Lähimmäiset

Lähimmäiset is a Finnish term that means neighbors or fellow human beings. It is the plural form of lähimmäinen, a noun used in religious and ethical language to refer to those who are morally or communally close to a person—often translated as “the neighbor” or “fellow man.” The word stems from the same root as lähin, meaning near or close.

In Christian ethics, the concept expresses the obligation to show love and care for others. In Finnish Bible translations, phrases such as rakasta lähimmäistäsi (love your neighbor) appear prominently, and the idea of the lähimmäinen is used to frame duties toward all people, not only those physically nearby. Because of this, lähimmäiset frequently carries moral and relational connotations beyond mere geographic proximity.

In contemporary discourse, the term is common in church settings, diaconal and welfare work, education, and public discussions about social responsibility. It can signal a stance of hospitality, care for the vulnerable, and solidarity within a community. While it can refer to the wider human family in a moral sense, it remains distinct from everyday terms for physical neighbors, such as naapurit, which emphasize proximity.

Overall, lähimmäiset functions as a culturally and theologically meaningful concept in Finland, linking religious ethics to everyday behavior and social action. It underscores the idea that kindness and responsibility extend to all people regarded as part of one’s moral circle. See also: lähimmäinen, rakasta lähimmäistäsi, social ethics.