And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.

MARK 12:33KJV
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Mark 12:33 (KJV)

What does Mark 12:33 mean?

Mark 12:33 says that loving God with all your heart, understanding, soul, and strength, and loving your neighbor as yourself, is more important than offering any sacrifices or burnt offerings. The verse highlights that genuine love for God and others is valued above religious rituals.

In this scene, a scribe is speaking to Jesus, agreeing with Him about the greatest commandments. The scribe recognizes that wholehearted love for God and neighbor goes beyond simply following religious ceremonies. This verse sums up the heart of Jesus’ teaching by showing that inner devotion and care for others matter most to God.

The Greek behind Mark 12:33

  • The word for "love" is ἀγαπάω (agapaō), which means a deep, self-giving kind of love. This is not just a feeling, but an active commitment.
  • "Understanding" is σύνεσις (synesis), meaning insight or comprehension. The verse is not just about emotion, but also about loving God with thoughtful awareness.
  • "Strength" is ἰσχύς (ischys), which refers to all of one’s power or ability. The command is to love God with every part of who you are—emotionally, mentally, and physically.
  • "Whole burnt offerings" and "sacrifices" (ὁλοκαυτώματα, holokautōmata; θυσίαι, thysiai) refer to the main forms of worship in the temple. The verse says that love is greater than these outward acts.

Why Mark 12:33 matters

  • Mark 12:33 clarifies that religious rituals, even those commanded in the Old Testament, are not as important as genuine love for God and others.
  • The verse shows that Jesus and the scribe agree on what God values most, which helps explain why Jesus commends the scribe in the next verse.
  • This teaching connects to the wider message of Jesus throughout the Gospels: God desires a relationship built on love, not just rule-keeping or ceremony.

Where else these words appear

“offerings” Greek G3646 · used in 3 verses

  • Hebrews 10:6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
  • Hebrews 10:8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;

“understanding” Greek G4907 · used in 7 verses

  • Luke 2:47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.
  • Ephesians 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
  • Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

“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.

“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.