And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

MARK 12:29KJV
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Mark 12:29 (KJV)

What does Mark 12:29 mean?

Mark 12:29 records Jesus saying that the most important commandment is this: “Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord.” Jesus is quoting from the Jewish Shema, emphasizing that there is only one God and He alone is Lord.

In this scene, Jesus is responding to a religious teacher who asked which commandment is the greatest. By starting with the Shema, Jesus points to the foundation of Jewish faith: the exclusive worship of one God. This sets the stage for everything else Jesus will say about loving God and others, rooting it all in the identity of God Himself.

The Greek behind Mark 12:29

  • ἄκουε (akoue, “Hear”): This word calls for active listening, not just hearing sounds but truly paying attention and taking the message to heart. It signals that what follows is of utmost importance.
  • κύριος (kurios, “Lord”): Used twice here, this word means “Lord” or “Master.” In this context, it refers to God’s unique authority and position over Israel.
  • εἷς (heis, “one”): This word stresses the oneness or unity of God. It underlines that there is no other God besides Him, which was a central belief for Israel in contrast to surrounding nations with many gods.

Why Mark 12:29 matters

  • Mark 12:29 clarifies that Jesus’ teachings are rooted in the core confession of Israel’s faith, not something new or separate.
  • By emphasizing the oneness of God, Mark 12:29 highlights the foundation for all other commandments and religious life.
  • This verse connects Jesus’ answer to the broader context of Jewish worship and identity, showing respect for the Scriptures and the beliefs of His hearers.

Where else these words appear

“commandments” Greek G1785 · used in 65 verses

  • Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
  • John 12:50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.
  • Hebrews 7:5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:

“Israel” Greek G2474 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • Luke 7:9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
  • Acts 28:20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

“first” Greek G4413 · used in 98 verses

  • Matthew 10:2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
  • John 1:15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
  • 1 Timothy 6:21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. The first to Timothy was written from Laodicea, which is the chiefest city of Phrygia Pacatiana.