“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus doesn't just mean "treat others nicely"; he means actively consider what you would want done for you in their exact situation and then do that. This shifts the focus from a general sense of kindness to a radical, empathetic identification with the other person, summing up the heart of God's ancient commands.
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is wrapping up His teaching on a mountainside, drawing a sharp contrast between the way of the world and His kingdom. He’s just spoken about asking, seeking, and knocking, and now he offers a powerful, positive principle to guide how we treat others, summarizing the core of God's law. This principle is presented as the essential outworking of all the commands and prophecies that came before Him.
Jesus calls this simple principle the heart of the entire Old Testament. What makes it so foundational?
Jesus doesn't just offer a nice suggestion here; He declares that this principle is the Law and the Prophets. This means it's not just part of God's commands, but the very essence and summary of what the Law and the Prophets were intended to convey regarding our relationships with others.
Think of it as the ultimate filter for your actions:
This isn't just good advice for getting along; it's a reflection of God's own character and a key to understanding His will.
It's easy to see the Golden Rule as just a secular ethical principle, something found in many cultures. But Jesus elevates it.
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Understand the original words
nomos kai hoi prophētai · Greek Noun phrase
The complete body of Old Testament revelation, including the Pentateuch (Law) and the writings of those inspired by God to declare His will (Prophets). It represents the authoritative standard of God's moral requirements.
This verse is a direct precursor to Jesus' teaching, showing that the principle of loving your neighbor as yourself, which underpins the Golden Rule, was already a core commandment in the Old Testament Law.
Luke 6:31This is the parallel account in Luke's Gospel, presenting the same 'Golden Rule' and reinforcing its importance as a central teaching of Jesus that transcends specific circumstances.
Galatians 5:14Paul echoes Jesus' sentiment by stating that the entire Law is fulfilled in one way: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself,' directly connecting the Golden Rule to the ultimate purpose of God's commands.
Colossians 3:12-15This passage describes the practical outworking of Christian life, emphasizing compassion, kindness, humility, and patience as essential virtues that naturally flow from the principle of treating others as we wish to be treated.
1 Samuel 15:22This verse highlights that obedience and doing what is right (which the Golden Rule exemplifies) are more valued by God than mere ritual sacrifices, showing that ethical behavior is foundational to true worship.
barnesMatthew 7:12: "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."
All things whatsoever ... - This command has been usually called the "Saviour's golden rule," a name given to it on account of its great value. All that you "expect" or "desire" of others in similar circumstances, do to them. Act not from selfishness or injustice, but put yourself in the place of the other, and ask what you would expect of him. This wo…
bensonMatthew 7:12: "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."
Matthew 7:12 . Therefore all things, &c. — As if he had said, But it is only on this condition that he will give, and continue to give them, viz., that ye follow the example of his equity and benevolence, that you imitate the God of love; that, being “animated by his goodness, you study to express your gratitude for it by your integrity and kindness to…
Jesus doesn't just mean "treat others nicely"; he means actively consider what you would want done for you in their exact situation and then do that. This shifts the focus from a general sense of kindness to a radical, empathetic identification with the other person, summing up the heart of God's ancient commands.
Jesus is wrapping up His teaching on a mountainside, drawing a sharp contrast between the way of the world and His kingdom. He’s just spoken about asking, seeking, and knocking, and now he offers a powerful, positive principle to guide how we treat others, summarizing the core of God's law. This principle is presented as the essential outworking of all the commands and prophecies that came before Him.
Jesus is wrapping up His teaching on a mountainside, drawing a sharp contrast between the way of the world and His kingdom. He’s just spoken about asking, seeking, and knocking, and now he offers a powerful, positive principle to guide how we treat others, summarizing the core of God's law. This principle is presented as the essential outworking of all the commands and prophecies that came before Him.
"“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets." — Jesus doesn't just mean "treat others nicely"; he means actively consider what you would want done for you in their exact situation and then do that. This shifts the focus from a general sense of…
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Last reviewed October 2026