In Matthew 22, Jesus was asked a question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus’ response: “You shall love the Lord your God with all of your heart and with all of your soul and with all of your mind.” Of course, Jesus was referring to Deuteronomy 6, also known as the Shema, one of the most important passages to the Hebrew people in the entire Old Testament.
The Shema states, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). The last word “might” has been translated as strength, and Jesus uses the word mind.
So what exactly is the correct word? And what does it mean? It is a fascinating word, and when properly understood helps us understand how we are to love God with all of us. The word helps us apply the greatest commandment to our lives. The Bible Project has published a powerful video that beautifully and powerfully explains the meaning of the word, and how we can apply it to our lives. Check out this video: