King James Version

What Does Deuteronomy 6:5 Mean?

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

Context

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.

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

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

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

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

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Topics in This Verse

Love

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(5) **With all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.**—The word “heart” has been taken both as “thought” and “affection.” Hence, perhaps, the *four *terms, “*heart, mind, soul, *and *strength,” *which we find in St. Mark 12:30. Bashi says upon the expression “all thy heart”—“with both natures” (the good and evil nature). “With all thy soul” he expounds thus: “Even though He take it (thy life) from thee.” And “with all thy might” he paraphrases in a truly practical and characteristic fashion, “*With all thy money, *for you sometimes find a man whose money is dearer to him than his life (or body).” Or, as an alternative, “in every condition which He allots to thee, whether prosperity or chastisement. And so He says in David, ‘I will *take the cup of salvation *(deliverances), and *I will call on the name of the Lord’ *(Psalm 116:13); and again. ‘*I* *shall find trouble and heaviness, *and *I will call on the name of the Lord’”* (Deuteronomy 6:3-4.) It is an interesting illustration of the passage, though the *verbal *connection on which it is based will not hold.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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.