Matthew 22:40

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

On {G1722} these {G5025} two {G1417} commandments {G1785} hang {G2910} all {G3650} the law {G3551} and {G2532} the prophets {G4396}.

Complete Jewish Bible

All of the Torah and the Prophets are dependent on these two mitzvot."

Berean Standard Bible

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

American Standard Version

On these two commandments the whole law hangeth, and the prophets.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 22:40 encapsulates Jesus' profound summation of God's entire moral and ethical revelation to humanity. Following His declaration of the two greatest commandments—love for God and love for neighbor—He states that "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." This declaration underscores the foundational nature of love as the essence, interpretive key, and ultimate fulfillment of all divine instruction, revealing the unified and relational heart of God's will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climactic conclusion to a series of challenging encounters Jesus had with various Jewish religious factions in Jerusalem, as recorded in [Matthew 21-22](/matthew/21 "Matthew 21-22 - Jesus' Confrontations in Jerusalem"). After Jesus silenced the Sadducees regarding the resurrection ([Matthew 22:23-33](/matthew/22-23-33 "Matthew 22:23-33 - Jesus Debates the Sadducees")), a lawyer, described as a Pharisee, stepped forward to test Him with the question, "Which is the great commandment in the law?" ([Matthew 22:36](/matthew/22-36 "Matthew 22:36 - The Lawyer's Question")). This was a common rabbinic debate, with scholars often attempting to prioritize the 613 Mosaic commandments. Instead of choosing one, Jesus skillfully synthesized two distinct commands from the Torah—[Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment to Love God") (love for God) and [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - The Command to Love Your Neighbor") (love for neighbor)—and then declared that the entirety of God's revealed will "hangs" upon them, thereby elevating love as the supreme principle governing all divine instruction.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judaism was characterized by a deep reverence for the Torah, the Law of Moses, which comprised 613 commandments (248 positive and 365 negative). Rabbinic schools often engaged in intricate debates about the relative importance of these commandments, seeking to identify a "heavy" (more significant) or "light" (less significant) command, or even a single principle that could summarize them all. This context explains the lawyer's question, which was not necessarily malicious but rather a common intellectual exercise. The phrase "the Law and the Prophets" was a standard Jewish idiom referring to the entire Hebrew Scriptures, the Old Testament. By stating that "all the law and the prophets" depend on these two love commands, Jesus was not abolishing the Law but rather revealing its true intent and purpose, moving beyond a mere external adherence to rules towards an internal, relational transformation.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to Jesus' teaching and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the **Supremacy of Love**, establishing both vertical love (for God with one's entire being, as in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Shema")) and horizontal love (for one's neighbor as oneself, as in [Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor")) as the ultimate principles governing all divine commands. This highlights the **Unity and Simplicity of God's Will**, demonstrating that despite the vastness and complexity of the Old Testament Law, its essence can be distilled into these two interconnected principles. Furthermore, the concept of the Law and Prophets "hanging" implies the **Fulfillment of Scripture**, suggesting that these two commandments are the foundation, the support, and the interpretive key for understanding all of God's revelation. Without love, the detailed regulations and prophetic messages lose their true spirit and purpose, a concept echoed in Paul's teaching that "love is the fulfilling of the law" ([Romans 13:10](/romans/13-10 "Romans 13:10 - Love Fulfills the Law")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **commandments (Greek, _entolḗ'_):** From G1785, meaning an injunction or authoritative prescription. Here, it refers specifically to the divine directives given by God. Jesus' choice to combine two distinct commandments into a singular, overarching principle demonstrates that while the individual commands are important, their true essence and purpose are found in the broader context of love. These are not mere human suggestions but authoritative divine mandates.
* **hang (Greek, _kremánnymi'_):** From G2910, meaning "to hang" or "to be suspended." This vivid verb creates a powerful image. It implies that the entire structure, weight, and meaning of "the law and the prophets" are supported by, dependent upon, and derive their stability from these two foundational commands of love. Just as a heavy object depends on a strong support, or a door hangs on its hinges, so the entirety of God's revelation finds its support and proper operation in these two principles.
* **law (Greek, _nómos'_):** From G3551, referring to law, especially the Mosaic Law, or a principle. In the context of "the law and the prophets," it specifically denotes the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Old Testament) and by extension, the entire body of God's revealed will contained therein. Jesus' statement implies that the detailed regulations and statutes of the Law are not arbitrary but are expressions of, and ultimately serve, the overarching principles of love for God and neighbor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"On these two commandments":** Jesus refers to the two great commandments He has just articulated: love for God with all one's heart, soul, and mind ([Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Shema")) and love for one's neighbor as oneself ([Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor")). The preposition "On" (Greek, _en'_ from G1722) signifies the foundational basis or point of support. These two commands are not merely important among others, but are the very bedrock upon which everything else rests.
* **"hang all the law and the prophets":** This clause reveals the profound relationship between the two love commands and the entire Old Testament. "The law and the prophets" is a common merism, a figure of speech where two contrasting parts represent the whole, signifying the entire body of Hebrew Scripture. The verb "hang" (Greek, _kremánnymi'_ from G2910) vividly portrays the dependence. It means that the entire Old Testament—its narratives, prophecies, laws, wisdom, and poetry—is suspended from, supported by, and finds its ultimate meaning and coherence in these two principles of love. Without love, the Law becomes legalism, and the Prophets' messages lose their ethical and spiritual heart.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in Matthew 22:40 is **Metaphor**. When Jesus states that "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets," He is not speaking literally of physical suspension. Instead, He employs a vivid metaphorical image of the entire Old Testament (represented by "the law and the prophets") being suspended from or dependent upon these two fundamental principles of love. This metaphor powerfully conveys the idea that love for God and neighbor is the foundational support, the interpretive key, and the ultimate purpose for all of God's revealed will. Additionally, the phrase "the law and the prophets" itself is an example of **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting parts are used to represent a whole. In this case, "the law" (Torah) and "the prophets" (Nevi'im, often including the Ketuvim or Writings) together signify the entire Hebrew Bible, emphasizing the comprehensive scope of Jesus' statement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 22:40 profoundly encapsulates the essence of biblical ethics and theology, revealing that the myriad commands and prophetic utterances of the Old Testament are not disparate rules but emanate from, and point back to, the singular, unifying principle of love. This declaration elevates love from a mere emotion or one virtue among many to the very core of divine character and human responsibility. It teaches that true obedience is not a mechanical adherence to external regulations but a heartfelt response of love towards God and, consequently, towards His image-bearers. This concept transcends legalism, inviting believers into a relationship-centered faith where all actions are evaluated through the lens of love, fostering a holistic spirituality that impacts both one's vertical relationship with the Creator and horizontal relationships within community.

