Who said "do unto others"?

Jesus said it, recorded in Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31. While similar sayings appear in other traditions, this phrasing is his teaching from the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew he adds that it sums up the Law and the Prophets, giving it a weight beyond a general rule of courtesy.

Is the Golden Rule really in the Bible?

Yes. It is not a later invention or a secular proverb, though it is often quoted as if it belonged to everyone. Jesus states it directly, and Matthew records him calling it the summary of the Law and the Prophets, which places it at the center of biblical ethics.

What does "do unto others" actually mean?

It means to actively treat others the way you would want to be treated. Jesus frames it positively, as doing good, not merely avoiding harm. In context it is the practical shape of loving your neighbor, which Jesus elsewhere names as one of the two greatest commandments.

Does the Bible say it?

"Do unto others": is it in the Bible?

Yes. Known as the Golden Rule, it is genuinely Jesus' teaching, recorded in Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31: do to others as you would have them do to you. In Matthew, Jesus adds that this sums up the Law and the Prophets. The common paraphrase "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" is faithful to what he said.

VerdictActually in the Bible

What it actually is

This is the teaching of Jesus, given in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 7:12 and again in Luke 6:31. In Matthew, Jesus states it positively and then says this principle "is the law and the prophets," summing up God's moral will. The familiar wording "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" reflects the older King James phrasing.

People sometimes treat the Golden Rule as generic folk wisdom belonging to no one, or assume it means only "be nice." It is a specific saying of Jesus, framed positively as active good toward others, and he presents it as the heart of the Law rather than a mere tip for getting along.

What the Bible actually says

Here is the Golden Rule as Jesus stated it:

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”

Matthew 7:12

“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”

Luke 6:31

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A better question than the quote

Behind every “is this in the Bible?” is a gentler one: what does the Bible actually say, and who is the Jesus at the center of it? You do not have to take our word for it, ours least of all. Read his own words and see for yourself. It costs nothing but a little quiet and an honest look.

Meet Jesus His words and acts Read the Gospel of John

Jesus Christ is Lord.

Frequently asked questions

Who said "do unto others"?: Jesus said it, recorded in Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31. While similar sayings appear in other traditions, this phrasing is his teaching from the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew he adds that it sums up the Law and the Prophets, giving it a weight beyond a general rule of courtesy.
Is the Golden Rule really in the Bible?: Yes. It is not a later invention or a secular proverb, though it is often quoted as if it belonged to everyone. Jesus states it directly, and Matthew records him calling it the summary of the Law and the Prophets, which places it at the center of biblical ethics.
What does "do unto others" actually mean?: It means to actively treat others the way you would want to be treated. Jesus frames it positively, as doing good, not merely avoiding harm. In context it is the practical shape of loving your neighbor, which Jesus elsewhere names as one of the two greatest commandments.

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