The Three Classes of Mitzvot

The 613 mitzvot (commandments) of the Torah can be divided into three major categories or classes.

The First Class of Mitzvot
(The Greatest Commandment)

Rabbi Joshua ben Joseph [Jesus] was asked, “Which is the greatest mitzvah.” [Mark 12:28] He answered [verse 29], “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your understanding, and with all your strength.”

This “Greatest Mitzvah” is given more detail in the first five of the “ten words” also known as the “ten commandments.”

The first davar (word) declares that God is: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” [Ex. 20:2]

The second davar tells us that we are not to put the physical above the spiritual. In this davar God describes the physical realm of man; heaven, earth, and sea. He also says that He will punish those who place the physical above the spiritual for three or four generations. [Ex. 20:3-6]

The third davar tells us that we are not to take our relationship with God lightly. It is not just a command against cursing or swearing. It is a command about living holy lives. Proverbs 22:1 says, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.” If we do not live holy lives, then we cause God’s name to be blasphemed among the unbelievers. [Romans 2:23-25] If we cause others to blaspheme God because of our actions then we are taking His name (reputation, etc.) lightly and God says that whoever takes His name lightly will not go unpunished. [Ex. 20:7]  In Judaism violation of the third davar is called Chillul HaShem (Desecrating the Name). 

The fourth davar tells us to separate the seventh day from the other six, and to devote it solely and totally to YHVH. [Ex. 20:8-11]

Although the fifth davar is sometimes listed with the last five davarim, it is also often listed with the first four. The fifth davar tells us to honor our fathers and mothers.  Unless we honor our parents who gave us life, how can we honor the Creator who creates all life? This davar is not just to give “honor where honor is due,” it is an unconditional command. This honor does not have to be earned. It is due regardless of whether it is “deserved” or not. Almost all spiritual healing comes when one learns to forgive the short-comings of one’s parents and take responsibility for one’s own life. For some (especially those from abusive backgrounds) this can be the most difficult challenge of all. [Ex. 20:12]

The “greatest mitzvah” is given even more detail in many other mitzvot in the Torah that deal with man’s relationship with God. Some other mitzvot that fall within this class of “Greater Mitzvot” are all the mitzvot that deal with holiness. Among these are the “family purity” rules; the cleanliness rules; the dietary rules; the rules of marriage & morality; the instruction to wear tzit-tzitot; the prohibition on mixing animal and plant fibers in clothing; the instruction to write the Ten Davarim on the doorposts of your house; and the instruction to teach the Torah to your children. 

The Second Class of Mitzvot
(The Second Commandment)

The second class of mitzvot deals with man’s relationship with man.

After explaining what the greatest commandment was, Rabbi Joshua said, “The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” [Mark 12:31]

This “Lesser Mitzvah” is given more detail in the last five of the “ten words” also known as the “ten commandments.”

The sixth davar (word) says that we should not commit murder. [Ex. 20:13] But, as Yeshua explained, this commandment goes much deeper than this.

The seventh davar tells us to not commit adultery. [Ex. 20:14]

The eighth davar tells us to not steal. [Ex. 20:15]

The ninth davar tells us to not commit perjury. [Ex. 20:16]

The tenth davar tells us not to envy the rich. [Ex. 20:12]

The second category of mitzvah is given even more detail in many other mitzvot in the Torah that deal with man’s relationship with man. Some other mitzvot that fall within this class of mitzvot are all the mitzvot that deal with justice, fairness and honesty. Among these are the instructions to use honest weights and measures; to not move boundary markers; to find the rightful owner of lost items; to be generous to the poor; restitution for theft or damage; and many more. Violating these rules is also a violation of the third davar.

The Third Class of Mitzvot
(The Least of the Commandments)

The third class of mitzvot deals with man’s relationship with animals and his environment.

Rabbi Joshua said: “Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these mitzvot, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” [Matthew 5:19-20]

Rabbi Joshua taught that it was not enough to keep the “Greatest Mitzvah” and the “Second Mitzvah," but it is essential to keep all of the mitzvot -- even the “Least of the Mitzvot.”  Rabbinic literature identifies a mitzvah which is called “the least of the mitzvot.” This mitzvah is found in Deuteronomy 22:6:

In our modern society, many want to put the welfare of the environment above the welfare of their fellow man. Those who hold such views also have little regard for God or his mitzvot. This is exactly upside-down. Though we are to be good stewards of the earth that God has given us, we must never put the needs of the environment above the needs of man -- and we should never put the physical above the spiritual. [It should be noted that the modern environmental movement uses pseudo-spirituality to justify its excesses, but it is definitely not Godly spirituality.]

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