Meaning, commentary and cross references
Romans 13:8
“Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
NIV · New International Version
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.
WEB · World English Bible
Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
What does Romans 13:8 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Romans 13:8
Owe no man anything,.... From the payment of dues to magistrates the apostle proceeds to a general exhortation to discharge all sorts of debts; as not to owe the civil magistrate any thing, but render to him his dues, so to owe nothing to any other man, but make good all obligations whatever, as of a civil, so of a natural kind. There are debts arising from the natural and civil relations subsisting among men, which should be discharged; as of the husband to the wife, the wife to the husband; parents to their children, children to their parents; masters to their servants, servants to their masters; one brother, friend, and neighbour, to another. Moreover, pecuniary debts may be here…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Romans 13:7–10
But to love one another, this is a debt that must be always in the paying, and yet always owing." Love is a debt. The law of God and the interest of mankind make it so. It is not a thing which we are left at liberty about, but it is enjoined us, as the principle and summary of all duty owing one to another; for love is the fulfilling of the law; not perfectly, but it is a good step towards it.
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Romans 13:8–10
8. To no one owe ye, etc. There are those who think that this was not said without a taunt, as though Paul was answering the objection of those who contended that Christians were burdened in having other precepts than that of love enjoined them. And indeed I do not deny, but that it may be taken ironically, as though he conceded to those who allowed no other law but that of love, what they required, but in another sense.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Romans 13:5–11 (WEB)
5Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. 6For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are servants of God’s service, continually doing this very thing. 7Therefore give everyone what you owe: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if customs, then customs; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. 8Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. 9For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other commandments there are, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10Love doesn’t harm a neighbor. Love therefore is the fulfillment of the law. 11Do this, knowing the time, that it is already time for you to awaken out of sleep, for salvation is now nearer to us than when we first believed.
Cross references
- Romans 13:10
Love doesn’t harm a neighbor. Love therefore is the fulfillment of the law.
- Matthew 22:39–40
A second likewise is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
- Galatians 5:14
For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
- Matthew 7:12
Therefore, whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets.
- Proverbs 3:27–28
Don’t withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it.
- John 13:34
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another.
- Romans 13:7
Therefore give everyone what you owe: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if customs, then customs; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
- James 2:8
However, if you fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well.
Key words
In the Baptist Catechism
- Q71. What is forbidden in the fifth commandment?
The fifth commandment forbids the neglecting of, or doing anything against the honor and duty which belongs to every one in their several places and relations.