Matthew 22:37 — Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV) (2026-09-14)

Historical lead-up

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is engaged in a series of discussions with religious leaders who are trying to challenge His authority and teachings. This particular moment occurs after Jesus has been teaching about the Kingdom of God and responding to questions about the law. The Pharisees, a group of religious leaders, are testing Him with questions about the greatest commandment in the law, seeking to trap Him in His words.

Why this verse was written

This verse was written to clarify the essence of God’s commandments. Jesus, addressing the Pharisees and the gathered crowd, emphasizes the importance of love in our relationship with God. His words serve to remind His audience—and us today—of the foundational principle that should guide our lives as followers of God. This teaching was meant to redirect focus from mere rule-following to a heartfelt devotion to God.

True meaning

In this verse, Jesus instructs us to love God with our entire being—heart, soul, and mind. The heart represents our emotions and desires, the soul signifies our very essence and life force, and the mind encompasses our thoughts and understanding. By using these three aspects, Jesus emphasizes that our love for God should be total and all-encompassing. He is speaking to all who would listen, urging them to prioritize their relationship with God above all else.

Living it today

To live out this verse today, we can start by examining our priorities and ensuring that our love for God is at the center of our lives. This can be expressed through daily prayer, worship, and studying Scripture. Additionally, we can reflect on how we express our love for God in our actions, decisions, and interactions with others. Building a relationship with God involves not just feelings but also our thoughts and actions, encouraging us to seek Him in every aspect of our lives.

What follows

The verses that follow highlight that loving God is the first and greatest commandment, and Jesus introduces a second commandment: to love our neighbor as ourselves. This connection shows that our love for God naturally extends to how we treat others. It reminds us that our faith is not just a personal journey but also a communal one, where our love for God is reflected in our love for those around us. Together, these commandments encapsulate the essence of the law and the prophets, guiding us in our daily interactions and relationships.