שְׁמַע
Shema
Hear, listen, obey
The most important verse in all of Judaism begins with a single word: Shema! (שְׁמַע) — 'Hear!' Deuteronomy 6:4, known simply as 'The Shema,' is the first prayer Jewish children learn and traditionally the last words spoken before death. Jesus called it the greatest commandment. But the English word 'hear' barely scratches the surface. In Hebrew, shema means to hear, to listen, to understand, AND to obey — all in one word. There is no hearing without doing. When God thunders 'Shema, Israel!' He's not asking for passive listening. He's demanding wholehearted response. This single word contains the entire biblical theology of obedience.
“Hear (Shema), O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.”
Etymology & Root Letters
Shema comes from the root שׁ-מ-ע (shin-mem-ayin), meaning 'to hear, listen, obey.' In Hebrew, hearing and obeying are the same word — because to truly hear God is to respond with action.
How Shema Is Used in Scripture
Shema appears over 1,150 times in the Hebrew Bible. The Shema prayer (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) is the most important declaration in Judaism, recited morning and evening. Jesus quoted it as the greatest commandment (Mark 12:29).
Cultural & Modern Context
The Shema is the first prayer Jewish children learn and traditionally the last words spoken before death. It's recited with eyes covered, symbolizing total focus on God. The final letters of the first and last words spell 'Ed' (עד) — 'witness.'
How to Use Shema in Prayer
Begin your prayer time with 'Shema!' — calling your own heart to attention. True prayer starts with listening, not speaking. Ask God to give you ears that truly hear and a heart that obeys.
People Also Ask About Shema
What is the Shema prayer and why is it so important?
The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) declares: 'Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and strength.' It's the central declaration of Jewish faith, recited twice daily. Jesus quoted it as the greatest commandment (Mark 12:29-30). It affirms God's oneness and demands total devotion.
Why do Jewish people cover their eyes when saying the Shema?
The tradition of covering the eyes during the Shema symbolizes total focus on God — blocking out all visual distractions to concentrate entirely on the declaration of His oneness. It's an act of spiritual intimacy, shutting out the world to hear God alone. The last letters of the first and last words of the Shema spell 'ed' (עד), meaning 'witness.'
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