Mark 12 29

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:

Mark 12:29 nkjv

Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is: 'Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one.

Mark 12:29 niv

"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.

Mark 12:29 esv

Jesus answered, "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.

Mark 12:29 nlt

Jesus replied, "The most important commandment is this: 'Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD.

Mark 12 verses

Mark 12 29 Meaning

Mark 12:29 records Jesus' definitive response to the scribe's question regarding the most important commandment. He declares the "Shema" from Deuteronomy 6:4 as paramount: a foundational affirmation of God's absolute unity and singularity. This verse establishes that the supreme truth upon which all other divine commands rest is the exclusive nature of God—He is uniquely and indivisibly one. This truth necessitates an undivided love and devotion to Him.

Mark 12 29 Context

Mark chapter 12 details a series of challenges and confrontations Jesus faced during His final week in Jerusalem. Following the parable of the wicked tenants and direct opposition from the chief priests, scribes, and elders (12:1-12), Jesus skillfully handles traps set by the Pharisees and Herodians regarding taxes (12:13-17) and by the Sadducees regarding the resurrection and marriage in the age to come (12:18-27). This particular verse, 12:29, occurs as a culmination of these theological debates. A scribe, who has witnessed Jesus' astute answers to others, approaches Him not to entrap, but seemingly to inquire genuinely. He asks, "Which commandment is the foremost of all?" (12:28). Jesus' reply, beginning with Mark 12:29, goes straight to the heart of Jewish theology—the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4), which devout Jews recited daily. By placing the oneness of God as the foundation, Jesus reinforces fundamental monotheistic truth before presenting the subsequent command to love God and neighbor. This demonstrates His profound understanding and endorsement of the core principles of the Torah, not in a legalistic way, but by revealing its central spirit.

Mark 12 29 Word analysis

• And: Kai (καί) - A simple conjunction, connecting Jesus' response to the scribe's question. It signifies continuation and direct engagement.
• Jesus: Iēsous (Ἰησοῦς) - The name of the Son of God, signifying His role as Savior. His answer here carries divine authority and wisdom, revealing the heart of the Law.
• answered: Apekrithē (ἀπεκρίθη) - Literally "he responded." It denotes a decisive and clear answer, not a mere reply, but an authoritative pronouncement. This highlights Jesus' mastery and command over scriptural interpretation.
• Him: Autō (αὐτῷ) - Refers directly to the scribe. Jesus gives a direct and focused answer to the individual seeker.
• The first of all: Protē pantōn (πρώτη πάντων) - Emphasizes the supreme importance and priority. This isn't just one commandment among others, but the preeminent one that gives order and meaning to all subsequent commands. It's the source from which all others flow.
• is: Estin (ἐστίν) - "It is," or "it stands as." An absolute declaration of truth, emphasizing the unchanging nature of this commandment.
• Hear: Akoue (Ἄκουε) - A command in the imperative, demanding active listening, understanding, and obedient attention. It implies not just auditory reception, but an inward assimilation of truth and a response of the will. It directly translates the Hebrew Shema (שְׁמַע) and serves as an invocation for all who profess faith.
• O Israel: Israel (Ἰσραήλ) - Addresses the covenant people of God, linking this declaration directly to their national identity, heritage, and ongoing relationship with Yahweh. This truth is foundational for every individual belonging to God's chosen people, historically and spiritually.
• The Lord: Kyrios (Κύριος) - Represents the divine name, YHWH (Yahweh) from the Old Testament, denoting absolute sovereignty, supreme authority, and covenant faithfulness. It implies the singular, transcendent being who is to be worshipped.
• our God: Ho Theos hēmōn (ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν) - "Our God." This specifies the unique relationship God has with His people Israel, a covenantal relationship established and sustained by His character and promises. It is a personal and communal confession.
• the Lord: Kyrios (Κύριος) - Repeated for emphasis and clarity, highlighting that it is this very Lord who possesses the characteristic of unity.
• is one: Heis Estin (εἷς ἐστίν) - "He is one" or "The Lord is unique." This is the core declaration of monotheism, translating the Hebrew Echad (אֶחָד) from Deuteronomy 6:4. It asserts God's indivisible singularity, His absolute uniqueness, and His unparalleled nature. It opposes polytheism and idol worship, declaring that there is no other true God. This unity underpins the entire fabric of biblical theology, establishing that all divine attributes and actions proceed from a singular, unified essence. It also lays the groundwork for undivided devotion.

Mark 12 29 Bonus section

The profound declaration "the Lord our God, the Lord is one" has been a central pillar of Jewish identity for millennia. It is more than a statement of numerical quantity (one God instead of many); it signifies God's utter uniqueness, incomparability, and indivisibility. This "oneness" forms the basis for God's holy and jealous nature, as He will not share His glory or power with any other (Isa 42:8). For Christians, this monotheistic foundation of the "Shema" is not abrogated but is seen as fulfilled and deepened in the mystery of the Trinity. While recognizing God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Christian theology affirms that these three Persons constitute one divine being, one essence—thus upholding the biblical teaching of the singularity of God, yet revealing a multifaceted nature of that singular being. The unity of God in Mark 12:29 establishes the single ultimate object of worship for all true believers, setting the stage for Jesus' subsequent teaching on the comprehensive love for this one God.

Mark 12 29 Commentary

Jesus' answer to the scribe unveils the deepest theological truth: the singular unity of God is the foundation of all righteous living. By quoting the "Shema," a cornerstone of Jewish faith, Jesus affirmed the supreme importance of monotheism. This isn't merely an abstract theological statement; it is a declaration with profound implications for how humanity should relate to God. The phrase "the Lord our God, the Lord is one" demands exclusive devotion, setting God apart from all other purported deities or anything that might compete for one's ultimate allegiance.

This unity of God requires an equally unified and holistic response of love, as seen in the very next verse (Mk 12:30). Because God is One, our love for Him must not be fragmented or divided. Our heart, soul, mind, and strength must all be singularly devoted to Him. This foundational truth of monotheism directly confronts polytheistic tendencies, idolatry (whether overt or subtle in material possessions, career, or self), and any divided loyalties. Understanding God as echad means His purposes, His character, and His will are always coherent and perfectly aligned. His law is not arbitrary, but flows from His singular, holy nature. For practical application, this means seeking to know God as He has revealed Himself, eliminating rival gods from our lives (be they physical idols or the idols of comfort, approval, or success), and striving for integrated obedience that flows from a heart completely given over to Him.