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Mark 12:30
Verse
Context
The Greatest Commandment
29Jesus replied, “This is the most important: ‘Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. 30Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou shalt love the Lord - On the nature and properties of the love of God and man, and the way in which this commandment is fulfilled, see the notes on Mat 22:37, etc.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And thou shalt--We have here the language of law, expressive of God's claims. What then are we here bound down to do? One word is made to express it. And what a word! Had the essence of the divine law consisted in deeds, it could not possibly have been expressed in a single word; for no one deed is comprehensive of all others embraced in the law. But as it consists in an affection of the soul, one word suffices to express it--but only one. Fear, though due to God and enjoined by Him, is limited in its sphere and distant in character. Trust, hope, and the like, though essential features of a right state of heart towards God, are called into action only by personal necessity, and so are--in a good sense, it is true, but still are properly--selfish affections; that is to say, they have respect to our own well-being. But LOVE is an all-inclusive affection, embracing not only every other affection proper to its object, but all that is proper to be done to its object; for as love spontaneously seeks to please its object, so, in the case of men to God, it is the native well spring of a voluntary obedience. It is, besides, the most personal of all affections. One may fear an event, one may hope for an event, one may rejoice in an event; but one can love only a Person. It is the tenderest, the most unselfish, the most divine of all affections. Such, then, is the affection in which the essence of the divine law is declared to consist. Thou shalt love--We now come to the glorious Object of that demanded affection. Thou shalt love the Lord, thy God--that is, Jehovah, the Self-Existent One, who has revealed Himself as the "I AM," and there is none else; who, though by His name JEHOVAH apparently at an unapproachable distance from His finite creatures, yet bears to thee a real and definite relationship, out of which arises His claim and thy duty--of LOVE. But with what are we to love Him? Four things are here specified. First, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God" with thy heart--This sometimes means "the whole inner man" (as Pro 4:23); but that cannot be meant here; for then the other three particulars would be superfluous. Very often it means "our emotional nature"--the seat of feeling as distinguished from our intellectual nature or the seat of thought, commonly called the "mind" (as in Phi 4:7). But neither can this be the sense of it here; for here the heart is distinguished both from the "mind" and the "soul." The "heart," then, must here mean the sincerity of both the thoughts and the feelings; in other words, uprightness or true-heartedness, as opposed to a hypocritical or divided affection. But next, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God" with thy soul. This is designed to command our emotional nature: Thou shalt put feeling or warmth into thine affection. Further, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God" with thy mind--This commands our intellectual nature: Thou shalt put intelligence into thine affection--in opposition to a blind devotion, or mere devoteeism. Lastly, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God" with thy strength--This commands our energies: Thou shalt put intensity into thine affection--"Do it with thy might" (Ecc 9:10). Taking these four things together, the command of the Law is, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy powers--with a sincere, a fervid, an intelligent, an energetic love." But this is not all that the Law demands. God will have all these qualities in their most perfect exercise. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God," says the Law, "with all thy heart," or, with perfect sincerity; "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy soul," or, with the utmost fervor; "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy mind," or, in the fullest exercise of an enlightened reason; and "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy strength," or, with the whole energy of our being! So much for the First Commandment.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the Scribe said unto him,.... This reply of the Scribe, is not related by Matthew: well, Master, thou hast said the truth: what thou hast said is truth, and thou hast expressed it in a most beautiful manner: the Scribe was charmed with his answer, and could not forbear speaking in commendation of it, and even before the multitude, and those of his own sect: this was a rare and uncommon instance; it was not usual with the Scribes and Pharisees, whatever convictions they were laid under, either by the miracles or discourses of Christ, to own any thing, or make any concessions in his favour, or speak in his praise: but this man not only commends him, but gives reasons for it, and confirms the doctrine he taught in his own words; for there is one God, and there is none other but he. The Syriac, Persic, and Ethiopic versions, leave out the word "God"; but it is in the Greek copies, and rightly retained in other versions: for the sense is, that there is one God, and but one; and which is perfectly agreeable to the Christian doctrine, of a Trinity of persons in the Godhead; for though the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God, yet there are not three Gods, but one God. Nor are we to imagine, that this man said or thought any thing to the contrary, or had it in his mind to oppose the doctrine of the Trinity; which, though more clearly revealed in the New Testament, was not unknown to the ancient Jews, and might be learned from the writings of the Old Testament: but this he said, in opposition to the many idols, and fictitious deities of the Gentiles; and if he spake in the Hebrew language, as it is probable he did, there must be a beautiful "paranomasia" in his words; "for there is", "Achad, one God; and there is none", "Achar, other but he": and it is observed by a Jewish writer (y), that the reason why the last letter of, "one", is greater than the rest, as before observed, in Mar 12:29 is, that there might be no mistake of for which are much alike; and if mistook, the word would signify "another", and not "one": but this is done, lest a man should mistake, and worship "another", and not the "one" God. (y) Baal Hatturim, ib.
