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N17
Despising Our Neighbor

N17

We are not to despise our neighbor.

Category: Neighbours & Brothers

Type: Negative

Form: Implied

Source dataset: Old Testament

Uniqueness: Not unique

Classical commandment: No

New Covenant Literal Application

Applies to Person Categories: Not specified

Literal Application: Not specified

More explanation about the icons and New Covenant Literal Application

The New Covenant Literal Application Code (NCLA) is an interpretive guide used by the authors to indicate which person categories a mitzvah applies to, and at what level of literal compliance.

Each card above groups one application level such as mandated or optional. The three people icons show whether that application is meant for Jewish, K'rov Yisrael, or Gentile believers, and the male or female symbols show whether it applies to men, women, or both.

Jewish
Jewish
Used for instruction directed to Jewish believers.
K'rov Yisrael
K'rov Yisrael
Used for non-Jewish believers living closely with Israel and Torah practice.
Gentile
Gentile
Used for instruction presented as applying to Gentile believers more broadly.
Male and female symbols
These show whether the instruction is directed to men, women, or both.

This code reflects the authors' interpretive opinion and is provided for prayerful consideration. The icon view is only a visual summary; the detailed codes and source explanation remain available below for careful study.

Read the full explanation from the source

Bible references

Key NT Scriptures
  • Romans 14:3
  • 1 Timothy 4:12
Key OT Scriptures
  • Proverbs 11:12
  • Proverbs 14:21
Supportive NT Scriptures
  • Matthew 5:22
Supportive OT Scriptures
  • Proverbs 6:30

Bible verses copyright: PUBLIC DOMAIN except in the United Kingdom, where a Crown Copyright applies to printing the KJV. See http://www.cambridge.org/about-us/who-we-are/queens-printers-patent

Commentary

Rabbi Michael Rudolph

The natural un-regenerated man elevates himself and therefore despises his neighbors who are not like he is. We sometimes justify despising a person because he is our enemy or because of his sin. Scripture, on the other hand, calls us to despise a person's sin while having love and compassion for the person himself: Jude 1:21-23 : Thus keep yourselves in God's love, as you wait for our Lord Yeshua the Messiah to give you the mercy that leads to eternal life. Rebuke some who are disputing; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and to yet others, show mercy, but with fear, hating even the clothes stained by their vices.

Classical commentators

This Mitzvah is not addressed by any of the classical commentators.


Copyright © Michael Rudolph and Daniel C. Juster, The Law of Messiah, Torah from a New Covenant Perspective, Volume 1 & 2

Related Law of Messiah commandments

Source and License

Based on The Law of Messiah - Torah from a New Covenant Perspective by Michael Rudolph and Daniel C. Juster.

Volume 1 & 2 | Volume 3

License: CC BY-ND 4.0 (Attribution required, NoDerivatives). CC BY-ND 4.0

Disclaimer: the original content is authored by Rabbi Michael Rudolph and Rabbi Daniel Juster; additional notes or implementation details on this website are not part of their original work and do not represent their views.

Record source: The Law of Messiah - Torah from a New Covenant Perspective - Volume 1 & 2

Copyright note: Copyright © Michael Rudolph and Daniel C. Juster, The Law of Messiah, Torah from a New Covenant Perspective, Volume 1 & 2

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