King James Version

What Does Matthew 22:38 Mean?

Matthew 22:38 in the King James Version says “This is the first and great commandment.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 22 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“This is the first and great commandment.”

Matthew 22:38 · KJV

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.

Read Matthew 22 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus identifies the greatest commandment: 'This is the first and great commandment' (Greek: αὕτη ἐστὶν ἡ μεγάλη καὶ πρώτη ἐντολή, 'this is the great and first commandment'), referring to loving God with all heart, soul, and mind (verse 37). The word πρώτη means both 'first' in rank and sequence. Loving God supremely is foundational to all other commands. 'Great' (μεγάλη) indicates magnitude and importance. This quotes Deuteronomy 6:5, the Shema Israel prayed daily. Comprehensive love - heart (emotion), soul (will), mind (intellect) - demands total devotion. All ethics derive from primary love for God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish theology centered on the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9), confessed daily. Jesus identifies this as supreme commandment when asked about Torah's essence. Rabbis debated which commands were 'heavy' (important) versus 'light.' Jesus establishes clear hierarchy - love for God first, then neighbor. Early Christians maintained this priority while extending neighbor-love universally beyond Jewish boundaries. The greatest commandment has sustained Jewish-Christian ethics for millennia, grounding moral obligation in relationship with God.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to love God with all heart, soul, and mind in practical terms?
  2. How is love for God demonstrated beyond emotional feeling?
  3. What competes with God for supreme place in your affections?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 6 words
αὕτη1 of 6

“This”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐστὶν2 of 6

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

πρώτη3 of 6

“the first”

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

καὶ4 of 6

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μεγάλη5 of 6

“great”

G3173

big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)

ἐντολή6 of 6

“commandment”

G1785

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription

Study Guide

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.

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