8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.

Other Translations of Romans 13:8

King James Version

8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

English Standard Version

8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

The Message

8 Don't run up debts, except for the huge debt of love you owe each other. When you love others, you complete what the law has been after all along.

New King James Version

8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.

New Living Translation

8 Owe nothing to anyone-except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God's law.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Romans 13:8

Commentary on Romans 13:8-10

(Read Romans 13:8-10)

Christians must avoid useless expense, and be careful not to contract any debts they have not the power to discharge. They are also to stand aloof from all venturesome speculations and rash engagements, and whatever may expose them to the danger of not rendering to all their due. Do not keep in any one's debt. Give every one his own. Do not spend that on yourselves, which you owe to others. But many who are very sensible of the trouble, think little of the sin, of being in debt. Love to others includes all the duties of the second table. The last five of the ten commandments are all summed up in this royal law, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself; with the same sincerity that thou lovest thyself, though not in the same measure and degree. He that loves his neighbour as himself, will desire the welfare of his neighbour. On this is built that golden rule, of doing as we would be done by. Love is a living, active principle of obedience to the whole law. Let us not only avoid injuries to the persons, connexions, property, and characters of men; but do no kind or degree of evil to any man, and study to be useful in every station of life.