Matthew 22:37 — New International Version (NIV) (2026-09-17)

Historical lead-up

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is in the midst of His ministry, teaching and performing miracles. He faces increasing opposition from religious leaders who challenge His authority and teachings. This particular moment occurs during a series of confrontations with these leaders, where they attempt to trap Him with difficult questions. The atmosphere is tense, as they seek to undermine His influence among the people.

Why this verse was written

This verse was written in response to a question posed by a Pharisee, who asked Jesus which commandment in the Law is the greatest. The audience includes both the religious leaders and the people who are listening to Jesus. The purpose of this teaching is to clarify the essence of the Law and to guide His followers in their relationship with God.

True meaning

In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the importance of loving God with all one’s heart, soul, and mind. This command highlights the totality of our devotion to God—it’s not just about outward actions but an inward commitment that encompasses our entire being. Jesus is speaking to the crowd, affirming that true faith involves a deep, personal love for God that influences every aspect of our lives.

Living it today

This verse invites us to reflect on our own love for God. We can ask ourselves: Are we loving God with our whole heart, soul, and mind? Practically, this means prioritizing our relationship with God through prayer, worship, and studying His Word. It encourages us to cultivate a lifestyle that expresses our love for Him in our daily actions and interactions with others. Additionally, it challenges us to consider how our love for God can transform our relationships and guide our decisions.

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 extends to how we treat others, reinforcing the idea that genuine faith is expressed through love in action.