Created: Sun 22-June-2025 - 19:13

Midrash Bible Study Example - Matthew 22.37

Let’s take Matthew 22:37 as our case study and explore it exegetically with Midrash and Yeshua’s teachings.

Here’s the verse:

This is part of Yeshua’s response to the question about the "greatest commandment" (Matt 22:36).

Let’s break it down step-by-step using Midrashic methods and Jewish context.

1. Identify the Source: Deuteronomy 6:5 (The Shema)

Yeshua is quoting Deuteronomy 6:5, part of the Shema (Deut 6:4–9), the most central prayer in Judaism.

• Hebrew Text (Deut 6:5):

  וְאָהַבְתָּ אֵת יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ בְּכָל־לְבָבְךָ וּבְכָל־נַפְשְׁךָ וּבְכָל־מְאֹדֶךָ
  "Ve'ahavta et Adonai Elohecha, bechol levavcha, uvechol nafshecha, uvechol me'odecha."
  "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might."

• Key Differences:

  • Matthew adds "mind" (Greek: dianoia), while Deuteronomy says "might" (Hebrew: me'od).

  • Yeshua combines this with Leviticus 19:18 ("Love your neighbor"), creating a new hermeneutic link.

2. Search for Midrashic Parallels on Deuteronomy 6:5

Using Sefaria.org, let’s find how Jewish tradition interpreted this verse:

A. Mishnah & Talmud

• Mishnah Berakhot 2:2 – Discusses the obligation to recite the Shema with focused intention (kavanah).

• Talmud Berakhot 54a – Explores what it means to love God "with all your soul" (even if He takes your life).

B. Midrash Rabbah

• Deuteronomy Rabbah 2:4 – Expands on "with all your heart":

  "Serve Him with both your inclinations [good and evil]."
  (This mirrors Yeshua’s call for undivided devotion.)

C. Targum Jonathan (Aramaic Expansion)

• Adds: "with all your wealth" for "me'od" (might), aligning with Matthew’s emphasis on total commitment.

3. Yeshua’s Midrashic Innovation

Yeshua’s teaching here is a form of midrash—linking Deut 6:5 and Lev 19:18 to summarize the Torah.

A. Why Add "Mind" (Dianoia)?

• Greek-speaking Jews (like Philo) already associated me'od ("might") with the mind’s faculties.

• Matthew’s audience: Gentile believers needed clarity on inward devotion (not just ritual).

B. Linking Love of God and Neighbor

• Midrashic precedent: Rabbi Akiva called Lev 19:18 the "great principle of the Torah" (Sifra Kedoshim).

• Yeshua goes further by equating the two loves (Matt 22:39–40).

4. Practical Application

• Jewish context: The Shema was recited twice daily—Yeshua elevates it from ritual to heart transformation.

• Paul’s midrash: Romans 13:9 echoes Yeshua’s linking of Deut 6:5 and Lev 19:18.

5. Logos.com Cross-References

• NT Use of Deut 6:5:

  • Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, Luke 10:27 (with additions like "strength").

• Early Church Fathers: Origen ties "all your mind" to battling heresies (On First Principles).

6. Key Takeaways

1. Yeshua roots His teaching in the Shema but expands it for His audience.

2. Midrashim on Deut 6:5 emphasize total devotion—even martyrdom (Berakhot 54a).

3. The combination with Lev 19:18 is revolutionary yet grounded in Jewish thought (e.g., Rabbi Akiva).

Further Study

• Sefaria: Read Deuteronomy Rabbah 2 on the Shema.

• Logos: Check how early Christians interpreted this (e.g., Augustine’s On Christian Doctrine).

Would you like to explore another passage or dive deeper into this one?

"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love Him with all..." (Deut 6:4–5)