King James Version
What Does Matthew 22:38 Mean?
“This is the first and great commandment.”
Context
36
Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
37
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.
38
This is the first and great commandment.
39
And the second is like unto it , Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
40
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
Commentary
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary**13. Then said the king to the servants--**the angelic ministers of divine vengeance (as in Mt 13:41).
**Bind him hand and foot--**putting it out of his power to resist.
**and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness--**So Mt 8:12; 25:30. The expression is emphatic--"the darkness which is outside." To be "outside" at all--or, in the language of Re 22:15, to be "without" the heavenly city, excluded from its joyous nuptials and gladsome festivities--is sad enough of itself, without anything else. But to find themselves not only excluded from the brightness and glory and joy and felicity of the kingdom above, but thrust into a region of "darkness," with all its horrors, this is the dismal retribution here announced, that awaits the unworthy at the great day.
**there--**in that region and condition.
shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. See on Mt 13:42.
Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Matthew 22:38 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.