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Leviticus 19:17
Verse
Context
Love Your Neighbor
16You must not go about spreading slander among your people. You must not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD.17You must not harbor hatred against your brother in your heart. Directly rebuke your neighbor, so that you will not incur guilt on account of him. 18Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou shalt not hate thy brother - Thou shalt not only not do him any kind of evil, but thou shalt harbor no hatred in thy heart towards him. On the contrary, thou shalt love him as thyself, Lev 19:18. Many persons suppose, from misunderstanding our Lord's words, Joh 13:34, A new commandment give I unto you, that ye love one another, etc., that loving our neighbor as ourselves was first instituted under the Gospel. This verse shows the opinion to be unfounded: but to love another as Christ has loved us, i. e., to lay down our lives for each other, is certainly a new commandment; we have it simply on the authority of Jesus Christ alone. And not suffer sin upon him - If thou see him sin, or know him to be addicted to any thing by which the safety of his soul is endangered, thou shalt mildly and affectionately reprove him, and by no means permit him to go on without counsel and advice in a way that is leading him to perdition. In a multitude of cases timely reproof has been the means of saving the soul. Speak to him privately if possible; if not, write to him in such a way that himself alone shall see it.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour--Instead of cherishing latent feelings of malice or meditating purposes of revenge against a person who has committed an insult or injury against them, God's people were taught to remonstrate with the offender and endeavor, by calm and kindly reason, to bring him to a sense of his fault. not suffer sin upon him--literally, "that ye may not participate in his sin."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart,.... Although no hatred may be expressed either by words or deeds, yet being in the heart is a breach of the sixth command, see Mat 5:21; and of this a man may be guilty, when he does not attempt to save the life of his neighbour, either by bearing a testimony for him, or by delivering from danger, as preserving him from drowning, from wild beasts and thieves, as in Lev 19:16; or when he does not reprove him for sin, as in the next clause, but suffers him to go on in it to his ruin, either of which by interpretation is an hatred of him: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, for any sin committed by him, though secretly, yet known; which rebuke should be private, and repeated as may be found necessary, and given gently in meekness and tenderness: and not suffer sin upon him; unconvinced of, unrepented of and persisted in, which may prove of fatal consequence to him; and therefore to let him alone, and go on in it without telling him of it, and reproving him for it, would be so far from acting the kind and friendly part, and showing him love and respect, that it would be an evidence of hating him at heart, at least it might be strongly suspected: or, "and not bear sin for him" (a); become a partner with him in his sin, and so become liable to bear punishment for it; which is a strong reason for reproving sin, in a proper manner, lest we should be partakers of other men's sins; see Ti1 5:20. (a) "ne feras propter eum peccatum", Tigurine version; so Sept. Syr. Ar. Targum Jonathan, Aben Ezra, Ainsworth.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
19:17 for any of your relatives: The Hebrew term can refer to any fellow Israelite; all Israel was considered one family (cp. 1 Jn 3:15). • Confront people directly: Love does not mean closing one’s eyes to wrong; reproof can help a person change.
Leviticus 19:17
Love Your Neighbor
16You must not go about spreading slander among your people. You must not endanger the life of your neighbor. I am the LORD.17You must not harbor hatred against your brother in your heart. Directly rebuke your neighbor, so that you will not incur guilt on account of him. 18Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Your Excuses
By Paris Reidhead1.3K1:00:38ExcusesLEV 19:17JOB 40:2GAL 6:1In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the idea that sinners often contend with God and make excuses for their actions. He explains that there are two types of contending with God: one through force and strength, which is not advisable, and the other through argument and reasoning. The preacher references Job chapter 40 to support his point. He emphasizes that when people argue with God and claim that His laws are unfair, they not only commit the sin but also justify themselves in it. The preacher concludes by urging the audience to let go of their excuses and repent.
The Duty of Reproving Our Neighbor
By John Wesley0ReproofLove for NeighborsLEV 19:17MAT 7:1John Wesley emphasizes the duty of reproving our neighbor as an act of love, rooted in the command from Leviticus 19:17. He explains that reproving involves addressing sin and error in others, and that we are called to do this for everyone, especially those close to us, as neglecting this duty equates to hating our brother in our heart. Wesley outlines the importance of approaching reproof with love, humility, and meekness, ensuring that our intentions are clear and our manner is respectful. He encourages believers to be diligent in this labor of love, trusting that God will bring about fruit in due time, and highlights that a spirit of reproving is essential for a genuine revival of faith.
