Matthew 22:37 — New International Version (NIV) (2026-09-16)

Historical lead-up

In the Gospel of Matthew, we find Jesus in a time of intense questioning and challenge from the religious leaders of His day. They were trying to trap Him with difficult questions about the law and His teachings. This particular moment occurs after Jesus has already shared parables that illustrate the nature of God’s kingdom and the response it requires from people. The atmosphere is charged with tension as the Pharisees and Sadducees seek to undermine His authority.

Why this verse was written

This verse was written to clarify the essence of the law and the heart of true worship. Jesus is responding to a question about the greatest commandment, aiming to guide His listeners back to the core of their faith. The audience includes both His disciples and the religious leaders, and His purpose is to reveal the importance of love in the relationship between God and humanity.

True meaning

In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the command to love God with all one’s heart, soul, and mind. Each of these terms highlights different aspects of our being: the heart represents our emotions and desires, the soul signifies our very life and essence, and the mind points to our thoughts and understanding. By stating this command, Jesus is affirming that our love for God should encompass our entire being, not just a part of it. This teaching underscores that true devotion to God is holistic and requires our full engagement.

Living it today

To live out this verse today, we can start by reflecting on our priorities and how we express our love for God in our daily lives. This might involve setting aside time for prayer and worship, engaging with Scripture, and seeking to align our thoughts and actions with God’s will. In relationships, we can show love to others as an extension of our love for God, treating them with kindness and respect. Practicing gratitude and being mindful of God’s presence in our lives can also deepen our love for Him, encouraging us to live obediently and joyfully.

What follows

Following this verse, Jesus goes on to explain that the second greatest commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves. This connection emphasizes that our love for God naturally leads to love for others, creating a beautiful cycle of grace and compassion in our lives.