This is the first and great commandment.

MATTHEW 22:38KJV
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Matthew 22:38 (KJV)

What does Matthew 22:38 mean?

Matthew 22:38 states that loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind is the first and greatest commandment. Jesus is emphasizing that this commandment stands above all others in importance and priority.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking to a group of religious leaders who have asked Him about the greatest commandment in the Law. By calling it the "first and great commandment," Jesus highlights its foundational role in Jewish faith and practice. This sets the stage for understanding all other commandments as flowing from wholehearted love for God.

The Greek behind Matthew 22:38

  • "First" (πρώτη, prōtē): This word means "foremost" or "most important." Jesus is not just listing it first in order, but declaring it to be the highest priority.
  • "Great" (μεγάλη, megalē): This word means "great" or "significant." Jesus is stressing the commandment’s weight and importance, not just its size or scope.
  • "Commandment" (ἐντολή, entolē): This refers to a directive or order, especially one given by God. The use of this word underscores that loving God is not just a suggestion, but a binding instruction.

Why Matthew 22:38 matters

  • Matthew 22:38 clarifies that love for God is not just one commandment among many, but the foundation upon which all other commandments rest.
  • This verse helps clear up any confusion about what God values most, especially for those who might focus on ritual or lesser rules.
  • By identifying this as the "first and great commandment," Jesus connects the Old Testament law to its deepest purpose, showing that relationship with God is at the heart of true faith.

Where else these words appear

“commandment” 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:

“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.