Mark 12:29

KJV

And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments [is], Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Jesus {G2424} answered {G611} him {G846}, The {G3754} first {G4413} of all {G3956} the commandments {G1785} is, Hear {G191}, O Israel {G2474}; The Lord {G2962} our {G2257} God {G2316} is {G2076} one {G1520} Lord {G2962}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua answered, "The most important is, `Sh'ma Yisra'el, ADONAI Eloheinu, ADONAI echad [Hear, O Isra'el, the LORD our God, the LORD is one],

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus replied, “This is the most important: ‘Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One.

American Standard Version

Jesus answered, The first is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God, the Lord is one:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 12:29 captures Jesus' profound response to a scribe's inquiry regarding the foremost commandment. In this pivotal declaration, Jesus affirms the foundational truth of Israel's faith, the Shema, by proclaiming the singular, unified nature of God as the supreme Lord. This statement not only establishes monotheism as the bedrock of all divine instruction but also sets the stage for the subsequent command to love this one God with undivided devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a series of intense encounters Jesus has with various religious factions in Jerusalem during the final week leading up to His crucifixion. Having skillfully navigated challenging questions from the Pharisees and Herodians regarding taxes to Caesar ([Mark 12:13-17](/mark/12-13-17 "Mark 12:13-17 - Paying Taxes to Caesar")), and from the Sadducees concerning the resurrection ([Mark 12:18-27](/mark/12-18-27 "Mark 12:18-27 - The Resurrection Question")), a scribe approaches Him. Unlike the previous groups who sought to trap Him, this scribe's question in [Mark 12:28](/mark/12-28 "Mark 12:28 - The Scribe's Question") appears to be a genuine theological inquiry, seeking to understand the most important commandment amidst the numerous laws of the Torah. Jesus' answer, beginning with the Shema in [Mark 12:29](/mark/12-29 "Mark 12:29 - The First Commandment"), and continuing with the command to love God and neighbor in [Mark 12:30-31](/mark/12-30-31 "Mark 12:30-31 - The Greatest Commandments"), is a culminating moment that synthesizes the essence of the Law.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The declaration "Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord" is a direct quotation from [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema"), the central pillar of Jewish monotheism known as the Shema. This verse was not merely a theological statement but a daily confession of faith for every devout Jew, recited morning and evening. It served as a constant reminder of God's unique identity and sovereignty, distinguishing Israel's faith from the polytheistic religions of surrounding nations. The scribe, as an expert in the Law, would have been intimately familiar with the debates among rabbis regarding which commandment held preeminence. Jesus' response, therefore, was not a novel teaching but a profound affirmation and distillation of the core truth of Israel's covenant with the one true God, presented in a way that highlighted its practical implications for love and devotion.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Mark's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **God's absolute oneness (monotheism)**, which is the bedrock of all biblical revelation. Jesus' affirmation of the Shema underscores that there is only one true God, rejecting any form of polytheism or idolatry. This singular identity of God is the foundation for **exclusive devotion**, demanding that all worship, allegiance, and love be directed solely to Him. Furthermore, by linking this declaration to the "first of all the commandments," Jesus establishes the **primacy of theological truth** – understanding *who* God is precedes and enables proper obedience and love. This truth then flows directly into the command to love God with all one's being, as elaborated in [Mark 12:30](/mark/12-30 "Mark 12:30 - Love God with All Your Being"), demonstrating that right theology leads to right relationship and action.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **first (Greek, _prōtos'_):** This word signifies not merely chronological order but preeminence, chief importance, or superiority. When Jesus declares this commandment to be "the first," He is asserting its foundational and supreme status among all divine injunctions. It is the most important, the one from which all others derive their meaning and power.
* **Hear (Greek, _akoúō'_):** This imperative verb, "Hear," translates the Hebrew *Shema*, which is more than just a physical act of hearing. It implies listening with attention, understanding, and, crucially, obeying. It is a call to active engagement with God's word, to internalize it and allow it to shape one's life. It demands a receptive heart and a responsive will.
* **one (Greek, _heîs'_):** This numeral emphasizes the singular, unique, and indivisible nature of God. In the context of the Shema, it stands in stark contrast to the polytheistic beliefs of the surrounding cultures. While the Hebrew *echad* (translated "one") can sometimes imply a composite unity (as in "one flesh" in marriage), here in the Greek, and certainly in its primary context, it primarily asserts God's absolute singularity and uniqueness, affirming that there is no other god beside Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus answered him,"**: This phrase highlights Jesus' direct and authoritative engagement with the scribe's sincere question. Unlike previous exchanges where Jesus was tested, here He provides a clear, concise, and profound theological answer, affirming the core of Jewish faith.
* **"The first of all the commandments is,"**: Jesus immediately establishes the hierarchy of God's commands. By designating this as "the first" (prōtos), He indicates its supreme importance and foundational nature. It is not merely one among many, but the preeminent truth upon which all other commandments are built and from which they derive their significance.
* **"Hear, O Israel;"**: This is the opening imperative of the Shema (from [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema")), a direct address to the covenant people of God. The command "Hear" (Shema) is a call to attentive listening, understanding, and obedient action. It signifies a profound summons to acknowledge and respond to divine truth.
* **"The Lord our God is one Lord:"**: This is the core declaration of the Shema, affirming absolute monotheism. "The Lord our God" (Yahweh Eloheinu) identifies the specific God of Israel, the covenant-keeping God. The climactic "is one Lord" (Yahweh Echad) declares His unique, singular, and indivisible nature. It means He is utterly unique, incomparable, and the sole object of worship and allegiance. There is no other god, nor any division within His singular being.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus' response in Mark 12:29 is rich with literary and rhetorical force. The most prominent device is **Quotation/Allusion**, as Jesus directly quotes [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema"), the Shema. This not only demonstrates His profound knowledge of the Torah but also grounds His teaching in the established, sacred texts of Israel. By quoting this foundational declaration, Jesus affirms its timeless truth and its centrality to the Law. There is also a strong element of **Emphasis** through the very selection of this verse as the "first" commandment, highlighting its preeminence. The structure of the Shema itself, with the repetition of "Lord" (Kyrios), creates a sense of **Solemnity and Authority**, underscoring the gravity of the declaration. Furthermore, Jesus' response carries a **Didactic Tone**, serving as an authoritative teaching that distills the essence of the Law for both the scribe and the broader audience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The declaration "The Lord our God is one Lord" is the theological bedrock of the entire Judeo-Christian faith. It asserts God's absolute singularity, uniqueness, and indivisibility, fundamentally distinguishing biblical monotheism from all forms of polytheism and idolatry. This oneness implies His supreme sovereignty, His incomparable nature, and His exclusive claim to human worship and devotion. The theological implication is that all aspects of life—worship, ethics, and relationships—must be oriented around this singular truth. To acknowledge God as "one Lord" means to reject any rival allegiances, whether to material possessions, human ideologies, or self-worship. It calls for an undivided heart and a life wholly submitted to His Lordship, forming the essential prerequisite for truly loving Him with all one's being, as outlined in the subsequent command.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema")
* [Isaiah 45:5](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5 - God's Uniqueness")
* [1 Corinthians 8:4-6](/1_corinthians/8-4-6 "1 Corinthians 8:4-6 - One God, One Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 12:29 challenges believers today to deeply internalize and live out the truth that "The Lord our God is one Lord." In a world filled with competing allegiances, distractions, and subtle forms of idolatry, this foundational declaration calls us to an exclusive and undivided devotion to the one true God. It compels us to examine our hearts and lives: What truly holds the preeminent place in our affections, our time, and our resources? Is our worship truly directed solely to Him, or are there other "lords" subtly vying for our allegiance? Recognizing God's singular identity should lead to a profound sense of awe, humility, and complete surrender. This truth is not merely an intellectual assent but a call to a unified faith that impacts every facet of our existence—our spiritual disciplines, our ethical choices, our relationships, and our ultimate purpose. It reminds us that all true love for God flows from a clear understanding and unwavering affirmation of who He is: the one, supreme, and incomparable Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does affirming God as "one Lord" impact your daily worship and priorities?**
* **In what ways might modern "idols" (e.g., career, comfort, social media, self-image) subtly compete for the exclusive devotion due to the one true God?**
* **How does the unity of God inform your understanding of Christian unity and your love for others within the body of Christ?**
* **What practical steps can you take to ensure your life reflects an undivided heart for the "one Lord"?**

