Leviticus 19:18 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

Bible Comments

Nor bear any grudge, Heb. nor keep, either,

1. The injury here supposed in thy memory: so it is opposed to those who say they will forgive, but not forget an injury. Or,

2. Anger or hatred in thy heart: so this verb is used Jeremiah 3:12 Nahum 1:2. Thy neighbour; by which he understands not the Israelites only, as some would persuade us, but every other man with whom we converse, as plainly appears,

1. By comparing this place with Leviticus 19:34, where this very law is applied to strangers.

2. Because the word neighbour is explained by another man, Leviticus 20:10 Romans 13:8: see more on Exodus 20:16. As thyself; with the same sincerity, though not equality, of affection, as to thyself.

Leviticus 19:18

18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.