Love thy neighbor is referring to other Israelites
Yes — according to Hebrew Israelite understanding and context, the command to “love thy neighbor” primarily refers to fellow Israelites, not all nations or people universally.
Here’s how that interpretation is supported scripturally:
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1. Original Command in the Law – Leviticus 19:17–18
“Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart… Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.”
— Leviticus 19:17–18
• The verse directly connects “neighbor” with “thy brother” and “the children of thy people” — clearly identifying them as fellow Israelites.
• In Torah, “neighbor” is not a vague term — it’s tied to covenant relationship, shared ancestry, and lawful community.
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2. Christ Quoting the Law – Matthew 22:39
“And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
Yahshua (Jesus) quotes the law from Leviticus. The audience He spoke to were Israelites, and He emphasized the Torah commandments.
• He never redefined “neighbor” beyond the covenant.
• The context is internal — within the nation of Israel.
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3. Supporting Clarity – Romans 13:8–10
“He that loveth another hath fulfilled the law… Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”
Paul is writing to the Israelite converts in Rome (Romans 1:7, Romans 9:4). “Neighbor” here, again, is in the context of those within the law — Israelites who are expected to fulfill it.
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4. The Good Samaritan?
Many use the parable of the Good Samaritan to universalize the term “neighbor.” But context matters:
• Samaritans were descendants of the Northern Kingdom of Israel mixed with Gentiles, and still followed aspects of Torah (see 2 Kings 17).
• The parable emphasized that even among Israelites, there was tribal division and hatred, yet love was still required.
• It was not a call to include all Gentile nations, but to restore brotherhood even among estranged Israelites.
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5. Hebrew Definition of “Neighbor” (רֵעַ – re’a)
The Hebrew word “re’a” (neighbor) in Torah is often used to mean:
• Companion, friend, or fellow countryman
• Someone within your own people group or covenant circle
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Summary
“Love thy neighbor as thyself” — in the original Hebrew biblical context — is a command directed at Israelites loving fellow Israelites, not a general call to all mankind.
• It’s about unity, justice, and compassion among the covenant people.
• While kindness toward strangers or sojourners was also commanded (Exodus 22:21, Leviticus 19:34), the special love of the law was directed first and foremost toward the nation of Israel.
Neighbor = Brother = Fellow Israelite
That’s the scriptural foundation.