Mark 12:30
The Greatest Commandment
29Jesus replied, “This is the most important: ‘Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. 30Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Craving for the Presence of the Lord
By David Wilkerson23K57:16Presence of GodEXO 33:18ISA 64:6MRK 12:30In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of being a watchman and warning the body of Christ. He acknowledges that while there will be encouraging messages about communion with Christ and growth, his role is to warn about the difficult times ahead. The pastor also highlights the potential danger of having all needs miraculously met over a long period of time, as it can lead to complacency and hinder a blessed communion with Jesus. He concludes by expressing his conviction that God will protect and provide for His people in the midst of these challenging times, citing Jesus' assurance that He knows what His people need before they even ask.
Baby Jesus
By David Wilkerson4.2K34:44Jesus ChristEXO 20:3MAT 6:33MRK 12:30LUK 2:40JHN 15:14ACT 16:31In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the topic of baby Jesus and the growth of the baby. He emphasizes the importance of giving time to God and feeding our spirits through worship and prayer. The speaker also highlights the need for repentance and turning away from idols that consume our thoughts and time. The sermon concludes with a reminder to prioritize Jesus in our lives and to spend time thinking and talking about Him.
(John - Part 3): The Beauteous World as Made by Him
By A.W. Tozer3.8K50:09ExpositionalJOB 3:3ISA 40:26MAT 6:33MRK 12:30LUK 10:27ROM 8:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God's word in upholding and sustaining the universe. He highlights the beauty and order that God has created in the world. The preacher also criticizes the limited perspective of scientists who only focus on the physical aspects of the world and fail to recognize God's hand in its existence. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of recognizing and praising God as the Lord of all creation.
All to Jesus (Voice Only)
By Compilations3.2K23:47CompilationMAT 6:33MAT 16:24MRK 12:30LUK 9:23LUK 14:33ROM 12:1PHP 3:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on one thing in the Christian life. He highlights the need to stay on the straight path towards God and not get sidetracked by worldly pursuits. The preacher also warns against the self-centered mindset prevalent in many churches today, where personal status and emotions take precedence over a genuine spiritual experience with God. He encourages believers to be fully committed to God, even if it means facing opposition and loneliness. The sermon emphasizes the significance of prayer and the worship of God in the life of a believer.
The Beauteous World as Made by Him, and His Reception Into It
By A.W. Tozer3.0K50:09CreationJOB 3:3ISA 40:26MAT 6:33MRK 12:30LUK 10:27ROM 8:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God's word in upholding and sustaining the universe. He highlights the beauty and order that God has created in the world. The preacher also criticizes the limited perspective of scientists who only focus on the physical aspects of the world and fail to recognize God's hand in its existence. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of recognizing and praising God as the Lord of all creation.
Taking Dominion
By Paul Washer2.6K1:09:02DominionMRK 12:30In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that attending church on Sundays is not enough to truly live out one's Christianity. He urges listeners to go beyond the cosmetic aspects of church and instead focus on the great commandments of loving God and loving others. The speaker also highlights the importance of preaching the gospel and encourages men to take up their role as leaders and influencers in society. He warns against being consumed by worldly pursuits and calls for a return to biblical principles and taking dominion in the world.