* [Romans 13:8-10](/romans/13-8-10 "Romans 13:8-10 - Love as the Fulfillment of the Law")
* [Galatians 5:14](/galatians/5-14 "Galatians 5:14 - The Whole Law Fulfilled in One Word")
* [James 2:8](/james/2-8 "James 2:8 - The Royal Law of Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 22:40 offers a timeless and profoundly practical framework for Christian living. In a world often characterized by complexity and moral ambiguity, Jesus provides a clear, unifying principle: love. This verse challenges believers to move beyond a superficial understanding of rules and regulations to embrace the spirit of the Law—a spirit of genuine, self-sacrificial love. When faced with ethical dilemmas, interpersonal conflicts, or decisions about how to best honor God, the two great commandments serve as an infallible moral compass. Asking "Does this action demonstrate love for God?" and "Does it demonstrate genuine love for my neighbor?" can powerfully filter our choices, guiding us toward alignment with God's heart. This perspective liberates us from burdensome legalism and invites us into a vibrant, relationship-centered faith where obedience flows naturally from a heart transformed by divine love, making our faith tangible and impactful in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might focusing on these two commandments simplify your approach to daily ethical decisions?**
* **In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to express love for God or love for your neighbor, and what steps can you take to grow in these areas?**
* **How does understanding love as the "hanging point" of the Law and Prophets change your perception of biblical commands and narratives?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to intentionally demonstrate love for God and for those around you?**

### FAQ
**What does "the law and the prophets" mean in this context?**

Answer: "The law and the prophets" is a common Jewish idiom that refers to the entire body of the Old Testament Scriptures. "The Law" (Torah) primarily encompasses the first five books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy), which contain the foundational laws and narratives of Israel. "The Prophets" (Nevi'im) refers to the prophetic books, both former (e.g., Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings) and latter (e.g., Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, the Twelve Minor Prophets). Together, these terms represent the complete written revelation of God to Israel before the time of Jesus, indicating that His summary of love applies to the entirety of God's revealed will. Jesus' statement means that the entire Old Testament finds its ultimate meaning and purpose in these two commands of love.

**Why are these two commandments considered the "greatest" and the foundation for all others?**

Answer: These two commandments are "greatest" because they encapsulate the very character of God and the essence of His relationship with humanity. Love for God ([Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Shema")) addresses the vertical dimension of our faith, acknowledging God's supreme worthiness and our complete dependence on Him. Love for neighbor ([Leviticus 19:18](/leviticus/19-18 "Leviticus 19:18 - Love Your Neighbor")) addresses the horizontal dimension, recognizing that all people are created in God's image and deserve our respect, compassion, and care. All other commandments, whether moral, ceremonial, or civil, are ultimately expressions or applications of these two fundamental principles. For example, commandments like "You shall not murder" or "You shall not steal" are direct outgrowths of loving your neighbor. Similarly, commands regarding worship and reverence spring from loving God. As [Paul explains in Romans 13:9-10](/romans/13-9-10 "Romans 13:9-10 - Love Fulfills the Law"), "Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 22:40 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ Himself. He is not merely the one who articulates these two great commandments; He is the living embodiment of them. Jesus perfectly loved God, demonstrated by His unwavering obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience unto Death")). His entire life was a seamless expression of love for His neighbor, as He healed the sick, fed the hungry, taught the lost, and ultimately laid down His life for humanity's salvation ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ not only fulfilled the Law's demands but also provided the means for humanity to truly live out these commands. The Holy Spirit, given through Christ, empowers believers to love God and neighbor, transforming hearts of stone into hearts of flesh that can genuinely obey these foundational principles ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")). Thus, in Christ, the "law and the prophets" do not merely hang; they are perfectly accomplished, and their essence—love—is made accessible and actionable for all who believe.

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

Romans 13:9

For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if [there be] any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Matthew 7:12

¶ Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

1 John 4:19

We love him, because he first loved us.

1 John 4:21

And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

John 1:17

For the law was given by Moses, [but] grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

1 John 4:7

¶ Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

1 John 4:11

Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.