Romans 13:8-10
What is written? (ESV)
Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. 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.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
What does it say?
Owe no one anything except to love one another, because the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments against adultery, murder, stealing, coveting, and every other commandment are summed up in this: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love fulfills the law.
What is its immediate context?
Paul is offering encouragement to the Christians in Rome. He has given some specific, practical instructions for daily life in the previous chapter (including to love one another – 12:10). In this chapter Paul turns to how a Christian should submit to and live under “governing authorities” (vs 1) before coming back to the subject of loving each other. Paul cites a portion of the Ten Commandments from Exodus 20:13-17 and relates them to Leviticus 19:18 just as the lawyer did in Luke 10:27 which Jesus approved.
How Romans 13:8-10 is applied across Bible answers
Top 3: Why ‘Old Testament vs. New Testament’ isn’t the best approach?
Paul quotes from portions of the Old Testament and relates them to how Christians should love one another and thus fulfill God's commands.
What is Godly love?
In recalling Jesus' exchange with the rich young ruler in Luke 10:25-28, Paul reiterates the Christian's perspective of an outward, relational love and its epitomizing behavior of all things Godly.
