The Great Commandment (or Greatest Commandment)[a] is a name used in the New Testament to describe the first of two commandments cited by Jesus in Matthew 22:35-40, Mark 12:28-34, and in answer to him in Luke 10:27a: Show
Most Christian denominations consider these two commandments as, together, forming the core of the Christian religion.[1] New Testament accounts[edit]Gospel of Matthew[edit]
Gospel of Mark[edit]In the Gospel of Mark, the Shema is included:
Gospel of Luke[edit]
Old Testament references[edit]Leviticus 19:18[edit]
Deuteronomy[edit]
Love the Lord thy God[edit]Matthew Henry sums up the question of which is the great commandment:
Adam Clarke, in his Commentary on the Bible, wrote:
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God" is explained to mean "Act in such a manner that God will be beloved by all His creatures."[4] Consequently, Israel, being, as the priest-people, enjoined like the Aaronite priest to sanctify the name of God and avoid whatever tends to desecrate it (Lev. xxii. 32), is not only obliged to give his life as witness or martyr for the maintenance of the true faith (see Isa. xliii. 12, μάρτυρες; and Pesik. 102b; Sifra, Emor, ix.), but so to conduct himself in every way as to prevent the name of God from being dishonored by non-Israelites.[5] Twice every day the Jew recites the Shema Yisrael, which contains the words: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy might" (Deut. vi. 5). This verse is understood to enjoin him to willingly surrender life and fortune whenever the cause of God demands it, while it at the same time urges him to make God beloved by all his creatures through deeds of kindness, as Abraham did (Sifre, Deut. 32).[6] Although only asked about the first commandment, Jesus included the second commandment in his answer. This double reference has given rise to differing views with regard to the relationship that exists between the two commandments, although typically "love thy God" is referred to as "the first and greatest commandment", with "love thy neighbor" being referred to as "the second great commandment".[7] It may simply reflect the "seven rules (Middot) of Hillel", in this case the first one, called Ḳal wa-ḥomer (Hebrew: קל וחומר). Love your neighbor as yourself[edit]When asked what the greatest commandment is, the Christian New Testament depicts Jesus answering: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind," before adding: "‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these."[8] Most Christian denominations view these two commandments as, together, forming the core of the Christian religion. The second passage is considered to be a form of the Golden Rule.[9] See also[edit]
References[edit]Notes[edit]
Citations[edit]
What is the first commandment the most important?“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. “This is the first and great commandment.
Which commandment was the most important?New Testament accounts
"Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" He said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. ' This is the greatest and first commandment. Love God above all else.
What is the first commandment and what does it call us to do?"I am the Lord, your God, you shall not have other gods besides me." The First Commandment is a call for us to have faith in God, to put our hope in him, and to love him completely, without holding back anything. to adore God is to acknowledge him as our creator, savior, and never-ending love.
What does the First commandment talk about?"Thou shalt have no other gods before me", under the Philonic division used by Hellenistic Jews and Protestants.
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