What does Matthew 22:37 mean?

“Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’”

Matthew 22:37 → BSB · Public Domain (CC0)
Quick answer

Jesus names the greatest commandment: love God with all your heart, soul, and mind—wholehearted devotion to God above all.

What it means

Asked for the greatest command, Jesus quotes Deuteronomy: total love for God involving every part of us—emotions, will, and thoughts.

He adds the second—love your neighbor as yourself—showing that all God’s law hangs on these two loves.

Common questions
What are the two greatest commandments?

Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind; and love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and Prophets depend on them.

Key words in this verse

Greek word studies — original-language background to the verse.

Keep exploring

Original BibleDawn explanation · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.