Deuteronomy 6:5
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Deuteronomy 6:5 (KJV)
Context
This verse stands at the center of the Shema, a foundational declaration of faith in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. Devout Jews recited these words daily, and they still shape Jewish worship. The Shema begins by declaring that the LORD is one God, then calls His people to love Him completely. It also commands parents to teach these words to their children, so faith continues from one generation to the next.
Meaning
The command to love the LORD thy God is not mainly about feelings. In this setting, love is a deep devotion and a covenant duty. It means choosing to know, serve, and obey God faithfully. The verse names three parts of a person, and together they show that love for God must cover the whole of life.
With all thine heart: In Hebrew thought, the heart is the center of the inner person. It includes the mind, the will, and the emotions. Loving God with the whole heart means sincere, wholehearted, and passionate devotion.
With all thy soul: The soul stands for the whole life and vitality of a person. It covers spiritual life, identity, and very existence. To love God with all the soul is to dedicate oneself entirely to Him and to live in a way that honors Him.
With all thy might: Might refers to strength, resources, and abilities. It includes physical energy, talents, time, and possessions. Loving God with all the might means using every resource for His glory and service.
This threefold expression of totality means that no area of life is left outside the command. The LORD, the covenant God of Israel, deserves exclusive and undivided love.
Biblical connections
Jesus called this commandment the greatest of all. In Matthew 22:37-38, He quoted it and added the word mind, showing that loving God engages the intellect as well. This connection confirms that the command remains central for Christian discipleship. Believers are called to the same wholehearted love for God that Israel was commanded to give.
Application
This verse calls for a love that shapes thoughts, guides actions, and forms the foundation of a relationship with God. It challenges believers to examine whether their devotion is complete or divided. Loving God with heart, soul, and might means making Him first in every decision and using all that He has given for His purposes.
Reflection
Wholehearted love for God is both a command and a gift. It is an act of the will, renewed daily through prayer, obedience, and trust. This verse reminds readers that true faith is not a partial commitment but a total surrender to the God who first loved them.
