Matthew 5:43

Ye have heard. See v. 21.

It hath been said. See v. 21.

Love. Greek agapan, a word with richer meaning than English “love.” English “love” covers many meanings, obscuring agape’s true sense. Greeks had three words: agapan, philein, and eran.

Philein describes affectionate, sentimental love based on feelings, subject to change. Eran denotes passionate, sensual love, physical infatuation; not used in NT. Agapan, contrasted with philein, describes love based on respect and esteem, where principle controls feelings. Philein tends to love those who love us; agapan extends love even to those who do not love us. Agapan is selfless; eran is selfish; philein may be selfish.

Agape is almost exclusive to the Bible, representing the highest love—self-sacrificing love (John 15:13). It implies reverence for God and respect for fellow men, modifying character, governing impulses, controlling passions, ennobling affections (Luke 6:30).

Thy neighbour. Jews defined neighbor as fellow Israelite by birth or conversion, excluding Samaritans. Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37) expanded this to all men. Christian love seeks all men’s good, regardless of race or creed. “Neighbor” literally means “near-dweller.”

Hate thine enemy. Not part of Lev. 19:18 quotation but a popular maxim. Hatred arises from pride. Jews, as sons of Abraham (John 8:33), considered themselves superior and despised Gentiles (Luke 18:11). Jesus says, “Love your enemies” (Matt. 5:44), explaining why—because God loves them (vs. 45-48) and we are His children (Matt. 5:45; 1 John 3:1,2).