Matthew 22:37 — New King James Version (NKJV) (2026-09-14)

Historical lead-up

In this part of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is engaged in a series of discussions with religious leaders who are trying to challenge His authority and teachings. The context is set during the final days of His earthly ministry, just before His crucifixion. The Pharisees and Sadducees, two prominent groups of Jewish leaders, are questioning Him about various aspects of the Law, hoping to trap Him in His words.

Why this verse was written

This verse was written to clarify the essence of the Law and the Prophets, emphasizing the importance of love in the life of a believer. Jesus addresses a Jewish audience familiar with the commandments and the teachings of the Torah. His purpose is to reveal that the greatest commandment is rooted in love for God, which is foundational to all other commandments.

True meaning

In this verse, Jesus instructs His followers to love the Lord their God with all their 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 disciples and the gathered crowd, emphasizing that true devotion to God involves every aspect of our lives. This commandment encapsulates the essence of our relationship with God, calling us to engage fully and passionately in our faith.

Living it today

This verse invites us to reflect on how we can love God more deeply in our daily lives. We can start by dedicating time each day for prayer and worship, allowing our hearts to connect with Him. In our relationships, we can demonstrate love for God by showing love to others, serving those in need, and being kind and compassionate. Obedience to God’s commands becomes a natural response when we truly love Him, guiding our decisions and actions in a way that honors Him.

What follows

Following this verse, Jesus continues to explain that the second greatest commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves. This connection highlights that our love for God should naturally overflow into our love for others, reinforcing the importance of community and relationships in our faith journey.