Mark 12:28

KJV

¶ 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?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} one {G1520} of the scribes {G1122} came {G4334}, and having heard {G191} them {G846} reasoning together {G4802}, and perceiving {G1492} that {G3754} he had answered {G611} them {G846} well {G2573}, asked {G1905} him {G846}, Which {G4169} is {G2076} the first {G4413} commandment {G1785} of all {G3956}?

Complete Jewish Bible

One of the Torah-teachers came up and heard them engaged in this discussion. Seeing that Yeshua answered them well, he asked him, "Which is the most important mitzvah of them all?"

Berean Standard Bible

Now one of the scribes had come up and heard their debate. Noticing how well Jesus had answered them, he asked Him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?”

American Standard Version

And one of the scribes came, and heard them questioning together, and knowing that he had answered them well, asked him, What commandment is the first of all?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 12:28 introduces a pivotal moment in Jesus's public ministry, as a scribe approaches Him with a sincere theological inquiry, unlike the hostile challenges Jesus had previously faced. Having observed Jesus's profound wisdom in silencing His adversaries, this scribe genuinely seeks to understand the essence of God's Law by asking which is the foremost commandment of all. This sets the stage for one of Jesus's most profound declarations, revealing the heart of divine expectation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within a series of intense confrontations between Jesus and various Jewish religious factions in the Temple courts during His final week in Jerusalem, often referred to as Passion Week. Immediately prior to this, Jesus had masterfully navigated two attempts to trap Him: first, by the Pharisees and Herodians regarding the legality of paying taxes to Caesar ([Mark 12:13-17](/mark/12-13-17 "Mark 12:13-17 - Paying Taxes to Caesar")), and second, by the Sadducees, who challenged the concept of the resurrection with a convoluted hypothetical scenario ([Mark 12:18-27](/mark/12-18-27 "Mark 12:18-27 - The Question About the Resurrection")). In both instances, Jesus's responses were so insightful and authoritative that they silenced His opponents, leaving them without a retort. The arrival of this scribe, who has "heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well," marks a distinct shift. Unlike the malicious intent of the previous questioners, the scribe's inquiry is born out of genuine curiosity and respect for Jesus's wisdom, creating an opening for a deeper theological discussion rather than a mere intellectual skirmish.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The individual in this verse is identified as a "scribe" (Greek: *grammateus*), a highly respected and influential figure in first-century Jewish society. Scribes were learned men, often associated with the Pharisees, who dedicated their lives to the study, interpretation, and teaching of the Mosaic Law (Torah). They were responsible for copying scriptures, developing oral traditions, and serving as legal experts and advisors. Their role was crucial in preserving and applying the intricate details of the 613 commandments found in the Torah. Within this context, the question "Which is the first commandment of all?" was a common and significant rabbinic debate. Jewish scholars frequently discussed and sought to identify a foundational principle or a summary statement that could encapsulate the vast body of God's Law, providing a guiding principle for all other commandments. This inquiry was not trivial but represented a profound theological exercise aimed at discerning the very heart of God's will for His people.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 12:28 introduces several profound themes that resonate throughout the Gospels and beyond. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Genuine Inquiry** contrasted with hostile questioning. Unlike the malicious traps set by the Pharisees, Herodians, and Sadducees, the scribe's approach signals a sincere desire for truth and understanding, demonstrating that an open heart is essential for receiving divine wisdom. This sets the stage for a teaching moment rather than a confrontation, underscoring the value of seeking God with pure motives. Secondly, the question itself, "Which is the first commandment of all?", underscores the theme of **The Essence of the Law**. In a religious system with hundreds of commandments, the pursuit of a unifying principle was a central theological endeavor. The scribe's question reflects a deep yearning to grasp the core of God's demands, moving beyond mere legalistic adherence to the spirit of the Law. Finally, the scribe's acknowledgment that Jesus "had answered them well" powerfully reinforces the theme of **Jesus's Authority and Wisdom**. His ability to silence seasoned religious leaders with profound scriptural insight not only validated His teaching but also pointed to His unique understanding of God's will, positioning Him as the ultimate interpreter of the Law, a role further illuminated in passages like [Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Jesus's Authority in Teaching") where the crowds were astonished at His teaching.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Scribe (Greek, _grammateús'_):** From *gramma*, meaning a writing or letter. A scribe was primarily a writer, but professionally, this term designated a learned man, an expert in Jewish law and tradition. They were responsible for copying, interpreting, and teaching the Torah, holding significant authority and influence in society. The presence of a scribe here indicates a representative of the learned religious elite.
