Matthew 19:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But he said to them, "Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given.

NIV: Jesus replied, "Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given.

NASB: But He said to them, 'Not all men can accept this statement, but only those to whom it has been given.

CSB: He responded, "Not everyone can accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given.

NLT: Not everyone can accept this statement,' Jesus said. 'Only those whom God helps.

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

NKJV: But He said to them, “All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given:

The disciples have said, perhaps somewhat flippantly, that if God does not allow for divorce except for cases of sexual immorality, it is better not to get married in the first place. Such a statement reflects the views of the time in which divorce was common (Matthew 19:9–10).

Jesus does not correct their views on marriage. He does not insist that every person must get married. Instead, Jesus says that not everyone is able to receive "this saying," most likely meaning the saying that it is better not to get married. Only those who have been given the ability not to get married are able to do so.

In the context of the verses that follow, it becomes clear that Jesus means that only those without a strong sexual appetite can forego getting married. Paul, who was apparently unmarried, expands on this teaching in 1 Corinthians 7, speaking even more clearly: "I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another. To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am. But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion" (1 Corinthians 7:7–9).

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.