The [**Shema**](https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-shema#:~:text=The%20Shema%20is%20an%20affirmation,6%3A7). is a foundational declaration of faith in Judaism, it is summarized in [Deuteronomy 6:4](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/DEU.6.4): > [!bible]+ [Deuteronomy 6:4 - ESV](https://bolls.life/ESV/5/6/) > 4. “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. %% #Deuteronomy %% This affirmation is central to Jewish identity and worship. It serves as a daily reminder of the covenant between God and His people, emphasizing God's singularity and sovereignty. The Shema is so significant that it is recited in prayers and rituals, everyday ([Jewish Virtual Library](https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/the-shema#:~:text=The%20Shema%20is%20an%20affirmation,6%3A7).)). In the New Testament, Jesus reaffirms the Shema when asked about the greatest commandment. In **Mark 12:29**, He responds > [!bible]+ [Mark 12:29 - ESV](https://bolls.life/ESV/41/12/) > 29. Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. %% #Mark %% By restating the Shema, Jesus emphases the importance of loving God with all one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength. His endorsement of the Shema demonstrates His recognition of its foundational role in understanding God’s nature. ### Understanding "Echad" vs. "Yachid" The Hebrew word for "one" used in the Shema is **echad**. The word **echad** in the Hebrew language functions in precisely the same manner as the word “one” does in the English language. In the English language it can be said, “these four chairs and the table make up one dinette set,” or alternatively, “There is one penny in my hand.” Using these two examples, it is easy to see how the English word “one” can mean either many things in one, as in the case of the dinette set, or one alone, as in the case of the penny. So the context of the passage will determine if **echad** is a compound unity or a just one ([[Swanson2015-le]]). > [!example] Scriptural Examples Of **echad** > - [Deuteronomy 17:6](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/DEU.17.6) >- [Deuteronomy 19:15](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/DEU.19.15) >- [Ecclesiastes 4:8](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ECC.4.8) >- [Exodus 9:6](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/EXO.9.6) >- [Numbers 13:2](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/NUM.13.2) >- [Genesis 42:11](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/GEN.42.11) In contrast, the word **yachid** refers to a singularity that implies absolute oneness without any diversity or plurality. A good English example is the phrase "one individual," which highlights a solitary existence without the possibility of division. For instance, **yachid** is used in [Genesis 22:2](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/GEN.22.2), where God commands Abraham to offer his “only” son Isaac. In this context, **yachid** emphasizes that Isaac is unique and singular ([[KittelUnknown-as]])). > [!example] Scriptural Examples Of **yachid** > - [Genesis 22:2](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/GEN.22.2) > - [Judges 11:34](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JDG.11.34) > - [Zechariah 12:10](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ZEC.12.10) > - [Jeremiah 6:26](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JER.6.26): ### Why the Shema Doesn't Contradict the Trinity The **Shema’s** declaration that “the LORD is one” has often been interpreted as a clear affirmation of strict monotheism. However, this understanding does not necessarily contradict the doctrine of the Trinity. The key lies in the nuanced meanings of **echad** and the broader context of God's nature as revealed throughout Scripture. Many theologians argue that the word **echad** allows for a multifaceted understanding of God's unity. Richard Bauckham, in [The Unity of God](https://www.amazon.com/Unity-God-Richard-Bauckham/dp/1850755590), explains that the term can signify a composite unity, similar to how we use "one" in English to describe a single entity made up of various components, such as a family or a team. This interpretation opens the door to viewing God as one essence expressed in three distinct persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—without compromising the oneness proclaimed in the Shema. Furthermore, Robert Reymond, in [The Trinity: Evidence and Issues](https://www.amazon.com/Trinity-Evidence-Issues-Robert-Reymond/dp/1885767170) emphasizes that the relational dynamics within the Godhead do not contradict the monotheistic affirmation of the Shema. [[Friedrich1959-rt|Gerhard Kittel]], notes that the richness of Hebrew thought often accommodates complexities that Western conceptions of monotheism may overlook. ### Conclusion While some may assert that the Shema disproves the Trinity by emphasizing God's singularity, a deeper examination reveals that it provides a nuanced foundation for understanding God's complex unity. The Shema, when viewed alongside the teachings of Jesus and the implications of the Hebrew language, enriches rather than diminishes the doctrine of the Trinity. This understanding invites both Jews and Christians to explore the profound mystery of God's nature together.