CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 7:12 In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/7-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/40_Mat_07_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 7:12 - Ask, Seek, Knock" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/7-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/7-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/7.htm">Chapter 7</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/7-11.htm" title="Matthew 7:11">◄</a> Matthew 7:12 <a href="/matthew/7-13.htm" title="Matthew 7:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/7.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/7.htm">New International Version</a> So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. <a href="/nlt/matthew/7.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. <a href="/esv/matthew/7.htm">English Standard Version</a> “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. <a href="/bsb/matthew/7.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets. <a href="/blb/matthew/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> All things therefore, as many as you might desire that men should do to you, so also you do to them, for this is the law and the prophets. <a href="/kjv/matthew/7.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/7.htm">New King James Version</a> Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/7.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets. <a href="/nasb/matthew/7.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/7.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Therefore, however you want people to treat you, so treat them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. <a href="/lsb/matthew/7.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “Therefore, in all things, whatever you want people to do for you, so do for them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. <a href="/amp/matthew/7.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “So then, in everything treat others the same way you want them to treat you, for this is [the essence of] the Law and the [writings of the] Prophets. <a href="/csb/matthew/7.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/7.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Therefore, whatever you want others to do for you, do also the same for them—this is the Law and the Prophets. <a href="/asv/matthew/7.htm">American Standard Version</a> All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them: for this is the law and the prophets. <a href="/cev/matthew/7.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Treat others as you want them to treat you. This is what the Law and the Prophets are all about. <a href="/erv/matthew/7.htm">English Revised Version</a> All things therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, even so do ye also unto them: for this is the law and the prophets. <a href="/gwt/matthew/7.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "Always do for other people everything you want them to do for you. That is [the meaning of] Moses' Teachings and the Prophets. <a href="/gnt/matthew/7.htm">Good News Translation</a> "Do for others what you want them to do for you: this is the meaning of the Law of Moses and of the teachings of the prophets. <a href="/isv/matthew/7.htm">International Standard Version</a> Therefore, whatever you want people to do for you, do the same for them, because this summarizes the Law and the Prophets." <a href="/msb/matthew/7.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets. <a href="/net/matthew/7.htm">NET Bible</a> In everything, treat others as you would want them to treat you, for this fulfills the law and the prophets. <a href="/nheb/matthew/7.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Therefore whatever you desire for people to do to you, so also you should do to them; for this is the Law and the Prophets. <a href="/wbt/matthew/7.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Therefore all things whatever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. <a href="/wey/matthew/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Everything, therefore, be it what it may, that you would have men do to you, do you also the same to them; for in this the Law and the Prophets are summed up. <a href="/web/matthew/7.htm">World English Bible</a> Therefore, whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/7.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> All things, therefore, whatever you may will that men may be doing to you, so also do to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. <a href="/blb/matthew/7.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> All things therefore, as many as you might desire that men should do to you, so also you do to them, for this is the law and the prophets. <a href="/ylt/matthew/7.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'All things, therefore, whatever ye may will that men may be doing to you, so also do to them, for this is the law and the prophets. <a href="/slt/matthew/7.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Therefore all whatever ye would that men should do to you, so also do ye to them; for this is the law and the prophets.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/7.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> All things therefore whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you also to them. For this is the law and the prophets. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/7.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Therefore, all things whatsoever that you wish that men would do to you, do so also to them. For this is the law and the prophets. <a href="/nabre/matthew/7.htm">New American Bible</a> “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/7.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/7.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Whatever you wish men to do for you, do likewise also for them; for this is the law and the prophets. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/7.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Everything whatsoever you desire that people should do for you, do likewise for them, for this is the Law and The Prophets.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/7.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> All things, therefore, whatever you would that men should do to you, even so do you to them: for this is the law and the prophets.<CM> <a href="/godbey/matthew/7.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>Therefore all things whatsoever you may wish that the people may do unto you, do ye even so unto them: for this is the law and the prophets.