Deuteronomy 6:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 6:5
5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 6 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of salvation, love, grace. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 6:5
5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Analysis
And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
This verse commands comprehensive, wholehearted love for God using three Hebrew terms that together encompass the totality of human existence. Levav (לְבָב, 'heart') represents the center of thought, will, and emotion—the inner person. Nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ, 'soul') denotes the living self, one's entire being and vitality. Meod (מְאֹד, 'might/strength') literally means 'muchness' or 'force,' indicating every resource and capacity.
The command to love (ahavta, אָהַבְתָּ) God is remarkable in ancient Near Eastern religion, which typically emphasized fear, service, or sacrifice to deities rather than affection. Biblical love is not mere emotion but committed, covenant loyalty expressed in obedience and devotion. This love is commanded—it's a matter of will and choice, not just feeling.
Jesus quoted this as the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37), adding 'mind' (dianoia, διάνοια) to emphasize intellectual devotion. The threefold or fourfold division isn't meant to compartmentalize human nature but to emphasize totality—God demands every aspect of our being. This love flows from God's prior love (7:7-8) and redemptive acts (v. 12), making it responsive rather than meritorious.
Historical Context
The Shema and its surrounding exhortations were delivered as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with competing religious systems. Canaanite religion was polytheistic, with gods like Baal, Asherah, El, and Mot controlling different aspects of life—fertility, weather, death, etc. The temptation would be to hedge theological bets by worshiping Yahweh for some things while turning to Canaanite deities for others.
Ancient Near Eastern peoples generally practiced henotheism (devotion to one god while acknowledging others' existence) rather than monotheism. Egypt worshiped hundreds of deities, Mesopotamia had complex pantheons, and Canaan's religion was syncretistic. Israel's radical monotheism was unique in the ancient world, claiming that Yahweh alone is God and all other so-called gods are false.
The command to teach children (vv. 6-9) established intergenerational faith transmission as central to Israel's identity. Unlike surrounding nations whose priests controlled religious knowledge, Israel democratized spiritual responsibility—every household became a center for teaching Torah. This domestic religious education would preserve monotheism and covenant identity through subsequent generations.
Reflection
- How does the Shema's emphasis on God's oneness challenge modern pluralism and religious syncretism?
- What does it mean practically to love God with 'all your heart, soul, and strength' in daily life?
- How should Christians balance grace (God's prior love) and responsibility (commanded love) in their relationship with God?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References God: Deuteronomy 4:29
- References Lord: 2 Kings 23:25
- Love: Deuteronomy 10:12, 11:13, 30:6, Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, 12:33