New Testament
Luke 10:27
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 7th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the importance of love in our relationship with God and others.
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
The man answered, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind' — and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'"
And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
Plain Meaning
A Jewish legal expert answers Jesus by quoting two commands from the Old Testament law. First: love God completely — with every part of you, your emotions (heart), your life (soul), your energy (strength), and your thinking (mind). Second: love the people around you the same way you naturally look out for yourself. Together, these two commands sum up what the law requires.
Read It in Context
A lawyer — someone who studied and taught Jewish religious law — stood up to test Jesus with the question: 'What shall I do to inherit eternal life?' Jesus turned it back on him and asked what the law said. Verse 27 is the lawyer's answer. Jesus then tells him he is right and to go do it, which leads the lawyer to ask a follow-up: 'And who is my neighbour?' — setting up the parable of the Good Samaritan.
The full Clear view adds what to notice, common misreadings, and the passage that best explains this one — for Luke 10:27 and any verse in the Bible.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the importance of love in our relationship with God and others. He quotes the Old Testament command to love God with every part of our being—heart, soul, strength, and mind. This means that our love for God should be total and all-encompassing. Additionally, Jesus includes the command to love our neighbor as ourselves, highlighting that our love for others should reflect the same care and respect we have for ourselves. This dual command encapsulates the essence of the law and the prophets, showing that love is the foundation of a righteous life. By loving God fully, we are empowered to love others genuinely. This verse challenges us to evaluate our priorities and relationships, ensuring that love is at the center of our actions and interactions. Explore related sacrifice.
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How to apply Luke 10:27 to your life
To apply this teaching, we should actively seek ways to love God and others daily. This can include prayer, acts of kindness, and being present for those in need. Reflect on how you can show love in your community and relationships.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary · Luke 10:27 Meaning
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 10:27 mean?
Luke 10:27 emphasizes the importance of loving God completely and loving others as ourselves. It highlights that true devotion to God involves our entire being—heart, soul, strength, and mind—and that our love for others should mirror that commitment.
What is the meaning of loving your neighbor as yourself in Luke 10:27?
Loving your neighbor as yourself means treating others with the same care, respect, and kindness that you would want for yourself. It encourages selflessness and compassion in our interactions with others.
How can I apply Luke 10:27 in my daily life?
You can apply Luke 10:27 by actively looking for ways to love God and others each day. This might include prayer, helping those in need, and showing kindness in your community.
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