Matthew 22:37 — King James Version (KJV) (2026-09-17)

Historical lead-up

In the Gospel of Matthew, we find Jesus in a series of interactions with religious leaders who are trying to challenge His authority and teachings. This particular moment occurs during a time when Jesus is teaching in the temple, shortly before His crucifixion. The Pharisees and Sadducees, two prominent groups of Jewish leaders, are questioning Him about various aspects of the law, seeking to trap Him in His words. This sets the stage for Jesus to clarify the essence of God’s commandments.

Why this verse was written

This verse was written to address the question posed by a lawyer who asked Jesus which commandment was the greatest in the law. The audience includes not only the immediate questioner but also the gathered crowd and future readers of the Gospel. Jesus, under divine inspiration, responds to highlight the foundational principle of loving God, which is central to the faith and practice of His followers.

True meaning

In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind. Each of these components represents a different aspect of our being: the heart signifies our emotions and desires, the soul reflects our spiritual essence, and the mind encompasses our thoughts and understanding. By stating this commandment, Jesus is calling for total devotion and commitment to God, indicating that our love for Him should permeate every part of our lives. This commandment is not just a suggestion; it is a directive for how we are to relate to 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. In our relationships, we can reflect this love by showing kindness, patience, and understanding to others. Additionally, we can engage in acts of service that honor God and demonstrate our love for Him. By intentionally focusing on loving God fully, we can cultivate a deeper relationship with Him and positively impact those around us.

What follows

Following this verse, Jesus states that the second commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves. This connection highlights that our love for God naturally extends to how we treat others. Furthermore, Jesus concludes by affirming that all the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments, underscoring their significance. This teaches us that our love for God and for others is the foundation of our faith and should guide our actions and decisions in every aspect of life.