Matthew 19:8
“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.”
This verse is a part of a larger conversation between Jesus and the Pharisees regarding divorce. The Pharisees asked Jesus whether it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason. Jesus responded by referring to the creation account and God’s original design for marriage.
Here are some key points to consider in this Bible study:
Context:To understand this verse better, it is essential to consider the broader context. In Matthew 19:3-9, Jesus responds to the Pharisees’ question by emphasizing God’s original intent for marriage and the conditions under which divorce is permissible.
Moses’ Permission:Jesus acknowledges that Moses allowed divorce in the Old Testament because of the hardness of people’s hearts. In Deuteronomy 24:1-4, Moses provided guidelines for divorce, but it was not a commandment from God. It was a concession due to human sinfulness and the inability to fully live up to God’s perfect standard.
God’s Original Design:Jesus goes on to state, “but from the beginning it was not so.” Here, Jesus points to God’s original plan for marriage as described in the book of Genesis. In Genesis 2:24, God established the institution of marriage, saying that a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
Divine Intent:Jesus implies that God’s original intent for marriage was a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman. Divorce was not part of God’s initial design. It was only permitted later due to the fallen state of humanity. Jesus emphasizes the importance of honoring and upholding the sanctity of marriage.
Jesus’ Teaching:Throughout the New Testament, Jesus reinforces the seriousness of marriage and cautions against divorce. In Matthew 19:9, He clarifies that divorce should only be allowed in cases of sexual immorality (often interpreted as adultery). Even in those cases, remarriage is not encouraged unless the divorce was on biblical grounds.
This verse reminds us of God’s original plan for marriage and highlights Jesus’ teachings on the sacredness and permanence of the marital union. It calls us to approach marriage with reverence, faithfulness, and commitment, striving to live out God’s design in our relationships.
It’s important to note that different interpretations and understandings of this verse exist within various Christian denominations and traditions. Studying the verse in its broader context and consulting additional biblical commentaries can provide a more comprehensive understanding of its meaning.
