Where is the Golden Rule in the Bible?

In this article, we’ll explore the biblical origins of the Golden Rule, its context within Jesus’ teachings, its connections throughout the Old and New Testaments, and its enduring impact on faith and daily life.

The Golden Rule in the Words of Jesus

The clearest and most widely cited expression of the Golden Rule in the Bible is found in the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 7:12 (NIV), Jesus says:

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."

This directive appears again in a parallel passage in Luke 6:31 (NIV):

"Do to others as you would have them do to you."

These verses are the heart of what is commonly called the Golden Rule. Jesus presents this teaching as a summary of the entire ethical thrust of the Hebrew Scriptures—the Law and the Prophets. Rather than offering a lengthy list of commandments, Jesus distills the essence of godly living into a single, memorable principle: treat others as you wish to be treated.

The Context of the Golden Rule in the Sermon on the Mount

To fully appreciate the Golden Rule, it is important to understand its context in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5–7). This sermon is a foundational text for Christian ethics, in which Jesus reinterprets and deepens the moral teachings of the Old Testament. He calls his followers to a higher standard of righteousness—not merely outward conformity to rules, but an inward transformation of heart and attitude.

In the verses leading up to Matthew 7:12, Jesus addresses topics such as judging others, persistence in prayer, and the generosity of God. The Golden Rule serves as a capstone to this section, encapsulating the spirit of all that has come before. By stating “for this sums up the Law and the Prophets,” Jesus is echoing his earlier teaching that love for God and neighbor are the two greatest commandments (Matthew 22:37–40).

The Golden Rule in the Old Testament

While the precise wording of the Golden Rule appears in the New Testament, its roots can be traced back to the ethical teachings of the Old Testament. In Leviticus 19:18 (NIV), God instructs the Israelites:

"Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord."

This command to “love your neighbor as yourself” is strikingly similar in spirit to the Golden Rule. It emphasizes empathy, compassion, and the rejection of retaliation. When Jesus quotes this passage in the Gospels, he affirms that it, alongside the command to love God, forms the foundation of all biblical law (see Matthew 22:39–40).

Other passages in the Old Testament echo this ethic of reciprocity and regard for others’ well-being. For instance, Proverbs 24:29 warns:

"Do not say, 'I’ll do to them as they have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did.'"

Here, the call is not merely to refrain from harm, but to overcome the human tendency for revenge with kindness and fairness—a sentiment at the heart of the Golden Rule.

The Golden Rule in the Teachings of Jesus

Jesus’ articulation of the Golden Rule was revolutionary in its time. In a world often governed by the principle of reciprocity—"an eye for an eye"—Jesus called his followers to proactively seek the good of others, regardless of how they themselves are treated. The Golden Rule is not simply a prohibition against harm, but a call to active benevolence.

This teaching aligns with Jesus’ broader message of radical love, mercy, and forgiveness. In the same sermon, Jesus commands his listeners to love their enemies, pray for those who persecute them, and go the extra mile for those in need (Matthew 5:38–48). The Golden Rule is the positive expression of these commands: it is not enough to avoid doing wrong; one must intentionally do good.

The Golden Rule in Other Biblical Passages

Although the phrase "do to others as you would have them do to you" is most directly found in Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31, the spirit of the Golden Rule permeates the New Testament.

In Romans 13:8–10 (NIV), the apostle Paul writes:

"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments…are summed up in this one command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."

Similarly, James 2:8 (NIV) refers to the command as the “royal law found in Scripture”:

"If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, 'Love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing right."

These passages reaffirm that the Golden Rule is not an isolated teaching, but a central, recurring principle in Christian ethics.

The Golden Rule and the Two Greatest Commandments

Jesus often summarized the entire law in two commandments: love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself (see Mark 12:28–31). The Golden Rule is an expression of that second commandment. To treat others as you want to be treated is to love them as yourself.

In Matthew 22:37–40 (NIV), Jesus clarifies:

"Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

The Golden Rule is, therefore, not merely a piece of practical advice but the very heart of God’s will for human relationships.

The Golden Rule in Christian Practice

The Golden Rule challenges believers to rise above selfishness, prejudice, and indifference. It calls for a radical empathy and an imaginative identification with others: "How would I want to be treated if I were in their shoes?" This question underlies acts of kindness, justice, forgiveness, and generosity.

Throughout Christian history, the Golden Rule has been a touchstone for ethical reflection and social action. It has inspired movements for civil rights, social justice, and humanitarian aid. The principle is simple enough for a child to understand, yet deep enough to challenge the most mature believer.

The Golden Rule in Other Religions and Cultures

While this article focuses on the Bible, it is worth noting that variations of the Golden Rule appear in many other religious and philosophical traditions. For example, Confucius taught, "Do not impose on others what you do not wish for yourself." In Judaism, Rabbi Hillel said, "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. That is the whole Torah."

The universality of the Golden Rule underscores its importance as a guide for human conduct, but in the Christian context, it gains a unique depth and significance as an expression of God’s love and the example of Jesus Christ.

Challenges and Implications of Living the Golden Rule

While the Golden Rule is easy to recite, it is often difficult to practice. Human beings naturally tend toward self-interest, and the call to treat others with the same consideration we desire for ourselves can be demanding. It requires self-awareness, humility, and a willingness to put others’ needs on par with our own.

Furthermore, the Golden Rule does not prescribe a one-size-fits-all approach. It invites us to consider the perspectives and desires of others, not merely our own preferences. Practicing the Golden Rule means listening, understanding, and adapting our actions out of respect for others’ dignity and worth.

The Golden Rule as a Summary of Christian Ethics

In Matthew 7:12, Jesus says that the Golden Rule "sums up the Law and the Prophets." This means that all the ethical teachings of the Old Testament—laws about honesty, justice, mercy, and community—are distilled into this single principle. The apostle Paul similarly claims that "love is the fulfillment of the law" (Romans 13:10).

Conclusion: The Golden Rule as a Call to Love

The Golden Rule, found most explicitly in Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31, is a cornerstone of biblical morality and Christian living. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus and echoed throughout the Scriptures, it calls believers to a life of empathy, kindness, and active love. To live by the Golden Rule is to embody the love of Christ, to build bridges of understanding, and to reflect the heart of God to a world in need. In a time when division and self-interest often dominate, the Golden Rule remains a timeless and transformative guide for all who seek to follow Jesus and walk in the way of love.