Matthew 22:37 — Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV) (2026-09-18)

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 He has entered Jerusalem, where tensions are high, and the religious leaders are looking for ways to discredit Him. They ask Him questions about the law, hoping to trap Him in His words.

Why this verse was written

This verse is part of a larger conversation where Jesus is responding to a question about the greatest commandment in the law. His audience includes the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders who were well-versed in the Scriptures. By articulating this commandment, Jesus aims to clarify the essence of the law and highlight the importance of love in our relationship with God and others.

True meaning

In this verse, Jesus emphasizes that loving God is not just a feeling but involves our entire being—heart, soul, and mind. The heart represents our emotions and desires, the soul signifies our spiritual essence, and the mind refers to our thoughts and understanding. By calling for love in these three dimensions, Jesus is teaching that our devotion to God should be holistic and all-encompassing. He is speaking to those who seek to follow God, urging them to prioritize their love for Him above all else.

Living it today

This verse invites us to reflect on how we express our love for God in our daily lives. We can start by dedicating time each day for prayer and worship, allowing our hearts to connect with Him. Engaging our minds through Scripture study can deepen our understanding of His character and will. Additionally, loving God with our soul encourages us to seek spiritual growth and to be aware of His presence in our lives. As we cultivate this love, it naturally extends to how we treat others, reminding us that our relationship with God influences our relationships with those around us.

What follows

Following this verse, Jesus states that the second commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves. This connection shows that our love for God should overflow into our love for others. He concludes by emphasizing that all the law and the prophets hinge on these two commandments. This teaches us that love is the foundation of our faith and practice, guiding how we interact with both God and our fellow human beings.