### FAQ
**What is the "Shema" and why is it so important?**

Answer: The "Shema" refers to the foundational declaration of Jewish faith found in [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema"): "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord." It is named after the first Hebrew word, *Shema*, meaning "Hear" or "Listen." This declaration is supremely important because it establishes the absolute monotheism of Israel's God, distinguishing Him from the polytheistic deities of surrounding nations. It asserts God's unique singularity, His indivisible nature, and His exclusive claim to worship and allegiance. For Jews, it was (and remains) a daily confession, recited morning and evening, serving as a constant reminder of God's covenant identity and the bedrock upon which all other commandments and their relationship with God are built. Jesus' quoting of the Shema in [Mark 12:29](/mark/12-29 "Mark 12:29 - The First Commandment") underscores its timeless and universal significance as the first and greatest truth.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 12:29, with its declaration of "The Lord our God is one Lord," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While affirming the singular identity of God, the New Testament simultaneously reveals Jesus as fully God, the One through whom this singular God is perfectly revealed and made accessible. Jesus, by quoting the Shema, not only upholds the foundational truth of monotheism but also implicitly presents Himself as the very Lord to whom this exclusive devotion is due. He is the pre-existent Word, who "was with God, and the Word was God" ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")), through whom "all things were created" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")). The unified God, previously revealed in part, is now fully and finally revealed in the Son, who is "the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - God Speaks Through His Son")). Therefore, the command to love the "one Lord" with all heart, soul, mind, and strength, as articulated in [Mark 12:30](/mark/12-30 "Mark 12:30 - Love God with All Your Being"), is ultimately fulfilled in loving and obeying Jesus, for He is the embodiment of that one Lord, the very object of our supreme devotion, to whom "every knee should bow... and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Jesus is Lord")).

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

Deuteronomy 6:4

¶ Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God [is] one LORD:

Luke 10:27

And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

Galatians 3:20

Now a mediator is not [a mediator] of one, but God is one.

Romans 3:30

Seeing [it is] one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

Jude 1:25

To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

1 Corinthians 8:4

¶ As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one.

James 2:19

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.