Meaning, commentary and cross references
Matthew 7:12
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
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.
NIV · New International Version
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
WEB · World English Bible
Therefore, whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets.
What does Matthew 7:12 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Matthew 7:12
Therefore all things whatsoever,.... These words are the epilogue, or conclusion of our Lord's discourse; the sum of what he had delivered in the two preceding chapters, and in this hitherto, is contained in these words; for they not only respect the exhortation about judging and reproving; but every duty respecting our neighbour; it is a summary of the whole. It is a golden rule, here delivered, and ought to be observed by all mankind, Jews and Gentiles. So the Karaite Jews (l) say, "all things that a man would not take to himself, , "it is not fit to do them to his brethren".''
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Matthew 7:12–14
12. All things, therefore, whatsoever you would wish that man should do to you, do so also to them: for this is the Law and the Prophets. 13. Enter in by the strait gate: because broad is the gate, and wide is the road, which leadeth to destruction, and there are many who enter by it. 14. Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the road, which leadeth to life, and there are few who find it. 31.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Matthew 7:9–15 (WEB)
9Or who is there among you who, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, who will give him a serpent? 11If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! 12Therefore, whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets. 13“Enter in by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter in by it. 14How narrow is the gate and the way is restricted that leads to life! There are few who find it. 15“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.
Cross references
- Luke 6:31
“As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them.
- Romans 13:8–10
Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
- Galatians 5:13–14
For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don’t use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants to one another.
- Leviticus 19:18
“‘You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people; but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
- Mark 12:29–34
Jesus answered, “The greatest is: ‘Hear, Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.
- Matthew 22:39–40
A second likewise is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
- Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does the LORD require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
- Zechariah 8:16–17
These are the things that you shall do: speak every man the truth with his neighbor. Execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates,