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Leviticus 19:18 - Love neighbor as yourself.

Leviticus 19:18 - ויקרא 19:18

Hebrew Text

לֹא־תִקֹּם וְלֹא־תִטֹּר אֶת־בְּנֵי עַמֶּךָ וְאָהַבְתָּ לְרֵעֲךָ כָּמוֹךָ אֲנִי יְהוָה׃

English Translation

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.

Transliteration

Lo tikom velo titor et bnei amecha ve'ahavta lere'echa kamocha ani Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹֽא־תִקֹּ֤ם וְלֹֽא־תִטֹּר֙ אֶת־בְּנֵ֣י עַמֶּ֔ךָ וְאָֽהַבְתָּ֥ לְרֵעֲךָ֖ כָּמ֑וֹךָ אֲנִ֖י יְהֹוָֽה׃
לֹֽא־תִקֹּ֤ם וְלֹֽא־תִטֹּר֙ אֶת־בְּנֵ֣י עַמֶּ֔ךָ וְאָֽהַבְתָּ֥ לְרֵעֲךָ֖ כָּמ֑וֹךָ אֲנִ֖י יְהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition of Revenge and Bearing a Grudge

The verse (Vayikra 19:18) contains two prohibitions: "לֹא־תִקֹּם" (Do not take revenge) and "וְלֹא־תִטֹּר" (Do not bear a grudge). Rashi explains the difference between them:

  • Revenge (תִקֹּם): If one person refuses to lend an object to another, and later the second person refuses to lend to the first in retaliation - this is revenge.
  • Grudge (תִטֹּר): If one says, "I will lend to you even though you didn't lend to me" - while still harboring resentment in his heart - this is bearing a grudge.

The Command to Love Your Neighbor

The positive commandment "וְאָהַבְתָּ לְרֵעֲךָ כָּמוֹךָ" (Love your neighbor as yourself) is described by Rabbi Akiva in the Talmud (Yerushalmi Nedarim 9:4) as a כלל גדול בתורה - a great principle in the Torah. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:3) explains that this means one should wish for others what one wishes for oneself in terms of physical and spiritual wellbeing.

The Divine Signature

The verse concludes with "אֲנִי יְהוָה" (I am Hashem). The Sforno explains that this reminds us that just as Hashem is merciful and forgiving, so too we must emulate these divine attributes in our interpersonal relationships.

Halachic Applications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 247) derives from this verse several practical halachic principles:

  • One must judge others favorably (דן לכף זכות)
  • One must help others protect their property
  • One must be careful not to embarrass others

Boundaries of the Commandment

The Torat Kohanim clarifies that this commandment applies specifically "אֶת־בְּנֵי עַמֶּךָ" (to the children of your people), meaning fellow Jews. However, Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 10:12) extends certain ethical obligations to all people under the Noahide laws.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yoma 23a
The verse is discussed in the context of forbidding revenge and bearing grudges, emphasizing the importance of loving one's neighbor.
📖 Nedarim 9b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the ethical obligations towards others, particularly the commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself.
📖 Sifra Kedoshim
The verse is cited in a midrashic interpretation, expanding on the commandment to love one's neighbor and its implications in daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'love your neighbor as yourself' mean in Leviticus 19:18?
A: The verse teaches that we must treat others with the same care, respect, and kindness that we would want for ourselves. Rashi explains that this is a fundamental principle in the Torah. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:3) expands on this, stating that we should speak well of others and care for their possessions and honor just as we would for our own.
Q: Why does the Torah say 'I am the Lord' at the end of Leviticus 19:18?
A: The phrase 'I am the Lord' reminds us that this commandment comes from Hashem and is not just a moral suggestion. The Sforno explains that since loving others and avoiding revenge can be difficult, we must remember that fulfilling these mitzvot is an act of devotion to G-d, who commands us to rise above personal grievances.
Q: How can I avoid holding a grudge when someone hurts me?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 23a) teaches that while it is natural to feel hurt, we must work on forgiving others and not letting anger control us. The Chofetz Chaim emphasizes that bearing a grudge harms our spiritual growth. Practically, we can work on this by focusing on positive actions, praying for the strength to forgive, and remembering that Hashem judges everyone fairly.
Q: Does 'love your neighbor' apply only to Jewish people?
A: While the verse specifies 'the children of your people,' the Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 10:12) teaches that we must also treat non-Jews with kindness and fairness. However, the deepest obligations of love and brotherhood apply especially within the Jewish community, as we share a covenantal bond through Torah and mitzvot.
Q: What is the difference between taking revenge and bearing a grudge?
A: Rashi explains that taking revenge means retaliating directly (e.g., refusing to help someone who once refused to help you), while bearing a grudge means silently holding onto resentment even if you don't act on it. Both are forbidden because they disrupt peace and contradict the Torah's command to love others sincerely.