All Your Heart (Compilation)
By Compilations2.4K04:41CompilationDEU 6:5PSA 119:2PRO 3:5JER 29:13JOL 2:12MAT 22:37MRK 12:30In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of giving our whole heart to God, rather than settling for 99.9%. The speaker uses examples from everyday life, such as defective tires, flat soft drinks, and incorrect prescriptions, to illustrate the consequences of accepting less than perfection. The speaker also references Denny's restaurant, which strives for 100% customer satisfaction, and argues that if a restaurant can aim for perfection, then we should strive to give our all to God. The sermon concludes by posing the question of whether it is important to give God our whole heart, emphasizing the need for complete surrender to Him.
Hell Is Forever
By Tim Conway2.2K57:07HellGEN 1:27MAT 6:33MRK 12:30LUK 3:9JHN 15:2In this sermon, the preacher acknowledges that many people are not living a life that is pleasing to Christ. He emphasizes the importance of being honest with oneself and recognizing the lack of submission to God's Word. The preacher refers to a video by Ray Comfort where people admit to breaking God's law but do not believe they are going to hell. He then delves into the topic of hell, expressing his fear and trembling as he studies it. The sermon highlights the urgency of recognizing the limits set by God and the fleeting nature of life, with countless people passing into eternity every second. The preacher also mentions Jesus' words about the narrow path to life and the broad way to destruction.
Be Still by Leonard Ravenhill
By Compilations1.7K09:08MAT 16:24MRK 12:30GAL 2:20PHP 2:3JAS 2:141JN 3:18This sermon emphasizes the importance of true love and devotion to God, highlighting the sacrificial love of missionaries like Amy Wilson Carmichael and the need for genuine love and passion for souls. It challenges listeners to move beyond superficial expressions of love and to truly love God through actions and deeds, not just words. The message also touches on the necessity of surrendering self-interest and seeking God's will above all else, even if it means facing ridicule or criticism.
Urbana 87 - the Lordship of Christ
By George Verwer1.6K32:00MRK 12:30In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision and taking action in our faith. He encourages the audience to increase their vision for the whole world and to be proactive in sharing the gospel. The speaker also highlights the need for honesty and examines how we use our time. He shares a personal struggle of finding ways to redeem his time, such as reading the Bible in the car. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the urgency of living a radical and transformative life for God.
You Cannot Love God and the World
By James La Belle1.5K37:02WorldlinessHOS 10:1MAT 6:33MRK 8:36MRK 12:30In this sermon, the focus is on Mark 12:30, where Jesus commands us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. The preacher acknowledges the difficulty of this command and prays for God's grace to enable us to fulfill it. The sermon emphasizes the importance of separating ourselves from the world and looking to God, rather than being enticed by worldly desires. The preacher concludes by challenging the listeners to examine their hearts and determine whether they truly love God or if they are more attached to the world.
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 29:1 - Part 1
By Chuck Smith1.5K25:59ExpositionalISA 29:1MAT 15:8MAT 23:23MRK 12:30LUK 10:422TI 3:7HEB 12:29In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of not just going through the motions of worship, but truly drawing near to God with our hearts. He emphasizes the need to remember the true meaning of Christmas and not get caught up in the busyness of the season. Pastor Smith also highlights the spiritual condition of the world and the need for people to wake up and recognize the moral decay and social problems we are facing. He calls for a sense of urgency and desperation in seeking God's help and guidance in these troubled times.
Three Stages of Spiritual Growth - Part 1
By Zac Poonen1.4K10:13GEN 12:2MAT 6:33MRK 12:30GAL 3:9HEB 11:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of allowing God to bless us and make us a blessing to others, highlighting that fulfilling this purpose is essential in our lives. It urges believers to seek God's will and not wait until the final judgment to realize missed opportunities. The message stresses the significance of faith in God's promises and the need to prioritize Him above all else, as loving God first leads to true blessings and fulfillment in life.
