King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 6:5 Mean?

Deuteronomy 6:5 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” — study this verse from Deuteronomy chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”

Deuteronomy 6:5 · KJV

Love

Context

3

Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.

4

Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

5

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

6

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

7

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. teach: Heb. whet, or, sharpen

Read Deuteronomy 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

This verse commands comprehensive, wholehearted love for God using three Hebrew terms that together encompass the totality of human existence. Levav (לְבָב, 'heart') represents the center of thought, will, and emotion—the inner person. Nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ, 'soul') denotes the living self, one's entire being and vitality. Meod (מְאֹד, 'might/strength') literally means 'muchness' or 'force,' indicating every resource and capacity.

The command to love (ahavta, אָהַבְתָּ) God is remarkable in ancient Near Eastern religion, which typically emphasized fear, service, or sacrifice to deities rather than affection. Biblical love is not mere emotion but committed, covenant loyalty expressed in obedience and devotion. This love is commanded—it's a matter of will and choice, not just feeling.

Jesus quoted this as the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37), adding 'mind' (dianoia, διάνοια) to emphasize intellectual devotion. The threefold or fourfold division isn't meant to compartmentalize human nature but to emphasize totality—God demands every aspect of our being. This love flows from God's prior love (7:7-8) and redemptive acts (v. 12), making it responsive rather than meritorious.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Shema and its surrounding exhortations were delivered as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with competing religious systems. Canaanite religion was polytheistic, with gods like Baal, Asherah, El, and Mot controlling different aspects of life—fertility, weather, death, etc. The temptation would be to hedge theological bets by worshiping Yahweh for some things while turning to Canaanite deities for others.

Ancient Near Eastern peoples generally practiced henotheism (devotion to one god while acknowledging others' existence) rather than monotheism. Egypt worshiped hundreds of deities, Mesopotamia had complex pantheons, and Canaan's religion was syncretistic. Israel's radical monotheism was unique in the ancient world, claiming that Yahweh alone is God and all other so-called gods are false.

The command to teach children (vv. 6-9) established intergenerational faith transmission as central to Israel's identity. Unlike surrounding nations whose priests controlled religious knowledge, Israel democratized spiritual responsibility—every household became a center for teaching Torah. This domestic religious education would preserve monotheism and covenant identity through subsequent generations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Shema's emphasis on God's oneness challenge modern pluralism and religious syncretism?
  2. What does it mean practically to love God with 'all your heart, soul, and strength' in daily life?
  3. How should Christians balance grace (God's prior love) and responsibility (commanded love) in their relationship with God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְאָ֣הַבְתָּ֔1 of 10

“And thou shalt love”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

אֵ֖ת2 of 10
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

יְהוָ֣ה3 of 10

“the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ4 of 10

“thy God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בְּכָל5 of 10
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

לְבָֽבְךָ֥6 of 10

“with all thine heart”

H3824

the heart (as the most interior organ)

וּבְכָל7 of 10
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

נַפְשְׁךָ֖8 of 10

“and with all thy soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

וּבְכָל9 of 10
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מְאֹדֶֽךָ׃10 of 10

“and with all thy might”

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Deuteronomy. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 6:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Deuteronomy 6:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 12:30Matthew 22:37Luke 10:27Deuteronomy 10:12Deuteronomy 30:6Deuteronomy 4:29

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