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NASB | Matthew 22:39 "The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 22:39 "The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others].' [Lev 19:18; Matt 19:19] |
Bible Question: Is it legitimate and biblically sound to interprete Matthew 22:39 to mean: "You need to learn to love yourself first, then you can love your neighbor?" |
Bible Answer: Greetings KAS, I totally disagree with what Steve said. As I told him you must have self love, but not the kind that is haughty or self centered but a love of yourself that says that you know you are a good person and that you are good enough to be loved by Christ. However, Matt 22:39, according to the MacArthur Study Bible, says that contrary to some contemporary interpretations, it is not a mandate for self love. Instead, it contains in different words the same very idea as the Golden Rule. It prompts believers to measure their love for others by what they wish for themselves. Matt 22:39 is a quotation from Lev 19:18 and is the most quoted verse in the NT. prayon |