We Need God (Compilation)
By Compilations1.3K19:09CompilationISA 6:1MAT 6:33MRK 12:30LUK 3:16ACT 2:3ROM 12:11REV 3:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not losing the fire and passion for God. He urges preachers who have become too focused on organizing and have lost their zeal to humble themselves and seek God's intervention. The preacher reminds the congregation that God will not beg at their door but instead mercifully knocks, calling them to repentance and surrender. He encourages everyone to cry out to God, asking what they should do to be on fire for Him. The sermon references hymns and quotes from Charles Wesley and John Wesley, highlighting the desire for a constant flame of love and devotion to God.
Loving Jesus
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.2K18:46Loving JesusMRK 12:30JHN 14:23ROM 8:71CO 16:22EPH 2:6EPH 3:8REV 2:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the love of Jesus Christ. He describes it as a love affair between God and humanity, where God proposes his love to us. The preacher highlights that this love is not based on human attachment or affection, but is a deep and transformative love that can turn a beggar into a prince. He emphasizes that this love comes from the Holy Spirit and is the first love that we should have for God. The preacher also contrasts this divine love with the worldly understanding of love, stating that true love is found in Jesus Christ and not in the shallow and self-centered love of the world.
Temptations
By John McGregor1.1K38:38TemptationsDEU 6:16PSA 37:4PSA 91:11MAT 4:4MRK 12:30LUK 4:1JHN 10:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking a stand for Christ and not succumbing to worldly temptations. He highlights how Satan tries to blind people from the truth and prevent them from understanding the gospel. The preacher also discusses the need to delight in the Lord and trust in His promises. He addresses how Satan questions our understanding of God's Word and tries to undermine our needs and relationship with God. Overall, the sermon encourages believers to stay strong in their faith and rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome temptation.
1 John 3
By Robert F. Adcock1.1K46:36MAT 22:37MAT 22:39MRK 12:30MRK 12:37ROM 12:11JN 3:11JN 4:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of showing love through actions rather than just words. They reference Mark chapter 12, where Jesus describes that love is not about performing rituals, but about obeying God's commands. The speaker also highlights the sacrificial love of God, demonstrated through the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. They emphasize that divine love is immeasurable and can only be understood through the work of the Holy Spirit in a person's heart. The sermon concludes with the reminder that God's love will ultimately bring believers home to heaven.
The Lost Gospel by Paul Washer (Compilation)
By Compilations90710:30CompilationDEU 27:26MRK 12:30LUK 7:47ROM 3:23ROM 8:12CO 5:21GAL 3:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of speaking about sin in order to understand the magnitude of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. He argues that without acknowledging our sinful nature, we cannot fully appreciate the forgiveness and love of God. The preacher highlights the concept of imputed guilt, explaining that Jesus took on the sins of his people and was treated as guilty by God the Father. He emphasizes the radical depravity of the human heart and the need for redemption through Christ, who bore the curse of the law on the cross.
Loving Christ Supremely
By Zac Poonen89058:28PSA 73:25MAT 10:37MRK 12:30LUK 7:472CO 11:31TI 1:15HEB 3:131JN 4:19This sermon emphasizes the importance of developing a deep and pure devotion to Jesus Christ, focusing on the need to love Him fervently and to understand the depth of His forgiveness towards us. It challenges listeners to prioritize worshiping God above all else, to seek a genuine relationship with Him, and to be aware of both conscious and unconscious sins in their lives. The message encourages a humble and repentant heart, acknowledging the need for God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome sin and grow spiritually.
Keep the Law
By Paris Reidhead86951:34The LawMRK 12:30JHN 10:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a clear purpose and defined goals in order to live a happy, effective, and fruitful life for the glory of God. He mentions two books, "How to Make a Habit of Succeeding" and "How to Change Your Life in 12 Weeks," which he believes are based on biblical principles. The speaker explains that by firmly fixing an idea in our minds through repeated affirmation, it becomes a plan or blueprint that God uses to direct our efforts towards achieving our goals. He also highlights the need to view the world as a neighborhood and have a moral obligation to want for others what we want for ourselves. The sermon concludes with a call to obey the laws of the mind, the Lord, and the heart, and to seek God's guidance in our lives.
