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Matthew 19

And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;

And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.

The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?

And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,

And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?

He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.

And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.

But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.

For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.

And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,

Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?

Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?

And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

What does Matthew 19:11 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 19:11 is a verse where Jesus responds to His disciples' reaction to a teaching He had just given about marriage and divorce.

He had told them that it was not lawful to divorce for any reason other than sexual immorality.

The disciples responded by saying that if such was the case of a man with his wife, it would be better not to marry.

In response, Jesus says that not everyone can accept this teaching, but only those to whom it has been "given" or granted the ability to comprehend and live by this principle.

This suggests that Jesus is acknowledging that celibacy or the calling to remain unmarried is a gift and is not expected from everyone, only those who are given the ability by God to live a celibate life.

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Historical Context

Matthew 19:11 must be understood in the context of first-century Jewish law and custom surrounding marriage and divorce.

During that time, divorce was relatively common and could be initiated by the husband for various reasons, some considered quite trivial by today's standards.

Rabbi Hillel, one of the most famous rabbis of the time, allowed divorce for almost any reason, while Rabbi Shammai had a stricter interpretation, allowing divorce only in the case of sexual impropriety.

Jesus' teaching was revolutionary because it placed a much higher value on the sanctity of marriage.

By stating that not everyone can accept His stringent view on marriage and celibacy, He pointed to the reality that the ability to live unmarried for the kingdom of heaven's sake was a special calling and gift from God, not a universal expectation for all believers.

Theological Insights

From different theological standpoints, Matthew 19:11 is viewed in distinctive lights:

Catholic Theology: This verse is often cited in the Catholic tradition to support the practice of celibacy among priests, monks, and nuns. Celibacy is seen as a gift and calling from God, enabling certain individuals to dedicate themselves more fully to the service of God and the Church.
Protestant Theology: In Protestant theology, while the gift of celibacy is recognized, there is also strong emphasis on the "priesthood of all believers," which suggests that all life callings, including marriage, are equally valid ways to serve God.
Personal Vocation: Some Christians interpret this verse as indicating that each person has a unique calling or vocation from God, whether to marriage, celibacy, or some other way of life.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can be used to help individuals discern their own life choices regarding marriage and singleness.

It teaches that celibacy is not compulsory for all but is a specific calling that should be embraced by those who feel led by God to do so.

This can provide comfort and affirmation to those who choose a life of singleness as a vocation and can also provide a framework for understanding that all callings are valuable and purposeful in the eyes of God.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 7:7-9 (KJV): "For I would that all men were even as I myself.

But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.

I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I...."

1 Corinthians 7:17 (KJV): "But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk.

And so ordain I in all churches."

Revelation 14:4 (KJV): "These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins.

These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.

These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb."

Language Study

In the original Greek text of Matthew 19:11, the key phrase is "οὐ πάντες χωροῦσιν τὸν λόγον" which literally means "not all can accept the word." The word "χωροῦσιν" (can accept/receive) carries the connotation of making room for something or being able to hold something. "τὸν λόγον" (the word/saying) refers to the teaching or instruction given by Jesus.

Further, "εἰ μὴ οἷς δέδοται" means "except to those to whom it has been given." The word "δέδοται" (has been given) comes from the root "δίδωμι," which means to give, emphasizing that the capacity to live out this teaching is seen as a gift bestowed by God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing Matthew 19:11 with other ancient cultural practices, celibacy as a spiritual vocation has parallels in various religious traditions.

For instance, in Buddhism, monks and nuns take vows of celibacy as part of their monastic life in pursuit of spiritual liberation.

Ancient Roman Vestal Virgins, on the other hand, maintained a sacred vow of chastity for a period of time to serve the goddess Vesta.

However, the Christian idea of celibacy as expressed in this verse is unique in its association as a gift given specifically by God for church ministry and the kingdom of heaven.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, while there is no inherent biological requirement for celibacy, it can have various personal and social impacts.

Studies have shown that people who take a vow of celibacy can live fulfilling lives, and in some cases might have more time and energy to dedicate to community and societal contributions.

However, scientific research also indicates that human sexuality is a complex aspect of overall well-being, and therefore celibacy as a lifestyle choice can have different psychological implications for different individuals.

Commentaries

Experts and biblical commentators offer a range of interpretations of Matthew 19:11:

William Barclay: Barclay suggests that Jesus is recognizing that celibacy is not a way of life that is meant for everybody, but rather a special gift that God gives to a certain few.
Craig S. Keener: In his commentary, Keener notes that Jesus refutes the idea that everyone can live the celibate life, supporting the view that it is a specific calling and not a requirement for all Christians.
R.T. France: France emphasizes that Jesus is not commanding celibacy for all but is acknowledging it as a voluntary and exceptional response to the kingdom of God, which is not to be lightly undertaken.

Each of these perspectives highlights the understanding that celibacy, according to this verse, is seen as a special calling or gift rather than a universal command.

Matthew 19

Matthew 19

What does Matthew 19:11 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Matthew 19:11 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Matthew Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?