Matthew 19:3

Teachings about Divorce · Matthew 19:1–12
Read Matthew 19

Translations

Modern
Then some Pharisees came and tested Him by asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?”
Traditional
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?
Literal
And Pharisees came to Him, testing Him and saying, “Is it lawful for a man to send away his wife for any cause?”
Latin
Et accesserunt ad eum pharisæi tentantes eum, et dicentes: Si licet homini dimittere uxorem suam, quacumque ex causa?

Original

Greek
English
Then some Pharisees came and tested Him by asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?”

Notes

There were two different opinions on when a man could divorce his wife:

  1. One group of Pharisees, following Rabbi Shammai, believed divorce was only allowable for adultery or serious wrongdoing.

  2. The other group, following Rabbi Hillel, thought a man could divorce his wife for any reason, even if she burned his dinner.

Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem (Matthew 19:1; 20:29; 21:1). This was another chance to teach the disciples what it means to be his disciples.

Events

Parallels

Mark 10:1–12

People

Pharisee: A strict Jewish sect known for legalism and hypocrisy

Glossary

Bible, Quotations of the Old Testament in the New Testament Concubinage, Concubines Gospel of Matthew Jesus Christ, Teachings of

Topics

Divorce: General Scriptures Concerning Divorce: Sought on Slight Grounds Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Dwell with Them for Life Jesus, the Christ: Interprets the Law Concerning Marriage and Divorce (In Peraea) Marriage: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Pharisees: Come to Jesus with Questions The Pharisees: Christ: Tempted By, with Questions About the Law