Matthew 22:37 — New International Version (NIV) (2026-09-19)

Historical lead-up

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is in the midst of His ministry, teaching and performing miracles throughout Galilee and Judea. He faces increasing opposition from religious leaders who challenge His authority and teachings. This particular moment occurs during a series of confrontations with the Pharisees and Sadducees, who are trying to trap Him with difficult questions about the law and the greatest commandments.

Why this verse was written

This verse was written to clarify the essence of the law and the heart of true devotion to God. Jesus addresses a question posed by a teacher of the law, seeking to understand which commandment is the most important. The audience includes both His disciples and the religious leaders, and the purpose is to reveal the foundational principle that should guide all of life and faith.

True meaning

In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind. Each of these aspects represents a different dimension of our being: the heart reflects our emotions and desires, the soul signifies our spiritual essence, and the mind encompasses our thoughts and understanding. By stating this, Jesus is teaching that our love for God should be total and all-encompassing, not just a part of our lives but the very center of our existence.

Living it today

This verse invites us to examine how we love God in our daily lives. We can ask ourselves: Are we prioritizing our relationship with God above all else? In our relationships, we can reflect this love by showing kindness, patience, and understanding to others, as these are expressions of our love for God. In prayer, we can seek to connect with God on a deeper level, inviting Him into every aspect of our lives. Obedience to His commands becomes a natural response to our love for Him, guiding our choices and actions.

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 is intrinsically linked to how we treat others, reinforcing the idea that true devotion to God manifests in our relationships with those around us.