Asked to name the most important rule in all of scripture, Jesus gave a two-part answer that still shapes how Christians read the rest of the Bible.
What Is the Greatest Commandment in the Bible?
When a religious lawyer asked Jesus which commandment was greatest, He answered: “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 22:37-40).
Why Jesus Gave Two Commandments, Not One
Jesus was quoting two separate Old Testament passages, Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18, and joining them together as inseparable. Loving God and loving other people aren’t presented as competing priorities; He says the whole of the Law and the Prophets “hang” on these two, meaning every other command scripture gives can be traced back to one or the other.
Key Verses
Matthew 22:37-39
“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind… You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Mark 12:31
“And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this replace the Ten Commandments?
No. Jesus presents these two commands as the summary the rest of the Law flows from, not a replacement for it.
Who is my “neighbor” in this commandment?
Jesus answers that exact question with the Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10, expanding “neighbor” well beyond people who are simply nearby or similar to you.
Related Bible Topics
Ask a Deeper Question
Have a specific question about the greatest commandment or a related passage? Ask below and get an instant, scripture-based answer.