the Shema was a part of morning and evening prayers as a part of Jewish devotion.16 It is interesting that the quotes in Mark and Luke add “mind” to heart, soul, and strength, whereas Matthew substitutes “mind” for strength. Evidently, Mark and Luke divided the Hebrew “heart” into the categories of emotions and intellect to clear up any confusion about the precise meaning of the word.17 6:6 These commandments are variously interpreted as referring to either the Shema and the Decalogue from the
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