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how did the ancient israelites understand 'heart', 'soul', and 'might' as distinct aspects of a person?

PlainDeeperStudy

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Deuteronomy 6:5

“You shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.”

This verse is part of the Shema, a central declaration of faith in Judaism, given by Moses to the Israelites as they stood on the border of the promised land. It calls for total devotion to God.

What does a 'whole-person' devotion practically look like in our lives today?

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Read alongside it

  • Matthew 22:37

    Jesus quotes this verse as the greatest commandment, adding 'mind' to the list of devotion.

  • Mark 12:30

    Another Gospel account of Jesus's emphasis on wholehearted love for God.

  • 1 Samuel 16:7

    Reminds us that God looks at the heart, not just outward appearance.

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