Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 22:40

"On these two commandments the whole law hangeth, and the prophets." — Matthew 22:40 (ASV)

This verse is distinctive though enigmatic. How do all the Law and the Prophets “hang on” (GK 3203) these two commandments?

First, the two commandments stand together. The first without the second is intrinsically impossible (cf. 1Jn 4:20), and the second cannot stand without the first—even theoretically—because disciplined altruism is not love. True love demands abandonment of self to God, and God alone is the adequate incentive for such abandonment.

Jesus also suggests that the basis of human love as beginning with the heart’s sincere relationship with God is in keeping with the prophetic tradition of the OT (1 Samuel 15:22; Isaiah 1:11–18; et al.). Sterile religion, no matter how disciplined, was never regarded as adequate.

The main point Jesus makes is the priority of love within the law. These two commandments are the greatest because all Scripture “hangs” on them; i.e., nothing in Scripture can cohere or be truly obeyed unless these two are observed. The entire biblical revelation demands heart religion marked by total allegiance to God, loving him and loving one’s neighbor. Without these two commandments the Bible is sterile. This section therefore prepares the way for the denunciations of 23:1–36 and conforms fully to Jesus’ teaching elsewhere.