Who Is My Neighbour 24.3.2002
By George Verwer85736:01NeighborEXO 20:3DEU 6:5ISA 6:8MAT 6:33MAT 22:34MRK 12:30LUK 10:27In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reaching out to those in need and sharing the word of God. He highlights the work of the Good Samaritan ministry, which helps refugees, street children, AIDS/HIV victims, and earthquake victims. The speaker encourages the audience to not only focus on their own salvation but also to follow the commandments of loving God and loving their neighbors. He shares stories of the impact of this kind of outreach and urges the audience to take radical steps to reach out to those around them and people all over the world.
Acts 15_pt1
By Bill Gallatin8251:02:48ExpositionalMAT 6:33MRK 12:30JHN 11:25ACT 2:38In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of apprehending grace in the life of a believer. He highlights that grace is more difficult to understand and embrace than getting rid of sin. The preacher encourages the audience to labor to enter into rest, referring to the perfect Sabbath rest found in Jesus Christ. He also mentions the transformative power of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. The sermon concludes with a call to seek a deeper understanding of God's grace through prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
One Life Is Far Too Little
By Basilea Schlink80404:35Radio ShowISA 43:1MAT 10:39MRK 12:30LUK 14:33ROM 12:11CO 2:91JN 4:19In this sermon, the speaker reflects on her decision to enter a sisterhood and the criticism she faced for it. Despite the doubts and judgments of others, she finds immense joy and fulfillment in giving her whole life to Jesus. She emphasizes that Jesus wants complete possession of our lives and that His love is unmatched. The speaker encourages listeners to love Jesus exclusively and wholeheartedly, as only those who have fully given themselves to Him can experience His great and intimate love.
The Mystery of Christ
By Stephen Kaung6911:12:31GEN 1:2MAT 10:37MAT 16:23MRK 12:30LUK 22:42ROM 11:36EPH 3:3PHP 2:5COL 1:27This sermon delves into the mystery of God and the church, emphasizing God's revealed plan for His beloved Son to head up all things. It explores the story of redemption from the restoration of the earth in Genesis to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, highlighting the importance of surrendering all aspects of our lives to Christ. The sermon emphasizes the work of the indwelling Holy Spirit in guiding believers to bring every thought, emotion, and action to the feet of Jesus, aligning with God's eternal purpose for each individual.
Do You Love Me?
By Basilea Schlink66404:35Radio ShowMAT 10:37MAT 22:37MRK 12:30LUK 14:26JHN 14:21JHN 21:15REV 19:9In this sermon, Basilia Schlenk emphasizes the importance of loving Jesus above all else. She highlights the need to surrender our feelings, thoughts, and desires to Him, and to forsake all earthly attachments. Schlenk references the story of Jesus asking Peter if he loves Him in John 21, and applies it to our own lives, stating that only those who truly love Jesus will come to know His love and receive His blessings. She encourages listeners to consider what they may be missing out on by only giving Jesus a divided love, and urges them to wholeheartedly love Him in order to partake in the marriage supper of the Lamb.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou shalt love the Lord - On the nature and properties of the love of God and man, and the way in which this commandment is fulfilled, see the notes on Mat 22:37, etc.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And thou shalt--We have here the language of law, expressive of God's claims. What then are we here bound down to do? One word is made to express it. And what a word! Had the essence of the divine law consisted in deeds, it could not possibly have been expressed in a single word; for no one deed is comprehensive of all others embraced in the law. But as it consists in an affection of the soul, one word suffices to express it--but only one. Fear, though due to God and enjoined by Him, is limited in its sphere and distant in character. Trust, hope, and the like, though essential features of a right state of heart towards God, are called into action only by personal necessity, and so are--in a good sense, it is true, but still are properly--selfish affections; that is to say, they have respect to our own well-being. But LOVE is an all-inclusive affection, embracing not only every other affection proper to its object, but all that is proper to be done to its object; for as love spontaneously seeks to please its object, so, in the case of men to God, it is the native well spring of a voluntary obedience. It is, besides, the most personal of all affections. One may fear an event, one may hope for an event, one may rejoice in an event; but one can love only a Person. It is the tenderest, the