Matthew 19:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The disciples said to him, "If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry."

NIV: The disciples said to him, "If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry."

NASB: The disciples *said to Him, 'If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry.'

CSB: His disciples said to him, "If the relationship of a man with his wife is like this, it’s better not to marry."

NLT: Jesus’ disciples then said to him, 'If this is the case, it is better not to marry!'

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

NKJV: His disciples said to Him, “If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.”

The disciples have listened to Jesus' response to the Pharisees' question about the grounds for divorce. The Pharisees have asked for Jesus' perspective about what "indecency" means in Deuteronomy 24:1, where the law seems to allow a man to divorce his wife for this reason. Jesus has stated that divorce is never allowed except in cases of sexual immorality (Matthew 19:1–9).

The disciples respond to Jesus' declaration by saying that it's better not to get married at all. Most commentators agree that what the disciples mean by this is that, if divorce is not an option, it would be better not to marry than to be stuck for life in an unhappy marriage. The presumed right to divorce if things did not go well was held dearly by many Jewish men of the time, including many of the religious leaders. Divorce had become common in Israel. The disciples said, perhaps foolishly, that marriage is too big of a risk without the possibility of divorce.

Jesus will respond that though some can live without marriage, not everyone can.

Matthew 19:1–12 is Jesus' response to a question from Pharisees about divorce. After establishing that marriage was designed to be lifelong by God at creation, Jesus insists that divorce is unlawful except in the case of sexual immorality. The disciples suggest it would be better not to marry, at all, in that case. Jesus says that is not true, and a life of celibacy is only for certain people, such as eunuchs of various kinds.

Pharisees ask Jesus if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause. Jesus reminds them marriage was designed by God at creation. Divorce, then, is lawful only in the case of sexual immorality. A rich young man asks Jesus what good thing he must do to have eternal life. Jesus insists only God is good. He challenges the man's sincerity by asking him to give all his wealth to the poor and follow Him. The man's refusal demonstrates how easy it is to prefer wealth to dependence on God. In response to the disciples' question, Jesus says salvation is impossible with men but not with God.

Matthew 19 follows Jesus' teachings about temptation and forgiveness in chapter 18. This passage begins with Jesus leaving behind Galilee and heading toward Jerusalem the long way around. Jesus tells the Pharisees that divorce is legal only in cases of sexual immorality. Jesus blesses little children and then answers a rich young man who asks how to have eternal life. The man leaves sad after Jesus challenges him to give his money to the poor and follow Him. Jesus says salvation is impossible with men, but not with God. Chapter 20 contains additional parables and examples, and is the last before Jesus arrives in Jerusalem in the days just prior to His crucifixion.

The Gospel of Matthew clearly shows the influence of its writer's background, and his effort to reach a specific audience. Matthew was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, a Jewish man, and a former tax collector. This profession would have required literacy, and Matthew may have transcribed some of Jesus' words as they were spoken. This book is filled with references to the Old Testament, demonstrating to Israel that Jesus is the Promised One. Matthew also includes many references to coins, likely due to his former profession. Matthew records extensive accounts of Jesus' teaching, more than the other three Gospels.

Accessed 11/23/2024 5:05:08 AM