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.
What does Matthew 7:12 mean?
Christ came to teach us, not only what we are to know and believe, but what we are to do; not only toward God, but toward men; not only toward those of our party and persuasion, but toward men in general, all with whom we have to do.
Key themes
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Keep this verse inside Matthew 7:11-12 and alongside a few nearby related passages.
Commentary on Matthew 7:12
All things whatsoever ... - This command has been usually called the "Saviour's golden rule," a name given to it on account of its great value. All that you "expect" or "desire" of others in similar circumstances, do to them. Act not from selfishness or injustice, but put yourself in the place of the other, and ask what you would expect of him. This would make you impartial, candid, and just. It would destroy avarice, envy, treachery, unkindness, slander, theft, adultery, and murder. It has been well said that this law is what the balance-wheel is to machinery. It would prevent all irregularity of movement in the moral world, as that does in a steam-engine.
Key words
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Context in Matthew 7
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Matthew 7 belongs to the early movement of the book, especially the section often described as birth and preparation. Matthew presents Jesus as Davidic Messiah, new Moses, teacher of the kingdom, suffering Son of Man, and risen Lord who commissions the nations. Read this chapter with the wider themes of fulfillment, kingdom of heaven, and discipleship in view so the individual verses keep their proper weight.
Related topics
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Passages on trusting God, receiving Christ, persevering without sight, and the relation between faith and lived obedience.
Who quoted Matthew 7:12?
Find out who used Matthew 7:12 in their speeches and writings. Which famous people quoted Matthew 7:12?
Harry S Truman used Matthew 7:12 in Address at the Cornerstone Laying of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church..
APP: Address at the Cornerstone Laying of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church. »
Joseph R. Biden, Jr. used Matthew 7:12 in Remarks at an Eid al-Fitr Reception.
Quotes found on Wikiquote (match for «do unto others»):
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