On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

MATTHEW 22:40KJV
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Matthew 22:40 (KJV)

What does Matthew 22:40 mean?

Matthew 22:40 says that all the teachings and instructions found in the Jewish Law and the writings of the prophets depend on, or are summed up by, the two commandments Jesus just mentioned: loving God and loving your neighbor. Everything else in the Scriptures rests on these two core principles.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a group of religious leaders who had asked Him about the greatest commandment. After quoting the commands to love God and love your neighbor, Jesus explains that these two are not just important—they are the foundation for all other commandments and teachings in the Jewish Scriptures. This statement puts love at the center of what God asks from people.

The Greek behind Matthew 22:40

  • The word "hang" (κρέμανται, kremantai) is often understood as "depend on" or "are based on." The Greek here gives the picture of everything else being suspended from these two commandments, showing their foundational role.
  • The phrase "all the law and the prophets" (ὁ νόμος καὶ οἱ προφῆται, ho nomos kai hoi prophētai) refers to the entire body of Jewish Scripture at the time, highlighting that Jesus is talking about the whole of God's instruction, not just a few rules.

Why Matthew 22:40 matters

  • Matthew 22:40 clarifies that the heart of the Bible’s commands is not about rule-keeping for its own sake, but about love—first for God, then for others.
  • This verse helps readers see that every other command or teaching in the Old Testament should be understood through the lens of these two central loves.
  • By connecting the law and the prophets to these commandments, Jesus shows a unified purpose in Scripture, helping people avoid getting lost in details and instead focus on what matters most.

Where else these words appear

“hang” Greek G2910 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
  • Acts 5:30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
  • Acts 28:4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.

“these” Greek G5025 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 13:53 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence.
  • Luke 23:7 And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.
  • Acts 11:27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

“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:

“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: