New Testament
Matthew 22:40
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Everything in the law and the prophets hangs on these 2 commandments."
Compare translations
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
What Matthew 22:40 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the importance of love as the foundation of all religious teachings. He summarizes the entire law and the messages of the prophets into two main commandments: to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself. This means that every rule and guideline in the scriptures is ultimately about fostering love and relationships. If we truly love God, we will naturally want to follow His commands, and if we love others, we will treat them with kindness and respect. This teaching highlights that love is not just an emotion but a guiding principle that should influence our actions and decisions. By focusing on these two commandments, believers can navigate their faith and moral choices more effectively, ensuring that their actions align with the core message of the Bible.
How to apply Matthew 22:40 to your life
To apply this teaching, focus on cultivating love in your daily life. Make it a priority to love God through prayer and worship, and show love to those around you through acts of kindness and compassion. This approach can transform your relationships and deepen your faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Questions in the Temple (Matthew 22:15–46)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Matthew 22:40
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Matthew 22:40
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What are the two commandments Jesus refers to in Matthew 22:40?
In Matthew 22:40, Jesus summarizes the entire law and the teachings of the prophets into two main commandments: to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself. These commandments emphasize that love is the foundation of all religious teachings and moral behavior.
How can I practically love God and my neighbor?
To practically love God, engage in regular prayer, worship, and study of the scriptures. Show love to your neighbor through acts of kindness, compassion, and understanding. Simple gestures like helping someone in need, listening to a friend, or volunteering can embody this love in everyday life.
Why is love considered the foundation of the law and the prophets?
Love is considered the foundation of the law and the prophets because it encapsulates the essence of God's commands. When we love God, we desire to follow His teachings, and when we love others, we naturally treat them with respect and kindness. This principle simplifies complex rules into a clear guiding philosophy for life.
How can focusing on love improve my faith?
Focusing on love can improve your faith by helping you prioritize your relationship with God and others. It encourages you to act with compassion and integrity, leading to a more fulfilling spiritual life. By embodying love in your actions, you align yourself with the core message of the Bible, enhancing your understanding and practice of your faith.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.