When asked which commandment is first, Jesus answered: 'The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord' (Πρώτη πάντων τῶν ἐντολῶν, Ἄκουε, Ἰσραήλ, Κύριος ὁ θεὸς ἡμῶν Κύριος εἷς ἐστιν). Jesus quoted the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5), Judaism's central confession. The declaration 'the Lord is one' (Kyrios heis, Κύριος εἷς) affirms monotheism—God is unique, singular, indivisible. This foundational truth grounds the greatest commandment (v. 30): love this one God supremely. Recognizing God's oneness demands exclusive devotion—no competing loyalties, divided hearts, or lesser gods. Christian theology developed Trinitarian monotheism—one God eternally existing as three persons (Father, Son, Spirit). The Shema doesn't contradict Trinity but establishes that there is one divine essence, not multiple gods.
Historical Context
The Shema (from Hebrew shema', 'hear') was (and is) Judaism's central prayer, recited twice daily. It appears in Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 11:13-21; Numbers 15:37-41. Faithful Jews recited it morning and evening, wore it in phylacteries (small boxes containing Scripture, Matthew 23:5), and affixed it to doorposts (mezuzah). The Shema distinguished Israel's monotheism from ancient Near Eastern polytheism. Jesus' citation as 'first commandment' emphasized its primacy. Early Christian debates over Jesus' deity had to reconcile Shema monotheism with Christ's divine worship. Orthodox theology developed Trinitarian doctrine: one God, three persons. The Shema doesn't deny Trinity (Hebrew echad can mean 'composite unity,' as in Genesis 2:24, 'one flesh') but affirms singular divine essence.
Questions for Reflection
How does the Shema's declaration of God's oneness guard against idolatry and divided religious loyalties?
What does recognizing God as 'one Lord' demand regarding the totality and exclusivity of our devotion?
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Analysis & Commentary
When asked which commandment is first, Jesus answered: 'The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord' (Πρώτη πάντων τῶν ἐντολῶν, Ἄκουε, Ἰσραήλ, Κύριος ὁ θεὸς ἡμῶν Κύριος εἷς ἐστιν). Jesus quoted the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5), Judaism's central confession. The declaration 'the Lord is one' (Kyrios heis, Κύριος εἷς) affirms monotheism—God is unique, singular, indivisible. This foundational truth grounds the greatest commandment (v. 30): love this one God supremely. Recognizing God's oneness demands exclusive devotion—no competing loyalties, divided hearts, or lesser gods. Christian theology developed Trinitarian monotheism—one God eternally existing as three persons (Father, Son, Spirit). The Shema doesn't contradict Trinity but establishes that there is one divine essence, not multiple gods.