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.

MATTHEW 22:37KJV
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Matthew 22:37 (KJV)

What does Matthew 22:37 mean?

Matthew 22:37 describes Jesus telling someone that the most important command is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This means giving God your full devotion, attention, and affection in every part of who you are.

In this scene, Jesus is answering a question from a religious expert who asked which commandment is the greatest. Jesus responds by quoting from the Hebrew Scriptures, highlighting that loving God completely is at the core of true faith. The verse breaks down love for God into three areas—heart, soul, and mind—showing that this love should involve every aspect of a person’s life.

The Greek behind Matthew 22:37

  • The word for "love" is ἀγαπάω (agapaō), which often means a deep, committed, self-giving love, not just a feeling or emotion. This stresses that loving God is an active choice and commitment.
  • The word for "heart" is καρδία (kardia), which in Greek thought refers not just to emotions, but also to the center of a person’s will and desires. This suggests loving God involves your deepest motivations.
  • The word for "soul" is ψυχή (psychē), which can mean life, self, or the inner being. This points to loving God with your whole life and identity.
  • The word for "mind" is διάνοια (dianoia), meaning understanding or thought. This highlights that loving God involves your intellect and how you think, not just your feelings.

Why Matthew 22:37 matters

  • Matthew 22:37 clears up the idea that loving God is only about feelings or ritual; it involves every part of a person—emotion, will, identity, and intellect.
  • The verse connects Jesus’ teaching directly to the heart of Jewish law, showing continuity with the Old Testament (specifically Deuteronomy 6:5).
  • This answer sets the stage for Jesus’ teaching about loving others, showing that love for God is the foundation for all other commandments.

Where else these words appear

“mind” Greek G1271 · used in 13 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 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;

“soul” Greek G5590 · used in 95 verses

  • Matthew 2:20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.
  • John 10:11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

“all” Greek G3650 · used in 99 verses

  • Matthew 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
  • Mark 15:33 And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.
  • Acts 15:22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:

“love” Greek G25 · used in 109 verses

  • Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
  • John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
  • 2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.