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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 19:5 mean?

Explanation

The verse from Matthew 19:5 is a reference to the institution of marriage and its significance in human relationships according to Christian theology.

It quotes Jesus Christ as He reinforces the idea that marriage is a sacred union ordained by God.

In saying that a man shall leave his father and mother to be joined to his wife, the verse suggests a separation from one's original family unit to form a new one with the spouse.

The phrase “and they twain shall be one flesh” suggests an intimate and inseparable union between a man and his wife, highlighting the physical, emotional, and spiritual bond that is formed through marriage.

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Historical Context

Matthew 19:5 is situated within a passage where Jesus is teaching about the nature of marriage and addressing questions about divorce from the Pharisees.

It is important within the first-century Jewish culture, where family lineage and marital fidelity were pivotal.

Divorce was a contentious issue, with various interpretations of the law.

Jesus refers back to the creation narrative found in Genesis 1 and 2, emphasizing the intent of permanent companionship and unity in marriage as originally designed by God.

Theological Insights

Different denominations interpret the theological implications of this verse in various ways. For some, it signifies the sanctity and indissoluble nature of marriage, while, for others, it highlights the complementary roles of husband and wife in a marriage covenant.

Many Christians also see this verse as Jesus's clear stance against divorce, except in certain circumstances.

The phrase "one flesh" has been a foundation for many theological arguments regarding the prohibition of premarital sex and adultery.

Practical Applications

In daily life, Matthew 19:5 may encourage married couples to prioritize their relationship over their relationships with their parents and extended family.

It reinforces the commitment required in marriage and suggests that nurturing the marital bond is crucial for a healthy family unit.

This can also remind individuals to work towards unity in their marriage, including open communication, mutual support, and shared life goals.

Cross-References

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."
1 Corinthians 6:16 - "What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh."

Language Study

The key phrase in the original Greek text of this verse is “σάρξ μία” (sarx mia), meaning "one flesh." The word “σάρξ” (sarx) refers to flesh and carries connotations of physicality and human nature.

“μία” (mia) translates as "one," indicating unity and singularity. When Jesus speaks of two becoming "one flesh," it highlights not only the physical union but also an indivisible partnership.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of a man leaving his family to form a new union with his wife is not unique to Christian tradition.

Many ancient cultures had similar concepts where marriage formed a new household unit.

However, the Christian interpretation, with its emphasis on monogamy and a divinely sanctioned binding union, stands apart in its theological significance.

Other religious traditions have various marital practices, but the emphasis on the exclusivity and sacredness of the marital bond is especially pronounced in Christianity.

Scientific Perspectives

The idea of two people becoming "one flesh" can be understood metaphorically rather than literally.

Modern science shows that while a married couple does not physically become one organism, there are psychological and physiological effects of deep emotional bonds.

Joint experiences and shared lives can lead to various changes, such as the synchronization of heart rates and increased empathic connection.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars have interpreted Matthew 19:5 through various lenses.

Some focus on the Christological understanding of marriage as a metaphor for Christ and the church. Others emphasize the ethical teachings, promoting fidelity and denouncing adultery.

Many agree that Jesus used this reference to counter the permissive divorce practices of his time, affirming the permanence and sanctity of marriage.

Commentators from a more critical perspective might discuss the socio-political implications of marriage practices in the early Christian community.

Matthew 19

Matthew 19

What does Matthew 19:5 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 19:5 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?