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/7.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> All things therefore whatsoever ye would be willing that men should do to you, just so do ye to them: for this is the law and the prophets.<CM> <a href="/mace/matthew/7.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Let your actions be such, with regard to others, as you should think reasonable with regard to yourselves, for this is the substance of the law and the prophets. <a href="/wey/matthew/7.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Everything, therefore, be it what it may, that you would have men do to you, do you also the same to them; for in this the Law and the Prophets are summed up. <a href="/worrell/matthew/7.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>"All things, therefore, whatsoever ye wish that men should do to you, so do ye also to them; for this is the law and the prophets.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/7.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>All <Fr>things<FR> therefore whatsoever ye would have men do to you, do ye also in like manner unto them: for this is <Fr>the doctrine of<FR> the law and the prophets.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/7-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=1611" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/7.htm">Ask, Seek, Knock</a> …11So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! 12<a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: Panta (Adj-ANP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">In everything,</a> <a href="/greek/3745.htm" title="3745: hosa (RelPro-ANP) -- How much, how great, how many, as great as, as much. By reduplication from hos; as As."></a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">then,</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymeis (PPro-N2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou."></a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poieite (V-PMA-2P) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">do</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">to others</a> <a href="/greek/3779.htm" title="3779: houtōs (Adv) -- Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).">as</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: thelēte (V-PSA-2P) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">you would have</a> <a href="/greek/2443.htm" title="2443: hina (Conj) -- In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that."></a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiōsin (V-PSA-3P) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">them do</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpoi (N-NMP) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being."></a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">to you.</a> <a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: houtos (DPro-NMS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is the essence of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3551.htm" title="3551: nomos (N-NMS) -- From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.">Law</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4396.htm" title="4396: prophētai (N-NMP) -- From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet.">Prophets.</a> 13Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/luke/6-31.htm">Luke 6:31</a> Do to others as you would have them do to you. <a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a> Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. <a href="/romans/13-8.htm">Romans 13:8-10</a> Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. / The commandments “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and any other commandments, are summed up in this one decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” / Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. <a href="/galatians/5-14.htm">Galatians 5:14</a> The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” <a href="/james/2-8.htm">James 2:8</a> If you really fulfill the royal law stated in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. <a href="/mark/12-31.htm">Mark 12:31</a> The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” <a href="/proverbs/3-27.htm">Proverbs 3:27</a> Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act. <a href="/1_john/4-7.htm">1 John 4:7-11</a> Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. / Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. / This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. ... <a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-4</a> Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. / Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. <a href="/1_corinthians/13-4.htm">1 Corinthians 13:4-7</a> Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. / It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. / Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. ... <a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Romans 12:17-21</a> Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. / If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. / Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” ... <a href="/ephesians/4-32.htm">Ephesians 4:32</a> Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you. <a href="/colossians/3-12.htm">Colossians 3:12-14</a> Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. / Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. / And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity. <a href="/1_peter/3-8.htm">1 Peter 3:8-9</a> Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble. / Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. <a href="/deuteronomy/6-5.htm">Deuteronomy 6:5</a> And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Therefore all things whatever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.all.<a href="/luke/6-31.htm">Luke 6:31</a> And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.for.<a href="/matthew/22-39.htm">Matthew 22:39,40</a> And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself… <a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a> 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.<a href="/isaiah/1-17.htm">Isaiah 1:17,18</a> Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/7-8.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/matthew/5-40.htm">Law</a> <a href="/matthew/7-2.htm">Others</a> <a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/galatians/5-14.htm">Summed</a> <a href="/mark/12-41.htm">Sums</a> <a href="/zechariah/8-11.htm">Treat</a> <a href="/zechariah/10-2.htm">Want</a> <a href="/matthew/7-2.htm">Way</a> <a href="/matthew/7-2.