* **Perceiving (Greek, _eídō'_):** A primary verb meaning "to see" (literally or figuratively), and by implication, "to know" or "to understand." In this context, it signifies that the scribe had not merely heard Jesus's answers but had intellectually grasped and appreciated their depth and correctness. This "perceiving" implies a genuine recognition of Jesus's wisdom and authority, distinguishing this scribe from many other antagonists.
* **Commandment (Greek, _entolḗ'_):** From *entellomai*, meaning "to enjoin" or "to command." This term refers to an authoritative prescription, an injunction, or a precept. The scribe's question is about which of God's authoritative commands is primary or most foundational, seeking the essential core of the divine law.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And one of the scribes came":** This introduces a new character into the narrative, distinct from the previous groups who had challenged Jesus. The phrase "one of the scribes" suggests a specific individual, not a collective group acting in concert, further emphasizing a personal, rather than institutional, inquiry. His act of "coming" implies a deliberate approach, indicating his intention to engage Jesus directly.
* **"and having heard them reasoning together":** The scribe had been an observer of the preceding debates between Jesus and the Pharisees, Herodians, and Sadducees. The "reasoning together" (Greek: *syzēteō*) refers to the intense theological discussions and disputes that had just transpired, where Jesus's opponents attempted to trap Him with difficult questions. The scribe's presence during these exchanges provides the immediate backdrop for his own question.
* **"and perceiving that he had answered them well":** This is a crucial phrase, highlighting the scribe's genuine assessment of Jesus's performance. "Perceiving" (Greek: *eídō*) indicates a clear understanding and appreciation of Jesus's wisdom and the effectiveness of His responses. The adverb "well" (Greek: *kalōs*) signifies that Jesus's answers were not merely correct but were delivered with profound insight, skill, and perhaps even moral uprightness, impressing the learned scribe. This positive evaluation sets his inquiry apart from the malicious intent of others.
* **"asked him, Which is the first commandment of all?":** This is the core of the scribe's interaction. His "asking" (Greek: *eperōtaō*) denotes an inquiry or a question, not a demand or a challenge. The question itself, "Which is the first commandment of all?", reflects a common rabbinic debate among Jewish scholars. With hundreds of commandments in the Torah, identifying the singular, most foundational, or most important principle was a significant theological exercise, seeking the very heart of God's will and the essence of righteous living.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. **Contrast** is a prominent device, as the sincere inquiry of this scribe is sharply contrasted with the malicious, trap-setting questions posed by the Pharisees, Herodians, and Sadducees in the preceding verses. This contrast highlights the purity of the scribe's motives and sets a different tone for the interaction. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as the scribe's question directly sets the stage for Jesus's profound and foundational teaching on the greatest commandments (love for God and neighbor), which encapsulates the entire Law and Prophets. This question is not just answered but becomes the springboard for a central theological declaration. Finally, the scribe's question itself functions as a **Rhetorical Inquiry** within the broader rabbinic discourse of the time. While genuinely posed by the scribe, it represents a common intellectual and spiritual challenge within Judaism, inviting a definitive and authoritative response that Jesus uniquely provides.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 12:28 serves as a crucial theological pivot, moving from Jesus's defensive responses to His proactive teaching on the essence of God's Law. The scribe's question, "Which is the first commandment of all?", represents a universal human desire to understand the core principles of faith and life. Theologically, it prompts Jesus to distil the vastness of the Torah into its fundamental, non-negotiable components. Jesus's subsequent answer, rooted in the Shema and Leviticus, transcends mere legalistic adherence, revealing that God's primary demand is not ritualistic observance but radical, holistic love—love for God with one's entire being, and love for one's neighbor as oneself. This highlights that all divine commands ultimately flow from and are fulfilled by love, demonstrating that the heart of God's character and His covenantal relationship with humanity is rooted in this profound affection.

