Matthew 5:43 to Leviticus 19:18

NT Text: Matthew 5:43

OT Source(s):

• Leviticus 19:18 (love your neighbor)
• "Hate your enemy" - not in OT but reflects sectarian interpretation (cf. Qumran's hatred of "sons of darkness")

Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Reference Type: Direct Quotation

Connection Method(s): Contrast

Anchor Text: Lev 19:18 — Love Your Neighbor

Significance: Jesus refutes restrictive interpretation of "neighbor" that limited obligation to fellow Jews or righteous ones. The OT never commands hating enemies; this was an intertestamental/sectarian addition found in texts like the Qumran Rule of the Community. Jesus extends the love command universally, fulfilling Torah's true intent by removing human restrictions and revealing God's character of indiscriminate love.

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