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/matthew/5-37.htm">Whatsoever</a> <a href="/jeremiah/42-22.htm">Wish</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/9-13.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/matthew/7-29.htm">Law</a> <a href="/matthew/11-16.htm">Others</a> <a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">Prophets</a> <a href="/matthew/22-40.htm">Summed</a> <a href="/mark/12-41.htm">Sums</a> <a href="/matthew/18-17.htm">Treat</a> <a href="/matthew/8-2.htm">Want</a> <a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Way</a> <a href="/matthew/10-11.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/matthew/10-11.htm">Whatsoever</a> <a href="/matthew/12-38.htm">Wish</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 7</div>1. <a href="/matthew/7-1.htm">Do Not Judge</a> 7. <a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Ask, Seek, Knock</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/7-13.htm">Enter through the Narrow Gate</a> 15. <a href="/matthew/7-15.htm">A Tree and Its Fruit</a> 24. <a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">The Wise and the Foolish Builders</a> 28. <a href="/matthew/7-28.htm">Jesus ends his sermon, and the people are astonished.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/7.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/7.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>In everything, then, This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the command. It is not limited to specific situations or relationships but applies universally. The use of "everything" suggests that this principle should govern all aspects of life, reflecting the holistic nature of biblical ethics. This aligns with the biblical teaching that God's commandments are not just for religious observance but for every part of life (<a href="/deuteronomy/6-5.htm">Deuteronomy 6:5-9</a>).do to others This directive is proactive, urging believers to take the initiative in treating others well. It reflects the biblical principle of love for one's neighbor, which is central to the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments (<a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a>, <a href="/romans/13-9.htm">Romans 13:9</a>). The focus on "others" underscores the communal aspect of biblical ethics, where relationships and community are paramount.as you would have them do to you. This is commonly known as the "Golden Rule." It is a call to empathy and understanding, encouraging individuals to consider their own desires and needs when interacting with others. This principle is found in various forms in other religious and philosophical traditions, but its placement here within the context of Jesus' teachings gives it a distinctively Christian interpretation, rooted in love and selflessness (<a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-4</a>).For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets. This statement connects the teaching to the broader biblical narrative. The "Law and the Prophets" is a term that encompasses the entire Old Testament, indicating that this principle summarizes the ethical teachings of Scripture. It reflects Jesus' teaching that love fulfills the law (<a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37-40</a>, <a href="/romans/13-10.htm">Romans 13:10</a>). This connection highlights the continuity between Jesus' teachings and the Old Testament, affirming that the call to love and ethical living is central to God's revelation throughout history.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, delivering the Sermon on the Mount, a foundational teaching moment in His ministry. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_disciples.htm">The Disciples</a> The primary audience of the Sermon on the Mount, representing followers of Christ who are learning the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_law_and_the_prophets.htm">The Law and the Prophets</a> A reference to the Hebrew Scriptures, encompassing the moral and ethical teachings that Jesus fulfills and expounds upon. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_sermon_on_the_mount.htm">The Sermon on the Mount</a> The setting of this teaching, a collection of Jesus' teachings found in Matthew chapters 5-7, addressing the nature of true righteousness. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_golden_rule.htm">The Golden Rule</a> A term often used to describe this verse, emphasizing its universal ethical principle.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_essence_of_the_law_and_prophets.htm">The Essence of the Law and Prophets</a> Jesus summarizes the ethical teachings of the Old Testament, highlighting that true righteousness is relational and rooted in love. <a href="/topical/u/universal_principle.htm">Universal Principle</a> The Golden Rule is a timeless and cross-cultural principle that applies to all human interactions, reflecting God's desire for justice and mercy. <a href="/topical/a/active_love.htm">Active Love</a> This teaching calls for proactive love, not merely refraining from harm but actively seeking the good of others. <a href="/topical/r/reflection_of_god's_character.htm">Reflection of God's Character</a> By living out this principle, believers reflect the character of God, who is loving, just, and merciful. <a href="/topical/p/practical_discipleship.htm">Practical Discipleship</a> Applying this rule in daily life is a practical expression of discipleship, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_7.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 7</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_platinum_rule.htm">What is the Platinum Rule?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_golden_rule.htm">What is the Golden Rule?</a> <a href="/q/how_should_others_treat_you.htm">How would you want others to treat you?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_utilitarianism.htm">What defines utilitarianism?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/7.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) Therefore . . . whatsoever.