The Challenge of Love
By Charles Finney0ReproofLove for NeighborLEV 19:17EZK 33:7Charles Finney emphasizes the moral obligation of Christians to reprove their neighbors for sin, arguing that true love for God and others compels us to confront wrongdoing. He illustrates that failing to do so makes us complicit in the sin and endangers the souls of those we neglect to warn. Finney likens this duty to warning a neighbor of a fire, asserting that silence in the face of sin is akin to cruelty. He stresses that reproof should be done with love and wisdom, tailored to the relationship and circumstances of the individual. Ultimately, he calls Christians to be courageous in their duty to uphold God's commands and to actively oppose sin in their communities.
Day 153, Luke 17
By David Servant0LEV 19:17David Servant emphasizes the importance of following Jesus' instructions on forgiveness, highlighting the need to confront the offending party and grant forgiveness upon repentance for true reconciliation. This aligns with the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor as oneself, as stated in Leviticus. 19:17-18. Jesus teaches that even a small amount of faith, like a mustard seed, can lead to miraculous outcomes, as seen in the healing of the ten lepers who acted upon their faith. The story illustrates the necessity of faith in action to receive God's blessings and healing.
Should Christian's Drink Alcohol? - Part 1
By Keith Malcomson0LEV 19:17PRO 20:1PRO 27:51CO 5:111CO 6:9GAL 5:21GAL 6:1EPH 5:11JAS 5:19Keith Malcomson addresses the controversial topic of alcohol consumption among Christians, highlighting the shift in attitudes towards social drinking within the church. He emphasizes the dangers of drunkenness, the biblical warnings against alcohol abuse, and the consequences of failing to address this issue within the Christian community. Malcomson delves into the biblical perspectives on wine, the facts about alcohol, the sin of drunkenness, the implications for Christian drunkards, and the importance of restoring fallen brothers who struggle with alcoholism.
Christian Cautions (Or the Necessity of Self-Examination)
By Jonathan Edwards0LEV 19:17DEU 15:7NEH 13:19PSA 139:23PRO 21:13PRO 22:24ISA 1:17MAT 7:3JHN 5:39Jonathan Edwards preaches about the importance of self-examination and living a life free from sin, focusing on various aspects such as the observance of the Sabbath, secret sins, temper towards neighbors, dealings with others, charity, and conversation. He emphasizes the need to diligently search one's heart, repent of sins, and strive to align with God's commandments to avoid provoking Him. Edwards urges the congregation to reflect on their actions, thoughts, and attitudes towards others, emphasizing the significance of living a righteous and just life in accordance with God's will.
Reproof a Christian Duty
By Charles Finney0ReproofChristian DutyLEV 19:17EZK 3:18Charles Finney emphasizes the Christian duty of reproving sin among neighbors, rooted in love for God, the community, and the individual. He argues that failing to rebuke sin is tantamount to complicity in it, and that Christians must act in accordance with God's command to avoid bearing the sins of others. Finney outlines the reasons for this duty, the manner in which it should be performed, and the exceptions to the rule, urging believers to be courageous in their reproofs to foster a righteous society. He warns against the dangers of silence and encourages a proactive approach to confronting sin, highlighting the potential for reproof to lead to repentance and salvation. Ultimately, he calls for a consistent and faithful practice of this command to uphold God's honor and the well-being of the community.
Matthew 5:38-42. Christ Forbids Revenge.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0EXO 21:24LEV 19:17MAT 5:39MAT 6:14JHN 18:23ROM 12:17EPH 4:32COL 3:131PE 2:23Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the true meaning behind 'an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,' emphasizing that it was a rule of punishment for civil authorities, not a call for personal revenge. Jesus corrected the Pharisees' misunderstanding, teaching that we should endure personal injuries without retaliation, rebuking with gentleness when necessary. The spirit of the command is to willingly yield our rights and focus on our duties towards others rather than fixating on our own rights, leading to peace and avoiding sinful responses to mistreatment. Mortimer highlights the importance of reflecting on our own behavior towards God, who has shown us unparalleled grace despite our ingratitude and disobedience.
