Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

NEIGHBOR

The word usually translated “neighbor” in the OT (Heb. rēʿâ) is from the verb rʿh, “to associate with.” The word therefore describes a relationship, although the nature of this relationship varies with the context. A “neighbor” may simply be another person (Gen. 11:3), friend (or co-conspirator, 2 Sam. 13:3), an apparent rival (1 Sam. 28:17), lover (Jer. 3:1), or spouse (v. 20). Usually, the word does not describe one’s immediate family (however, cf. Jer. 9:4) but someone who lives or works nearby (Prov. 3:29).

In many instances the word acquires the specific meaning “fellow Israelite” or “member of the covenant” (Jer. 31:34). This is especially the case in texts where mutual responsibilities, both positive and negative, are described. Israelites are not to bear false witness (Exod. 20:16; Deut. 5:20; cf. Ps. 101:5) or covet their neighbor’s house, wife, slave, ox, donkey, or any other possession (Exod. 20:17; Deut. 5:21). They are not to defraud their neighbor, steal from their neighbor, or keep a laborer’s wages until morning (Lev. 19:13). In general, one is to do no evil to a neighbor (Ps. 15:3).

In fact, Israelites are to do certain things for their neighbors. They are to judge their neighbors justly (Lev. 19:15) and love their neighbors as themselves (v. 18). It should be noted that the responsibilities listed in Lev. 19 are extended to include the resident alien in Israel as well (vv. 33-34).

In the NT the love for one’s neighbor is an important concept; the majority of appearances of the word “neighbor” in the NT (Gk. plēsíon) are quotations of Lev. 19:18. Jesus quotes this verse as the commandment second only to “Love the Lord your God” (Mark 10:17-31; Matt. 19:16-30). In Luke this is amplified by the question, “And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29). The story of the good Samaritan follows, in which Jesus shows that being a neighbor by showing mercy is more important than determining just who is a neighbor. Jesus also shows that we are to love more than only our neighbors (Matt. 5:43-44).

Other uses of “neighbor” in the NT reveal that the earlier denotation of close association is still at work. Although Jesus seems to apply the word “neighbor” to any and all, other NT passages suggest that “neighbor” is restricted, or perhaps applies primarily, to fellow Christians (Rom. 15:2; Eph. 4:25; Jas. 2:8).

Michael B. Compton

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

NEIGHBOR

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)