--The sequence of thought requires, perhaps, some explanation. God gives His good things in answer to our wishes, if only what we wish for is really for our good. It is man's highest blessedness to be like God, to "be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect," and therefore in this respect too he must strive to resemble Him. The ground thus taken gives a new character to that which otherwise had already become almost one of the "common-places" of Jewish and heathen ethics. Perhaps the most interesting illustration of the former is the well-known story of the Gentile inquirer who went to Shammai, the great scribe, and asked to be taught the law, in a few brief words, while he stood on one foot. The Rabbi turned away in anger. The questioner then went to Hillel, and made the same demand; and the sage turned and said, "Whatsoever thou wouldest that men should not do to thee, that do not thou to them. All our law is summed up in that." And so the Gentile became a proselyte. A like negative rule is quoted by Gibbon (Decl. and Fall, c. liv., note 2) from Isocrates, not without a sneer, as if it anticipated the teaching of the Christ. The nearest approach to our Lord's rule is, however, found in the saying ascribed to Aristotle, who, when asked how we should act towards our friends, replied, "As we would they should act to us" (Diog. Laert., v. 1, ? 21). All these, however, though we may welcome them as instances of the testimonium animae naturaliter Christianae (as Tertullian calls it), are yet wanting in the completeness of our Lord's precept, and still more do they fall below it in regard of the ground on which the precept rests, and the power given to perform it. Yet even here, too, there is, of necessity, an implied limitation. We cannot comply with all men's desires, nor ought we to wish that they should comply with ours, for those desires may be foolish and frivolous, or may involve the indulgence of lust or passion. The rule is only safe when our own will has been first purified, so that we wish only from others that which is really good. Reciprocity in evil or in folly is obviously altogether alien from the mind of Christ.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/7.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - Ver. 12a, parallel passage: <a href="/luke/6-31.htm">Luke 6:31</a>; <a href="/luke/12.htm">Luke 12</a>b, Matthew only. All things therefore. Therefore. Summing up the lesson of vers. 1-11 (cf. ver. 7, note). In consequence of all that I have said about censoriousness and the means of overcoming it, let the very opposite feeling rule your conduct towards others. Let all (emphatic) your dealings with men be conducted in the same spirit in which you would desire them to deal with you. Even so. Not "these things" do ye to them; for our Lord carefully avoids any expression that might lead to a legal enumeration of different details, but "thus" (οὕτως), referring to the character of your own wishes. (For this "golden rule," cf. Tobit 4:15 (negative form); cf. also patristic references in Resch, 'Agrapha,' pp. 95, 135.) On the occasional similarity of pre-Christian writings to the teaching of our Lord, Augustine (vide Trench, 'Serm.,' in loc.) well says it is "the glory of the written and spoken law, that it is the transcript of that which was from the first, and not merely as old as this man or that, but as the Creation itself, a reproduction of that obscured and forgotten law written at the beginning by the finger of God on the hearts of all men. When, therefore, heathen sages or poets proclaimed any part of this, they had not thereby anticipated Christ; they had only deciphered some fragment of that law, which he gave from the first, and which, when men, exiles and fugitives from themselves and from the knowledge of their own hearts, had lost the power of reading, he came in the flesh to read to them anew, and to bring out the well-nigh obliterated characters afresh." (Compare also Bishop Lightfoot's essay on "St. Paul and Seneca," in his 'Philippians.') For this is the law and the prophets. For this. This principle of action and mode of life is, in fact, the sum of all Bible teaching (cf. <a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a>). Observe: (1) Our Lord brings out the same thought, but with its necessary limitation to the second table, in <a href="/matthew/22-40.htm">Matthew 22:40</a> (cf. <a href="/romans/13-10.htm">Romans 13:10</a>). (2) Our Lord thus returns to the main subject of his sermon, the relation in which he and his must stand to the Law (<a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17</a>). <a href="/commentaries/matthew/7-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>In everything, Πάντα (Panta) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. then, οὖν (oun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. do ποιεῖτε (poieite) Verb - Present Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. to others αὐτοῖς (autois) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. as οὕτως (houtōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3779.htm">Strong's 3779: </a> Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows). you would have θέλητε (thelēte) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. them do ποιῶσιν (poiōsin) Verb - Present Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. to you. ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. For γάρ (gar) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. this οὗτος (houtos) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. is [the essence of] ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Law νόμος (nomos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3551.htm">Strong's 3551: </a> From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. the οἱ (hoi) Article - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. prophets. προφῆται (prophētai) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4396.htm">Strong's 4396: </a> From a compound of pro and phemi; a foreteller; by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/7-12.htm">Matthew 7:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/7-12.htm">Matthew 7:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/7-12.htm">Matthew 7:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/7-12.htm">Matthew 7:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/7-12.htm">Matthew 7:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/7-12.htm">Matthew 7:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/7-12.htm">Matthew 7:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/7-12.htm">Matthew 7:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/7-12.htm">Matthew 7:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/7-12.htm">Matthew 7:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/7-12.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 7:12 Therefore whatever you desire for men (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/7-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 7:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 7:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/7-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 7:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 7:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>