Skip to main content
    Love & Commandments

    Matthew 22:37-39 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
    — Matthew 22:37-39 (KJV)
    Read Chapter

    Introduction

    Jesus condensed the entire Old Testament into two commands: love God completely and love people sacrificially. Everything hangs on these two.

    Historical Context

    A Pharisee asked which of the 613 commandments was greatest. Jesus bypassed the debate by going to the foundation: love.

    Original Language Insights

    'Love' (agapeseis) — self-giving, commitment-based love.

    'Heart' (kardia) — center of will and commitment.

    'Soul' (psyche) — your very life.

    'Mind' (dianoia) — intellect. Loving God engages the mind fully.

    'As thyself' (hos seauton) — to the same degree you naturally give yourself.

    Theological Significance

    All Scripture reduces to love — vertical and horizontal. These are inseparable: you cannot love God and hate your brother (1 John 4:20).

    Practical Application

    Audit your love: are you loving God with ALL your heart, soul, and mind? Love your neighbor practically — treat others with the same care you give your own needs.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    Deuteronomy 6:5

    "Thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart."

    The original Shema that Jesus quotes.

    1 John 4:20-21

    "He that loveth not his brother, how can he love God?"

    John insists loving God and people are inseparable.

    Prayer Response

    Lord, I love You with all my heart, soul, and mind. Help me love my neighbor as myself — practically, sacrificially, consistently. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How can love be commanded?

    Biblical love (agape) is not primarily an emotion but a commitment. You can't command feelings, but you can command actions.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying Matthew 22 verse by verse:

    After · Matthew 22:38Exact verse

    This is the first and great commandment.

    Theme: Love of God

    After · Matthew 22:39Exact verse

    And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

    Theme: Love of Neighbour

    Nearest commentary in Matthew

    Earlier · 1 ch back · Matthew 21:22Nearest chapter

    And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

    Theme: Faith

    Later · 2 ch forward · Matthew 24:14Nearest chapter

    And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

    Theme: End Times & Eternity

    Later · 2 ch forward · Matthew 24:35Nearest chapter

    Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

    Theme: End Times & Eternity

    Later · 2 ch forward · Matthew 24:36Nearest chapter

    But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

    Theme: End Times & Eternity

    Read Matthew 21Commentary: Matthew 21:22
    Read Matthew 22 (full)Nearest commentary: Matthew 22:37
    Read Matthew 23No commentary yet
    Previous commentary: Matthew 21:22Next commentary: Matthew 22:38

    Related Commentaries

    Luke 10:27 Commentary

    "And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and …"

    Love for God & Neighbor

    Mark 12:30 Commentary

    "And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, …"

    Greatest Commandment

    Matthew 22:37 Commentary

    "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and wi…"

    Love for God

    Matthew 22:38 Commentary

    "This is the first and great commandment.…"

    Love of God

    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    What Is the Great Commandment?

    The Great Commandment is Jesus' declaration that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and the second is to love your neighbor as yourself.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About Love?

    The Bible teaches that God is love, that He demonstrated love by sending His Son, and that love for God and neighbor is the greatest commandment.

    Read answer

    What Does 'Love Your Neighbor as Yourself' Mean?

    Jesus called this the second greatest commandment — it means treating others with the same care, dignity, and concern we naturally show ourselves.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About Loving Your Neighbor?

    Jesus identified 'love your neighbor as yourself' as the second greatest commandment, and the parable of the Good Samaritan defines neighbor as anyone in need.

    Read answer

    What Are the Ten Commandments in the Bible?

    The Ten Commandments are the fundamental moral laws God gave to Israel at Mount Sinai, summarizing human duty to love God wholeheartedly and love neighbor as oneself.

    Read answer

    What Is Repentance?

    Repentance is a genuine change of mind and heart about sin, turning away from it and toward God.

    Read answer

    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    Matthew 22:37-39 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

    Matthew 22:37-39 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."

    Matthew 22:37-38 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment."

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

    Power Over Nature
    New Testament

    Jesus Walks on Water

    Jesus walked on the Sea of Galilee in the fourth watch of the night and bid Peter come to Him.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    New Testament

    Healing of the Centurion's Servant

    Jesus marveled at the centurion's faith and healed his servant from a distance with a word.

    Read the miracle
    Signs & Wonders
    New Testament

    The Transfiguration of Jesus

    Jesus is transfigured on a mountain, His face shining as the sun, with Moses and Elijah appearing.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    New Testament

    Healing of the Man with the Withered Hand

    Jesus heals a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, confronting hard-hearted religion.

    Read the miracle

    Related Reading

    Continue your study with related content from across our library:

    Commentary

    Luke 10:27 Commentary

    In-depth study • Love for God & Neighbor

    Devotional

    Matthew 22:37-39 — Meaning & Devotional

    Greatest Commandment

    Devotional

    Matthew 22:36-40 — Meaning & Devotional

    The Greatest Commandment

    Commentary

    Mark 12:30 Commentary

    In-depth study • Greatest Commandment

    Commentary

    Matthew 22:37 Commentary

    In-depth study • Love for God

    Q&A

    What Does 'Love Your Neighbor as Yourself' Mean?

    Daily Living

    Share this commentary:
    Share:
    Matthew 18:3-4Luke 6:27-28

    Where to go next

    Read the commentary on Matthew 22:37-39? Here is where most readers go next.