The Final Warning
By Asahel Nettleton0LEV 19:172SA 12:7PSA 141:5PRO 9:7MAT 7:6MAT 18:15JHN 16:82TI 3:16HEB 3:13JAS 5:19Asahel Nettleton delivers a powerful sermon on the importance of receiving reproof with humility and the consequences of hardening one's heart against correction. He emphasizes the care God has taken to reprove offenders through various means such as His people, parents, providence, His Word, ministers, and His Spirit. Nettleton warns of the danger of hardening one's neck against reproof, leading to sudden and irreversible destruction, as seen in biblical examples like Noah's generation, Pharaoh, and the inhabitants of Sodom. The sermon serves as a solemn reminder to both the aged and the young to heed reproof, as neglecting warnings only leads to a harder heart and a more hopeless state.
The Kingdom of Heaven
By J.H. Newman0LEV 19:17HAG 2:4MAT 16:18MAT 28:20REV 22:19J.H. Newman preaches about the importance of understanding the doctrine of the Church through careful examination of Scripture, despite objections or preconceived notions. He emphasizes the need to consider the restoration of this doctrine and its impact on our spiritual system, shifting our perspective to view the Church as central. Newman encourages a deeper exploration of seemingly insignificant texts that may reveal important truths and lead to a truer understanding of the Church's role in our lives.
The Destruction of Hardened Sinners
By Asahel Nettleton0LEV 19:17PRO 1:24PRO 29:1EZK 33:7LUK 13:32TI 4:2HEB 3:15JAS 5:20REV 3:20Asahel Nettleton preaches about the importance of receiving reproof and admonition with humility, contrasting the reactions of the humble Christian who values correction and the haughty sinner who rejects it. The sermon emphasizes the care God has taken to reprove offenders through various means such as His Word, ministers, providences, and the conviction and conversion of sinners. It warns about the consequences of hardening one's heart against reproof, leading to sudden and remediless destruction, highlighting the urgency for sinners to heed warnings and repent before it's too late.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou shalt not hate thy brother - Thou shalt not only not do him any kind of evil, but thou shalt harbor no hatred in thy heart towards him. On the contrary, thou shalt love him as thyself, Lev 19:18. Many persons suppose, from misunderstanding our Lord's words, Joh 13:34, A new commandment give I unto you, that ye love one another, etc., that loving our neighbor as ourselves was first instituted under the Gospel. This verse shows the opinion to be unfounded: but to love another as Christ has loved us, i. e., to lay down our lives for each other, is certainly a new commandment; we have it simply on the authority of Jesus Christ alone. And not suffer sin upon him - If thou see him sin, or know him to be addicted to any thing by which the safety of his soul is endangered, thou shalt mildly and affectionately reprove him, and by no means permit him to go on without counsel and advice in a way that is leading him to perdition. In a multitude of cases timely reproof has been the means of saving the soul. Speak to him privately if possible; if not, write to him in such a way that himself alone shall see it.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour--Instead of cherishing latent feelings of malice or meditating purposes of revenge against a person who has committed an insult or injury against them, God's people were taught to remonstrate with the offender and endeavor, by calm and kindly reason, to bring him to a sense of his fault. not suffer sin upon him--literally, "that ye may not participate in his sin."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart,.... Although no hatred may be expressed either by words or deeds, yet being in the heart is a breach of the sixth command, see Mat 5:21; and of this a man may be guilty, when he does not attempt to save the life of his neighbour, either by bearing a testimony for him, or by delivering from danger, as preserving him from drowning, from wild beasts and thieves, as in Lev 19:16; or when he does not reprove him for sin, as in the next clause, but suffers him to go on in it to his ruin, either of which by interpretation is an hatred of him: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, for any sin committed by him, though secretly, yet known; which rebuke should be private, and repeated as may be found necessary, and given gently in meekness and tenderness: and not suffer sin upon him; unconvinced of, unrepented of and persisted in, which may prove of fatal consequence to him; and therefore to let him alone, and go on in it without telling him of it, and reproving him for it, would be so far from acting the kind and friendly part, and showing him love and respect, that it would be an evidence of hating him at heart, at least it might be strongly suspected: or, "and not bear sin for him" (a); become a partner with him in his sin, and so become liable to bear punishment for it; which is a strong reason for reproving sin, in a proper manner, lest we should be partakers of other men's sins; see Ti1 5:20. (a) "ne feras propter eum peccatum", Tigurine version; so Sept. Syr. Ar. Targum Jonathan, Aben Ezra, Ainsworth.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
19:17 for any of your relatives: The Hebrew term can refer to any fellow Israelite; all Israel was considered one family (cp. 1 Jn 3:15). • Confront people directly: Love does not mean closing one’s eyes to wrong; reproof can help a person change.