In the context of the Bible, the concept of "neighbouring" is deeply rooted in the principles of community, love, and moral responsibility. The term "neighbour" is frequently used in Scripture to denote not only those who live in close physical proximity but also those with whom one interacts in daily life, encompassing a broader sense of community and fellowship.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament lays the foundation for understanding the concept of neighbouring through the Mosaic Law, which emphasizes justice, kindness, and fairness in dealings with others. Leviticus 19:18 commands, "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD." This verse highlights the importance of love and forgiveness as central to the relationship with one's neighbour.

The Decalogue, or Ten Commandments, also addresses the treatment of neighbours. Exodus 20:16-17 warns against bearing false witness and coveting, underscoring the importance of honesty and contentment in maintaining harmonious relationships. These commandments serve as a moral compass for interactions within the community.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament expands on the Old Testament teachings, with Jesus Christ providing a profound interpretation of what it means to be a neighbour. In the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus illustrates that neighbouring transcends ethnic and social boundaries. When asked, "And who is my neighbor?" (Luke 10:29), Jesus responds with a account that emphasizes mercy and compassion, concluding with the directive to "Go and do likewise" (Luke 10:37).

Jesus' teaching in Matthew 22:37-39 further reinforces this concept: "Jesus declared, ‘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.’" Here, loving one's neighbour is elevated to a commandment akin to loving God, indicating its critical importance in Christian ethics.

Apostolic Writings

The apostolic writings continue to emphasize the importance of neighbouring. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 13:9-10, reiterates the command to love one's neighbour, stating, "The commandments... are summed up in this one decree: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no wrong to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." This passage underscores love as the essence of the law and the guiding principle for Christian conduct.

James, the brother of Jesus, also addresses the concept of neighbouring in his epistle. James 2:8 refers to the "royal law found in Scripture: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’" highlighting its preeminence in the life of a believer.

Practical Implications

The biblical concept of neighbouring calls for active engagement in acts of kindness, justice, and mercy. It challenges believers to extend love beyond cultural, social, and religious boundaries, embodying the love of Christ in tangible ways. This principle is not merely theoretical but demands practical application in everyday life, encouraging believers to be agents of reconciliation and peace within their communities.

In summary, the biblical teaching on neighbouring is a call to embody the love and compassion of God in all interactions, reflecting the character of Christ and fulfilling the law through love.

How the Amalekites and the Neighbouring Nations, Made War with the ...
... CHAPTER 2. How The Amalekites And The Neighbouring Nations, Made War With The
Hebrews And Were Beaten And Lost A Great Part Of Their Army. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 2 how the amalekites.htm

Ancient Syriac Documents Relating to the Earliest Establishment of ...
... BP Pratten, BA] Ancient Syriac Documents Relating to the Earliest Establishment
of Christianity in Edessa and the Neighbouring Countries. ...
/.../unknown/the decretals/ancient syriac documents relating to.htm

Bishop Hosius Said: if it Happen that in a Province in which There ...
... complied with. The bishops from the neighbouring provinces also should be invited
to the ordination of the bishop of the metropolis. It ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon vi bishop hosius said .htm

If a Bishop Shall be Tried on any Accusations...
... others guilty; for the settlement of all disputes, the holy Synod decrees that the
metropolitan call on some others belonging to the neighbouring province, who ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xiv if a bishop.htm

Bishop Gaudentius Said: if it Seems Good to You...
... add to this decision full of sincere charity which thou hast pronounced, that [390]
if any bishop be deposed by the sentence of these neighbouring bishops, and ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon iv bishop gaudentius said .htm

I an African Free-Town Subject to Rome
... The neighbouring free-towns, Thubursicum, Thagura, were small. ... The neighbouring
forests could furnish building materials to the whole country. ...
/.../bertrand/saint augustin/i an african free-town subject.htm

The Bishop of Hippo
... SAINT AUGUSTIN I THE BISHOP OF HIPPO. In his monastery, Augustin was still spied
upon by the neighbouring Churches, who wanted him for their bishop. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/i the bishop of hippo.htm

The Return to Capernaum - Healing of the Centurion's Servant.
... In all probability its prosperity was chiefly due to the neighbouring Tiberias,
which Herod Antipas [2583] had built, about ten years previously. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xix the return to.htm

Jesu, Mein Erbarmer, Hore
... He could obtain no help from outside; but at last one day, when he was on a journey
to a neighbouring city, he received such an internal manifestation of the ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/jesu mein erbarmer hore.htm

Letter Lxvi. Leo's Reply to Letter Lxv.
... desires. II. The bishop of Vienne is to retain jurisdiction over four
neighbouring cities: the rest to belong to Arles. For after ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter lxvi leos reply to.htm

Neighbouring (11 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Neighbouring (11 Occurrences). Matthew 11:1 When
Jesus had concluded His instructions to His twelve disciples ...
/n/neighbouring.htm - 9k

Towns (450 Occurrences)
... Matthew 11:1 When Jesus had concluded His instructions to His twelve disciples,
He left in order to teach and to proclaim His Message in the neighbouring towns ...
/t/towns.htm - 36k

Message (222 Occurrences)
... Matthew 11:1 When Jesus had concluded His instructions to His twelve disciples,
He left in order to teach and to proclaim His Message in the neighbouring towns ...
/m/message.htm - 34k

Proclaim (172 Occurrences)
... Matthew 11:1 When Jesus had concluded His instructions to His twelve disciples,
He left in order to teach and to proclaim His Message in the neighbouring towns ...
/p/proclaim.htm - 36k

Reside (17 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah 49:18 As at the downfall of Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighbouring towns,
says the Lord, no man will be living in it, no son of man will have a ...
/r/reside.htm - 12k

Neighbourhood (9 Occurrences)

/n/neighbourhood.htm - 9k

Neighbours (34 Occurrences)

/n/neighbours.htm - 16k

Kanah (3 Occurrences)
... And in the side of a neighbouring ravine are figures of men, women, and children
cut in the face of the rock. These are supposed to be of Phoenician origin. ...
/k/kanah.htm - 9k

Neighboring (11 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 1:7 turn ye and journey for you, and enter the mount of the Amorite,
and unto all its neighbouring places, in the plain, in the hill-country, and ...
/n/neighboring.htm - 10k

Neighbors (40 Occurrences)
... Deuteronomy 1:7 turn ye and journey for you, and enter the mount of the Amorite,
and unto all its neighbouring places, in the plain, in the hill-country, and ...
/n/neighbors.htm - 18k

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