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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 19:7 mean?

Explanation

In the verse "They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?" from Matthew 19:7, the Pharisees are questioning Jesus about the lawfulness of divorce.

They are referencing a Mosaic law found in Deuteronomy 24:1-4 that allowed a man to divorce his wife if he found some "uncleanness" in her by giving her a certificate of divorce.

This question is a challenge to Jesus, asking Him to reconcile the permissiveness of Moses' command with His own teachings about the sanctity of marriage.

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Historical Context

The verse is situated in a time when Jesus was ministering in Judea beyond the Jordan.

The Pharisees would often attempt to trap Jesus with difficult questions, and the topic of divorce was particularly controversial.

There were differing interpretations among Jewish schools of thought at that time regarding divorce.

The school of Shammai was more conservative, permitting divorce only on grounds of immorality, while the school of Hillel allowed it for even trivial reasons, such as a wife burning her husband's meal.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse brings to the forefront the tension between the legalism of the Mosaic law and Jesus' teachings on the indissolubility of marriage.

Some theologians argue that Jesus clarifies the original intention of marriage to be a lifelong covenant, showing that Moses' concession for divorce was due to the hardness of human hearts.

Others might interpret Jesus to be upholding the sanctity of marriage but also showing compassion for those in troubled marriages.

Practical Applications

This verse touches on the practical application of faith in terms of marriage and divorce.

The emphasis on the original purpose and sacredness of marriage suggests that couples should work diligently to maintain their relationship and seek reconciliation when conflicts arise, rather than quickly resorting to divorce.

It also challenges contemporary believers to consider the gravity of marriage vows and to support marriages within the community.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 24:1-4 - "When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house."
Matthew 19:3-6 - Jesus' response about marriage being a lifelong union.
Matthew 5:31-32 - Jesus' teaching on divorce in the Sermon on the Mount.
Mark 10:2-12 - Mark's account of Jesus' teachings on divorce.
1 Corinthians 7:10-15 - Paul's teaching on marriage and divorce.

Language Study

Key terms in the original Greek language of the New Testament include:

"Command" (ἐνετείλατο - eneteilato): This word implies an authoritative prescription or direction.
"Writing of divorcement" (ἀποστάσιον – apostasion): Refers to a "certificate of divorce," a legal document that would formally end a marriage.
"Put her away" (ἀπολύσαι – apolysai): This term means to "release" or "send away," indicating the act of divorce.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing these teachings to other ancient cultures, many societies had more relaxed laws regarding divorce.

For example, divorce in ancient Rome could be declared unilaterally by either party.

Similarly, the interpretation of marriage and divorce differs across world religions.

For instance, in Hinduism, the concept of marriage as a sacred, lifelong commitment is encouraged, though divorce is not prohibited.

Scientific Perspectives

In discussing the scientific perspectives, modern psychology supports the idea that stable, long-term relationships, like those in marriage, can contribute positively to mental health and the well-being of children.

However, in cases of high conflict or abusive relationships, divorce may sometimes be considered a healthier outcome for all parties involved.

commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians provide diverse perspectives on this verse.

Some commentaries focus on Jesus' teachings about marriage and divorce as radical for His time, emphasizing the permanence of marriage.

Others delve into the compassionate aspects of Jesus' response, interpreting His words as an acknowledgment of the complex nature of human relationships.

There is also discussion on how the verse reflects Jesus' challenge to the legalistic application of Mosaic law, pointing back to God's original intent for marital unity.

Matthew 19

Matthew 19

What does Matthew 19:7 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 19:7 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?