Meaning of NEIGHBOR

(Heb. "rea", "friend", "companion", "neighbor", Ex. 2:13; 21:14, etc.;
«'amith», «neighbor», «equal», «companion», Lv. 6:2; 18:20; 19:15, etc.;

"karob", "near", Ps. 15:3;
gr. "hoplêsion", "one near", Mt. 5:43; 19:19; Lk. 10:27, 29, 36, etc.).

In Lv. 19:18 "neighbor" is defined as "the children of your people." The Law of the OT, as well as the conception of the Jews, obligated a series of duties towards those who were close to them, not physically, but by virtue of common descent within the chosen people, obligations that were not binding towards those who were outside the alliance.

For example, an Israelite could not demand interest from another for a loan (cf. Deut. 23:19, 20). False testimony against one's neighbor was also prohibited (Ex. 20:16; Deut. 5:20; Prov. 25:18).

It was also forbidden to covet anything he possessed (Ex. 20:17); steal or slander him (Lev. 6:2), oppress him (Lev. 19:13), attempt on his life (Lev. 19:16), commit adultery with his wife (Lev. 20:10), defraud him in any way ( Lev. 25:14, 15) or deceive him in any way (Lev. 25:17).

All these precepts were expressed in a positive way in which he commanded “you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19:18).
In the NT the Lord Jesus Christ expanded the concept of neighbor. To the question of an interpreter of the Law: "And who is my neighbor?", the Lord responded with the parable of the Good Samaritan.

In it the Lord shows how his disciples should seek to do good to all those to whom he can help (Lk. 10: 25-37).

The apostle Paul succinctly expresses this principle for Christians: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10).

In this way the circle of the “neighbor” is expanded. For the Christian there are two concentric circles. He must not overlook the opportunity to give his help to everyone to whom he can give it.

It is true, however, that he must concentrate his energies on mutual aid to the members of God's family (Heb. 13:16).