Matthew 22:38

This is the first and great commandment.

Matthew 22:38 (KJV)

Context

Jesus spoke these words in answer to a lawyer who asked, “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?” The question was a test, part of the wider exchange recorded in Matthew 22:34-40. Jewish teachers of that time debated which commandment held the highest rank, with some suggesting sacrifice, others circumcision, and others the rules of purification. Jesus answered by quoting Deuteronomy 6:5, the heart of the Shema, and then declared that this command is “the first and great commandment.”

Meaning

The word “first” points to both primacy and preeminence. This commandment is not one duty among many; it is the foundation from which all other obedience flows. To love God with all the heart, soul, and mind is to give Him the whole person—emotions, desires, thoughts, and intellect. It calls for total devotion that shapes every decision and aspiration.

Biblical connections

Jesus draws directly from the Old Testament, quoting Deuteronomy 6:5 for the first commandment. By linking this statute to the second, which echoes Leviticus 19:18, He summarizes the core principles of a godly life. The parallel account in Mark 12:28-31 records the same command, with the added phrase “with all thy strength.” Jesus concludes in Matthew 22:40 that “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets,” showing that the entire biblical teaching finds its foundation in love for God and love for people.

Application

Loving our neighbour as ourselves is inseparable from loving God. Genuine love for God overflows into compassionate, self-sacrificial care for others. Treating others with kindness, empathy, and respect reflects the character of Christ and fulfills the second commandment. This truth challenges each believer to examine the depth of their love for God and the quality of their relationships.

Reflection

By cultivating an unwavering love for God and demonstrating sincere love toward others, we align our thoughts, actions, and intentions with God’s commandments. We fulfill the greatest commandments and become living examples of Christ’s character to the world around us.