most unselfish, the most divine of all affections. Such, then, is the affection in which the essence of the divine law is declared to consist. Thou shalt love--We now come to the glorious Object of that demanded affection. Thou shalt love the Lord, thy God--that is, Jehovah, the Self-Existent One, who has revealed Himself as the "I AM," and there is none else; who, though by His name JEHOVAH apparently at an unapproachable distance from His finite creatures, yet bears to thee a real and definite relationship, out of which arises His claim and thy duty--of LOVE. But with what are we to love Him? Four things are here specified. First, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God" with thy heart--This sometimes means "the whole inner man" (as Pro 4:23); but that cannot be meant here; for then the other three particulars would be superfluous. Very often it means "our emotional nature"--the seat of feeling as distinguished from our intellectual nature or the seat of thought, commonly called the "mind" (as in Phi 4:7). But neither can this be the sense of it here; for here the heart is distinguished both from the "mind" and the "soul." The "heart," then, must here mean the sincerity of both the thoughts and the feelings; in other words, uprightness or true-heartedness, as opposed to a hypocritical or divided affection. But next, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God" with thy soul. This is designed to command our emotional nature: Thou shalt put feeling or warmth into thine affection. Further, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God" with thy mind--This commands our intellectual nature: Thou shalt put intelligence into thine affection--in opposition to a blind devotion, or mere devoteeism. Lastly, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God" with thy strength--This commands our energies: Thou shalt put intensity into thine affection--"Do it with thy might" (Ecc 9:10). Taking these four things together, the command of the Law is, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy powers--with a sincere, a fervid, an intelligent, an energetic love." But this is not all that the Law demands. God will have all these qualities in their most perfect exercise. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God," says the Law, "with all thy heart," or, with perfect sincerity; "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy soul," or, with the utmost fervor; "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy mind," or, in the fullest exercise of an enlightened reason; and "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy strength," or, with the whole energy of our being! So much for the First Commandment.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the Scribe said unto him,.... This reply of the Scribe, is not related by Matthew: well, Master, thou hast said the truth: what thou hast said is truth, and thou hast expressed it in a most beautiful manner: the Scribe was charmed with his answer, and could not forbear speaking in commendation of it, and even before the multitude, and those of his own sect: this was a rare and uncommon instance; it was not usual with the Scribes and Pharisees, whatever convictions they were laid under, either by the miracles or discourses of Christ, to own any thing, or make any concessions in his favour, or speak in his praise: but this man not only commends him, but gives reasons for it, and confirms the doctrine he taught in his own words; for there is one God, and there is none other but he. The Syriac, Persic, and Ethiopic versions, leave out the word "God"; but it is in the Greek copies, and rightly retained in other versions: for the sense is, that there is one God, and but one; and which is perfectly agreeable to the Christian doctrine, of a Trinity of persons in the Godhead; for though the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God, yet there are not three Gods, but one God. Nor are we to imagine, that this man said or thought any thing to the contrary, or had it in his mind to oppose the doctrine of the Trinity; which, though more clearly revealed in the New Testament, was not unknown to the ancient Jews, and might be learned from the writings of the Old Testament: but this he said, in opposition to the many idols, and fictitious deities of the Gentiles; and if he spake in the Hebrew language, as it is probable he did, there must be a beautiful "paranomasia" in his words; "for there is", "Achad, one God; and there is none", "Achar, other but he": and it is observed by a Jewish writer (y), that the reason why the last letter of, "one", is greater than the rest, as before observed, in Mar 12:29 is, that there might be no mistake of for which are much alike; and if mistook, the word would signify "another", and not "one": but this is done, lest a man should mistake, and worship "another", and not the "one" God. (y) Baal Hatturim, ib.