Matthew 22:38 meaning
When discussing the greatest commandment, Jesus highlights the importance of love as the essence of true obedience to God. The interaction occurs when a scribe, seeking to challenge Jesus, asks which commandment is the greatest among the many outlined in the Law. In His response, Jesus clarifies that this first commandment, commanding love for God with all one’s heart, soul, and mind, is not only primary but foundational to all other commandments. The significance of this declaration lies in its summary of the entire moral framework established in Scripture.
In Matthew 22:38, Jesus states that this commandment is "the first and great commandment," illustrating the profound requirement of total dedication and love toward God. This fundamental truth emphasizes that all actions stem from this love, not merely as a ritualistic observance but as an essential relationship with God. The follow-up to this commandment—loving one's neighbor as oneself—further reinforces that love is central to the believer's ethical living.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Matthew 22:37-38 meaning. Jesus answers the lawyer’s question about the great commandment. He tells Him it is this: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Matthew 22:37-38 meaning. Jesus answers the lawyer’s question about the great commandment. He tells Him it is this: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
- Matthew 22:29-33 meaning. Jesus answers the Sadducees loaded question about the resurrection by pointing out their error. He then proceeds to explain how people are not given in marriage in the resurrection, before demonstrating the resurrection from the books of Moses. The crowds are amazed at His answer.
- Matthew 27:36-38 meaning. The inscription over Jesus’s head cited the official crime for which he was crucified. It read “King of the Jews.” On either side of Jesus were two robbers who were crucified with Him. This was in fulfillment of Messianic prophecy.
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