And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

LUKE 10:27KJV
Know the Bible

Luke 10:27 (KJV)

What does Luke 10:27 mean?

Luke 10:27 says that loving God completely—with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind—and loving your neighbor as yourself are the greatest commandments. This verse highlights that devotion to God and care for others are at the core of what God asks from people.

In this scene, a man is answering Jesus’ question about what the law requires for eternal life. He sums up the heart of the Jewish law by quoting from Deuteronomy and Leviticus, showing that true faith is not just about rules but about wholehearted love for God and genuine concern for others. Jesus affirms this answer, making it clear that these two loves are deeply connected.

The Greek behind Luke 10:27

  • The word for "love" is ἀγαπάω (agapaō), which often means a deep, self-giving, committed love, not just a feeling or affection. This highlights that the love described here is active and intentional.
  • The word for "strength" is ἰσχύς (ischys), which refers to all of one’s physical energy or ability. The verse is calling for a love that involves every part of a person, not just thoughts or feelings.
  • The word for "mind" is διάνοια (dianoia), meaning understanding or reasoning. This shows that loving God includes using one’s intellect and thoughtfulness, not just emotions or actions.
  • The word for "neighbor" is πλησίον (plēsion), meaning anyone who is near or in need, not just someone from one’s own group or background. This broadens the command to love beyond just family or friends.

Why Luke 10:27 matters

  • Luke 10:27 clarifies that loving God and loving others are not separate duties but are deeply linked, shaping the foundation of Christian teaching.
  • The verse shows that faith is not just about following rituals or rules but about a whole-person commitment—heart, soul, strength, and mind.
  • By connecting love for God with love for neighbor, Luke 10:27 sets the stage for the parable of the Good Samaritan, which challenges narrow definitions of “neighbor” and calls for practical compassion.

Where else these words appear

“strength” Greek G2479 · used in 11 verses

  • Mark 12:30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
  • Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
  • 2 Peter 2:11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.

“mind” Greek G1271 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 22:37 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.
  • Ephesians 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
  • Hebrews 10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;

“neighbour” Greek G4139 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
  • Luke 10:29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
  • Romans 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

“thyself” Greek G4572 · used in 39 verses

  • Matthew 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
  • Luke 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
  • Romans 2:5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;