Matthew 22:37 — New King James Version (NKJV) (2026-09-18)

Historical lead-up

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is in the midst of His ministry, teaching and performing miracles. He is engaging with various groups, including religious leaders who are trying to challenge Him with difficult questions. This particular moment occurs during a time when the Pharisees and Sadducees are testing Him, seeking to trap Him in His words. The atmosphere is charged with tension as they attempt to undermine His authority and teachings.

Why this verse was written

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

True meaning

In this verse, Jesus emphasizes that the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind. The key words here—heart, soul, and mind—represent the totality of a person’s being. Jesus is speaking directly to His audience, urging them to prioritize their love for God above all else. This commandment encapsulates the essence of the faith, calling for a deep, personal, and holistic devotion to God.

Living it today

This verse invites us to reflect on our own lives and how we express our love for God. We can incorporate this commandment into our daily routines by setting aside time for prayer, worship, and reading Scripture. In our relationships, we can demonstrate this love by treating others with kindness and respect, recognizing that loving God also means loving those He created. Obedience to this commandment can transform our hearts and guide our actions, leading us to live out our faith authentically.

What follows

Following this verse, Jesus continues to teach about the second greatest commandment, which is to love our neighbors as ourselves. This connection reinforces the idea that our love for God naturally extends to how we treat others, highlighting the interconnectedness of these commandments.