Leviticus 19:18
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What's so powerful here is that "love your neighbor as yourself" isn't just about doing nice things; it's the positive command that directly counters and replaces the negative commands not to seek revenge or hold grudges. It highlights that true love actively cancels out resentment, showing that our relationship with God is demonstrated by how we treat others.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse lands in the heart of Leviticus 19, a chapter filled with practical holiness and commands for Israel to be set apart. It follows directives on justice and honesty, and immediately precedes instructions about caring for the poor and vulnerable. Together, these verses paint a picture of a community built on righteous actions and genuine care for one another, all reflecting God's own character.
Ever felt the urge to get even? This ancient command goes beyond mere fairness and challenges our very instincts for revenge.
The command "You shall not take vengeance" (Leviticus 19:18) isn't just about avoiding petty payback. It's a call to a higher standard, recognizing that true justice belongs to God.
The Trap of Retaliation
When someone wrongs us, our natural inclination is to strike back. This could be a direct action or something more subtle, like withholding a favor because it was once denied to us. The scholars point out that this cycle of retaliation is seen as base and ignoble, even by those outside God's covenant.
Leaving Vengeance to God
Instead of taking matters into our own hands, this command directs us to entrust vengeance to the Lord. It’s a profound act of faith, trusting that God’s justice is perfect and His timing is right. This frees us from the exhausting burden of seeking personal retribution.
Holding onto past hurts is like carrying a hidden poison. This command reveals how deeply God cares about our inner disposition.
The instruction 'nor bear a grudge' (Leviticus 19:18) is about more than just not acting on anger; it's about actively clearing our hearts of lingering resentment.
Forgetting the Injury
Scholars explain that 'bearing a grudge' involves 'not observing' or 'keeping' the injury in memory. It means not holding onto the offense, even if no reparation has been made. It's a call to release the mental and emotional hold the past wrong has on us.
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The Subtle Ways Grudges Manifest
Even when we try to be kind, a grudge can surface. The commentators highlight how bringing up a past offense, even while doing a good deed, reveals that the resentment is still alive. True forgiveness means letting go of the memory of the injury, not just acting civilly.
This verse contains arguably the most famous summary of God's ethical demands. But what does it truly mean to love your neighbor as yourself?
The command 'love your neighbor as yourself' (Leviticus 19:18) is not just a suggestion; it's the positive fulfillment of the preceding negative commands and the cornerstone of God's law.
A Radical Reorientation
This principle requires us to shift our focus. As Calvin notes, our natural self-love is so excessive it blinds us. God calls us to transfer that intense care and concern we have for ourselves onto others. It’s about sincerely desiring the well-being of our neighbor – every person – as much as our own.
The Universal Scope of 'Neighbor'
Contrary to a narrow interpretation, 'neighbor' extends to all people, not just those within our own group. The text itself, by referencing strangers and sojourners, makes this clear. Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan powerfully illustrates this, showing that anyone in need is our neighbor.
Love Fulfills the Law
As Paul explains, this love for neighbor is the essence of the entire moral law. When we truly love others as ourselves, we naturally refrain from actions that harm them – no vengeance, no grudges, no theft, no deceit. It’s the dynamic force that brings all other commands into practice.
Understand the original words
naqam · Hebrew Noun
The act of inflicting harm in retaliation for a perceived wrong, which belongs solely to God’s judgment rather than human impulse.
natar · Hebrew Verb
To keep or harbor bitterness, resentment, or a record of wrongs against someone, hindering true reconciliation.
ahav · Hebrew Verb
A profound, selfless devotion and commitment to the well-being of another, commanded as the foundation of interpersonal ethics.
Jesus directly quotes and expands upon the command not to take vengeance, urging followers to turn the other cheek and go the extra mile, highlighting the radical nature of this love beyond mere non-retaliation.
Romans 12:14-21Paul echoes this prohibition against vengeance and holding grudges, instead calling believers to bless those who persecute them and to overcome evil with good, demonstrating how love in action counters vengeance.
Luke 10:25-37The parable of the Good Samaritan answers the question 'Who is my neighbor?' by showing that 'neighbor' extends beyond one's own people to anyone in need, illustrating the expansive and active nature of the love commanded in Leviticus.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7This passage defines love by its actions and attitudes, stating that love is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, does not dishonor others, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, and rejoices with the truth. These characteristics directly embody the spirit of not taking vengeance or bearing a grudge.
gillLeviticus 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."
Thou shalt not avenge,.... That is, not avenge ourselves on him that has done us an ill thing, but leave it to him to whom vengeance belongs, see Romans 12:19 ; which is done when a man does an ill thing for another, or denies to grant a favour which he has been denied by another; Jarchi thus illustrates it, one says to him (his neighbour…
calvinLeviticus 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."
- Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. What every man's mind ought to be towards his neighbor, could not be better expressed in many pages that in this one sentence. We are all of us not only inclined to love ourselves more than we should, but all our powers hurry us away in this direction; nay, philautia (self-love) blinds us so mu…
What's so powerful here is that "love your neighbor as yourself" isn't just about doing nice things; it's the positive command that directly counters and replaces the negative commands not to seek revenge or hold grudges. It highlights that true love actively cancels out resentment, showing that our relationship with God is demonstrated by how we treat others.
This verse lands in the heart of Leviticus 19, a chapter filled with practical holiness and commands for Israel to be set apart. It follows directives on justice and honesty, and immediately precedes instructions about caring for the poor and vulnerable. Together, these verses paint a picture of a community built on righteous actions and genuine care for one another, all reflecting God's own character.
This verse lands in the heart of Leviticus 19, a chapter filled with practical holiness and commands for Israel to be set apart. It follows directives on justice and honesty, and immediately precedes instructions about caring for the poor and vulnerable. Together, these verses paint a picture of a community built on righteous actions and genuine care for one another, all reflecting God's own character.
"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." — What's so powerful here is that "love your neighbor as yourself" isn't just about doing nice things; it's the positive command that directly counters and replaces the negative commands not to seek…
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Last reviewed October 2026
