What does Matthew 19:4 mean?

Explanation

This verse from the Gospel of Matthew features Jesus Christ responding to the Pharisees who had questioned Him about divorce.

The Pharisees were testing Jesus with a controversial issue of the time, asking whether it was permissible for a man to divorce his wife for any reason.

In His response, Jesus appeals to the creation narrative found in Genesis.

He emphasizes that from the beginning, God created humans as male and female.

The reference to "the beginning" suggests that Jesus is pointing to God's original design and intention for humanity.

In doing so, Jesus highlights the sanctity of marriage and the intended lifelong union between a man and a woman.

Historical Context

The Gospel of Matthew was written within a predominantly Jewish context, and it often connects Jesus' teachings to Jewish law and tradition.

During the time of Jesus, there were varying interpretations of the Torah regarding marriage and divorce.

The school of Shammai took a more conservative view, permitting divorce only on the grounds of sexual immorality, while the school of Hillel allowed for divorce on much broader grounds.

By quoting Genesis, Jesus is taking the discussion back to the principles established at creation, before the allowances and interpretations that had developed over time.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse has been used to reinforce the doctrine of the sanctity of marriage.

By grounding the understanding of marriage in the creation narrative, Jesus implies that marriage is part of God's design and is not merely a social contract.

Different Christian denominations take various stances on the implications of this text.

For some, it underscores the indissolubility of marriage, except on grounds of sexual immorality.

For others, it is seen within a broader pastoral context where the hardness of human hearts is taken into account, as is addressed in subsequent verses.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse can be applied in various ways. It can encourage individuals to view marriage as a covenantal relationship that requires commitment and faithfulness.

In a practical sense, it can guide married couples to work on their relationship and seek help in times of difficulty rather than resorting to divorce as a first option.

For singles, it encourages them to approach relationships with seriousness and an understanding of God's intent for marital union.

Cross-References

• Genesis 1:27: "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."
• Genesis 2:24: "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
• Ephesians 5:31: "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."

Language Study

The key phrase "male and female" originates from the Hebrew terms "zakar" (זָכָר) and "nekebah" (נְקֵבָה) found in Genesis 1:27, which are descriptive of the biological sexes as created by God.

The Greek rendition in Matthew uses "arsen" (ἄρσεν) and "thēlu" (θῆλυ), retaining the distinction between the sexes in the context of creation. In this way, the language underscores binary gender as part of the created order.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, creation myths often involve the formation of humankind by gods or a divine being, with various interpretations of gender and the purpose of humanity.

For instance, in Greek mythology, humans were also created male and female, but with different motivations and outcomes from the Judeo-Christian narrative.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern scientific understandings of sex and gender introduce a complexity that does not appear in the biblical text. Genetics, biology, and psychology all contribute to discussions about gender identity and sexual orientation.

While the biblical account speaks straightforwardly of male and female, scientific research recognizes a spectrum of biological and psychological factors that influence these concepts.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and commentators offer insights into Matthew 19:4.

Some, like William Barclay, understand Jesus to be contrasting the divine will for marriage with human practice.

Others, such as Craig S.

Keener, discuss how Jesus' teaching restored the view of marriage to its original creation ideal, challenging the liberal divorce practices of His time.

John Nolland underscores the creation foundation for Jesus' argument, which reestablishes the permanence of the marriage bond as instituted by God.

These perspectives underscore the diversity of interpretations and applications that this verse has engendered in the Christian tradition.