Mark 12:30

Authorized King James Version

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀγαπήσεις

G25

thou shalt love

to love (in a social or moral sense)

κύριον

G2962

the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεόν

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

ἐξ

G1537

with

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ὅλης

G3650

all

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#10

καρδίας

G2588

heart

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

#11

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

#12

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#13

ἐξ

G1537

with

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#14

ὅλης

G3650

all

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

#15

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#16

ψυχῆς

G5590

soul

breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh

#17

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

#18

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#19

ἐξ

G1537

with

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#20

ὅλης

G3650

all

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

#21

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#22

διανοίας

G1271

mind

deep thought, properly, the faculty (mind or its disposition), by implication, its exercise

#23

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

#24

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#25

ἐξ

G1537

with

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#26

ὅλης

G3650

all

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

#27

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#28

ἰσχύος

G2479

strength

compare ?????, a form of g2192); forcefulness (literally or figuratively)

#29

σου

G4675

thy

of thee, thy

#30

αὕτη

G3778

this

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

#31

πρώτη

G4413

is the first

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

#32

ἐντολή

G1785

commandment

injunction, i.e., an authoritative prescription

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show patron-client relationships and family loyalty concepts, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Mark chapter 12 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on love address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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