* [Mark 12:29-31](/mark/12-29-31 "Mark 12:29-31 - Jesus's Answer: The Greatest Commandment")
* [Deuteronomy 6:4-5](/deuteronomy/6-4-5 "Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The Shema: Love the Lord Your God")
* [Matthew 22:34-40](/matthew/22-34-40 "Matthew 22:34-40 - The Greatest Commandment in Matthew")
* [Luke 10:25-28](/luke/10-25-28 "Luke 10:25-28 - The Lawyer and the Good Samaritan")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 12:28 invites us to reflect on the nature of our own spiritual inquiry and the priorities we set in our faith. The scribe's genuine desire to understand the "first commandment" challenges us to move beyond superficial engagement with scripture or mere adherence to religious rules. Are we, like the scribe, truly seeking the heart of God's will, or are we content with surface-level understanding? This verse sets the stage for Jesus's profound teaching that all of God's law and the prophets hang on love for God and love for neighbor. For believers today, this means examining whether our lives genuinely reflect these two foundational principles. Do our actions, thoughts, and relationships demonstrate a holistic love for God with all our being, and a selfless, sacrificial love for those around us? This passage calls us to a deeper, more integrated faith where love is not just a feeling but the driving force behind all our obedience and interactions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the scribe's genuine inquiry in this verse challenge my own approach to understanding God's Word and His will?**
* **In what ways do I tend to prioritize secondary aspects of faith over the "first commandment" of loving God and neighbor?**
* **How can I cultivate a more holistic and passionate love for God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength in my daily life?**
* **What practical steps can I take to demonstrate a more consistent and sacrificial love for my neighbor, even those who are difficult to love?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the scribe's question about the "first commandment"?**

Answer: The scribe's question, "Which is the first commandment of all?", was highly significant within the context of first-century Judaism. The Torah contained 613 commandments (mitzvot), and Jewish rabbis frequently debated which among them was the most important or foundational. This was not a trivial exercise but a profound theological pursuit to identify the essence of God's will and the guiding principle for righteous living. The question sought to distil the vastness of divine law into a single, overarching principle that could encapsulate or prioritize all other commands. By asking this, the scribe was inviting Jesus to participate in a central rabbinic discussion, and Jesus's answer, detailed in [Mark 12:29-31](/mark/12-29-31 "Mark 12:29-31 - The Greatest Commandment"), provided a definitive and revolutionary summary that continues to shape Christian ethics.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 12:28, with the scribe's earnest inquiry, sets the stage for Jesus to reveal the very heart of God's Law, a revelation that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ Himself. Jesus doesn't merely state the greatest commandment; He embodies it. His entire life, from His incarnation to His crucifixion, is the perfect manifestation of loving God with all His being and loving His neighbor as Himself. He perfectly obeyed the Father, demonstrating complete devotion and submission, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Obedience to Death")). Furthermore, His ministry was characterized by selfless love for humanity, healing the sick, teaching the lost, and ultimately laying down His life for His friends ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")). In Christ, the Law's demand for perfect love is not just articulated but perfectly fulfilled, making Him the "end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes" ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ, the End of the Law")). Thus, the scribe's question, seeking the essence of the Law, inadvertently points to the One who is the living embodiment and ultimate fulfillment of all that the Law truly demands.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 22:34

¶ But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together.

Matthew 22:40

On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Luke 10:25

¶ And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

Luke 10:28

And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

Luke 20:39

¶ Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.

Matthew 19:18

He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,

Matthew 5:19

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.