Mark 12:29
Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus doesn't just quote the Shema; He presents it as the first of all commandments because it grounds our entire relationship with God. This isn't just a statement about God's uniqueness, but a call to recognize that He alone is the source of all authority and love, demanding our undivided devotion before any other duty can be rightly understood.
A scribe, impressed by Jesus' wisdom in handling other challengers, asks what the most important commandment is. Jesus doesn't just name it, but first quotes the foundational Jewish affirmation of God's singular oneness, a truth central to Israel's identity and faith. This immediately sets the stage for love for God, who is uniquely one, to be understood as the primary response of the whole person.
What if the most important truth could be summarized in just a few words? Jesus points to an ancient declaration that formed the bedrock of Israel's faith.
Jesus’ answer isn't just a commandment; it's a call to listen to a foundational confession.
The 'Shema'
This phrase, 'Hear, O Israel,' comes from Deuteronomy 6:4, known by the Jews as the Shema. It wasn't just a saying; it was the central declaration of their faith, recited daily. It was meant to grab their attention and focus their hearts on the most crucial truth.
One Lord, One God
In a world filled with countless gods and idols, the Shema proclaimed a radical, exclusive truth: the Lord our God is one. This wasn't just about numbers; it was about the unique, undivided nature of Yahweh, the God of Israel. This oneness of God set Israel apart and was the foundation for all their worship and obedience.
Why does Jesus link the oneness of God to the command to love Him? Discover how this foundational truth fuels the greatest commandment of all.
Jesus doesn't stop at the confession of God's oneness. He immediately connects this truth to the primary commandment:
The Heart of Love
The Shema isn't just an intellectual statement; it's a call to a devoted, all-encompassing love. Because God is one, He deserves our entire devotion. He is the singular object of our worship and affection.
All In
Jesus elaborates on this by quoting the rest of Deuteronomy 6:5: 'and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.' This isn't about giving God a portion of your life; it's about consecrating your whole being – your emotions, your will, your very life force – to Him. The oneness of God is the compelling reason why this total love is demanded and deserved.
Understand the original words
heis · Greek Adjective/Noun
The primary, singular God of the universe who is self-existent and unique. The confession of His oneness emphasizes His exclusivity, sovereignty, and the requirement of undivided devotion from His people.
This verse is deeply rooted in the ancient practice of the 'Shema,' a daily declaration of faith in one God, central to Jewish identity for centuries. Jesus' affirmation of this prayer connects His mission directly to the core of Israel's heritage, highlighting God's singular sovereignty.
c. 1400 BC
The Law Given at Sinai
God gives the Ten Commandments to Moses, including the foundational principle of monotheism which Jesus quotes.
c. 1400 BC
Deuteronomy Codified
The core of the Shema ('Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one') is recorded in Deuteronomy, forming a central tenet of Israel's faith.
Ongoing (Second Temple Period)
Jewish Pious Practices
The Shema is recited daily by devout Jews, often with phylacteries worn, as a public declaration of faith in one God.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' Final Week in Jerusalem
Jesus engages in debates with religious leaders, answering their questions and exposing their hypocrisy during the week before his crucifixion.
This is the direct source of Jesus' quote, emphasizing the foundational belief in the singular nature of God for Israel.
Matthew 22:37-38This parallel account also highlights Jesus quoting the Shema as the 'first and greatest commandment,' directly linking the unity of God with the call to love Him.
Romans 3:29-30The Apostle Paul uses the concept of God's oneness to argue for His role as God to both Jews and Gentiles, showing the universal implications of monotheism.
1 Corinthians 8:4-6Paul echoes this foundational truth, stating that while there may be many titles or gods in name, for believers, there is only one God, the Father, and one Lord, Jesus Christ.
barnesMark 12:29: "And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:"
Hear, O Israel! - This was said to call the attention of the Jews to the great importance of the truth about to be proclaimed. See Deuteronomy 6:4-5 . The Lord our God ... - Literally, "Yahweh, our God, is one Yahweh." The other nations worshipped many gods, but the God of the Jews was one, and one only. יהוה Yahweh was undivided; and this great truth it was the design of t…
expositorsMark 12:28-34: "And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?"
CHAPTER 12:28-34 (Mark 12:28-34)THE DISCERNING SCRIBE "And one of the scribes came, and heard them questioning together, and knowing that He had answered them well, asked Him, What commandment is the first of all? Jesus answered, The first is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God, the Lord is one: and thou shalt love…
Jesus doesn't just quote the Shema; He presents it as the first of all commandments because it grounds our entire relationship with God. This isn't just a statement about God's uniqueness, but a call to recognize that He alone is the source of all authority and love, demanding our undivided devotion before any other duty can be rightly understood.
A scribe, impressed by Jesus' wisdom in handling other challengers, asks what the most important commandment is. Jesus doesn't just name it, but first quotes the foundational Jewish affirmation of God's singular oneness, a truth central to Israel's identity and faith. This immediately sets the stage for love for God, who is uniquely one, to be understood as the primary response of the whole person.
A scribe, impressed by Jesus' wisdom in handling other challengers, asks what the most important commandment is. Jesus doesn't just name it, but first quotes the foundational Jewish affirmation of God's singular oneness, a truth central to Israel's identity and faith. This immediately sets the stage for love for God, who is uniquely one, to be understood as the primary response of the whole person.
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c. AD 30-33
The Scribe's Question
A scribe, impressed by Jesus' previous answers, asks Him which commandment is the greatest, seeking to test His understanding of Jewish law.
"Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one." — Jesus doesn't just quote the Shema; He presents it as the first of all commandments because it grounds our entire relationship with God. This isn't just a statement about God's uniqueness, but a ca…
