Mark 12:28
And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Scribes (experts in Mosaic law) devoted their lives to studying, interpreting, and teaching Torah. By the first century, rabbinic tradition had identified 613 commandments in the Torah (248 positive, 365 negative). Debates about which commandments were most important or foundational were common in Jewish schools. Rabbi Hillel (c. 110 BC – 10 AD) famously summarized the law: 'What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor; that is the whole Torah, the rest is commentary.' Jesus' response to this scribe reflects similar concern for the heart of the law. This conversation occurs during Passion Week in Jerusalem's temple courts, where scribes and teachers regularly debated.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Jesus respond differently to this scribe than to previous questioners, and what does this teach about discerning genuine seekers from hostile critics?
- How does the question about the 'first' commandment reveal the danger of elevating minor theological disputes over fundamental devotion to God?
- In what ways might contemporary Christianity need to recover clarity about the 'first commandment' amid proliferating religious rules and traditions?
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Analysis & Commentary
Which is the first commandment of all? This scribe (γραμματεύς, grammateus), having observed Jesus' skillful responses to hostile questions, genuinely seeks truth. Unlike previous interrogators, he recognizes Jesus had answered them well and approaches with sincere inquiry. The question about the first (πρώτη, prōtē) commandment addresses a live rabbinic debate: which of the 613 Torah commands takes priority? Some rabbis ranked commandments as 'heavy' and 'light'; others sought a unifying principle.
Mark uniquely notes the scribe's positive assessment of Jesus' wisdom before asking his question—this scribe comes as a learner, not a trap-setter. Jesus' answer (vv. 29-31) will quote the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) and the love commandment (Leviticus 19:18), distilling God's law to its essence: total devotion to God and sacrificial love for neighbor. This exchange stands in sharp contrast to earlier confrontations (taxes to Caesar, resurrection debates with Sadducees), culminating in mutual respect between Jesus and this discerning scribe.