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.

Matthew 19:8 (KJV)

Context

This verse is part of a larger conversation between Jesus and the Pharisees about 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. In Matthew 19:3-9, Jesus emphasizes God’s original intent for marriage and the conditions under which divorce is permissible.

Meaning

Jesus acknowledges that Moses allowed divorce in the Old Testament because of the hardness of people’s hearts. The Greek word for hardness of heart is “sklerokardian,” indicating human sinfulness and stubbornness. 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. This permission was a temporary expedient for a hard-hearted and rebellious people, regulating a practice that already existed rather than commanding it.

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. The verse contrasts the Mosaic concession with the original order, emphasizing that divorce was not part of God’s plan from the start.

Biblical connections

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. 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.

Application

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. The verse does not command divorce but permits it as a concession to human weakness, and it should not be used to encourage or justify divorce. Instead, it highlights the need for hearts to be transformed by God’s grace, so that marriages reflect God’s original design.

Reflection

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. The key takeaway is that God’s ideal is lifelong marriage, and any allowance for divorce is a result of human fallenness, not a reflection of God’s perfect will.