Deuteronomy 6:5

Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:5 (New King James Version)

Deuteronomy 6:5 (NKJV): “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”

Theological Teaching from Deuteronomy 6:5

Deuteronomy 6:5 is part of the Shema, a central declaration of faith in Judaism, which calls the people of Israel to an exclusive and wholehearted devotion to God. This verse is a foundational command that summarises the essence of the Law and is echoed in the teachings of Jesus Christ.

1. Wholehearted Devotion: The command to love God with all one’s heart, soul, and strength indicates an all-encompassing devotion. This love is not merely emotional but involves every aspect of a person’s being—intellectual, spiritual, and physical.
2. Covenant Relationship: This verse underscores the covenant relationship between God and His people. Loving God is an expression of gratitude and commitment to the covenant established by God with Israel and, by extension, with all who are grafted into this covenant through faith in Jesus Christ.
3. Supremacy of God: The command highlights the supremacy and singularity of God. In a context where idolatry was rampant, this command reinforced the need for undivided loyalty and worship of the one true God.
4. Basis for Christian Ethics: Jesus reiterated this commandment in the New Testament (Matthew 22:37–38), affirming it as the greatest commandment and the basis for all Christian ethics. Loving God wholly is the foundation upon which all other commandments rest.

Application to Modern Christian Living

For modern Christians, Deuteronomy 6:5 serves as a call to prioritise their relationship with God above all else. It encourages believers to integrate their faith into every aspect of their lives, ensuring that their thoughts, actions, and commitments reflect their love for God.

1. Personal Worship: Christians are called to engage in regular personal worship, prayer, and study of the Scriptures to cultivate a deeper love for God.
2. Community and Service: This love for God should extend to love for others, prompting Christians to serve their communities and live out their faith in practical ways.
3. Moral Integrity: Living in accordance with this command involves moral integrity and ethical behaviour that honours God and reflects His character.

Teaching from Deuteronomy 6:5

The primary teaching from Deuteronomy 6:5 is that loving God with all one’s heart, soul, and strength is the foundation of true faith and obedience. This command calls for a comprehensive and undivided devotion to God that influences every aspect of a believer’s life.