matter greatly. Furthermore, Proverbs 27:10 underscores the importance of reliance on a good neighbor, highlighting that the bonds of friendship and community can provide support and strengthen one’s life. Together, these verses illustrate that a biblical neighbor is not merely an acquaintance or a person living nearby; instead, it embodies a communal spirit, emphasizing the interconnectedness of individuals within a society. This expanded understanding calls upon believers to act with integrity, altruism, and awareness of their role in promoting the welfare of others, ultimately reflecting the heart of God’s commandments in their daily lives.
The Concept of Community
In the Bible, the term “neighbor” extends beyond mere geographical proximity. It encompasses the idea of community and interconnectedness among individuals. This broader definition emphasizes the importance of relationships and mutual support within a society. Neighbors are seen as those who share in the joys and burdens of life, fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility towards one another.
The Call to Love and Compassion
The biblical definition of a neighbor also highlights the call to love and show compassion to others, regardless of their background or circumstances. This understanding encourages individuals to act with kindness and empathy, promoting a spirit of generosity and care. It challenges believers to extend their love beyond familiar circles, embracing all people as worthy of respect and dignity.
The Reflection of God’s Character
Furthermore, the concept of neighbor in the Bible reflects the character of God Himself. As God is portrayed as loving and merciful, the expectation is that individuals mirror these divine attributes in their interactions with others. This understanding elevates the role of a neighbor to one of spiritual significance, where acts of kindness and love become a testament to one’s faith and relationship with God.
How to Cultivate Love and Compassion in Daily Life
Cultivating love and compassion in our daily lives is a beautiful journey that begins with small, intentional acts. Start by being present in your interactions—whether it’s a warm smile to a stranger or a listening ear for a friend in need. Remember, Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves, so practice self-love and forgiveness, allowing that grace to overflow into your relationships. Engage in acts of kindness, even when they seem insignificant; a simple gesture can brighten someone’s day and reflect God’s love. Additionally, take time to pray for those you find difficult to love, asking God to soften your heart and help you see them through His eyes. As you nurture these qualities, you’ll find that love and compassion not only enrich the lives of others but also deepen your own faith and connection to God.
Bible References to Neighbor in the KJV:
Deuteronomy 5:20-21: 20 ‘You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
21 And you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. And you shall not desire your neighbor’s house, his field, or his male servant, or his female servant, his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s.
Proverbs 3:27-29: 27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.
28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you.
29 Do not plan evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly beside you.
Matthew 5:43-48: 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’”
44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?
48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 19:16-19: 16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?”
17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.”
18 “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Mark 12:28-34: 28 And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?”
29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
32 And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him.
33 And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
34 And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.
Luke 10:25-37: 25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?”
27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”
28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”
29 But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
30 Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side.
32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion.
34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him.
35 And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’
36 Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?”
37 He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”
Romans 13:8-10: 8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.
9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
Galatians 5:13-15: 13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
15 But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.
James 2:8-13: 8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.
9 But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.
10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.
11 For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.
12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty.
13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.