Matthew 19:7

Translations

Modern

“Why then,” they asked, “did Moses order a man to give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?”

Traditional

They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?

Literal

They say to Him, “Why then did Moses command to give her a roll of divorce and to send her away?”

Latin

Dicunt illi: Quid ergo Moyses mandavit dare libellum repudii, et dimittere?

Original

Greek

English

“Why then,” they asked, “did Moses order a man to give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?”

Notes

Matthew 19:7–8

Why … did Moses order: The Pharisees believed Jesus contradicted a command in the law (see Deuteronomy 24:1–4). But Moses allowed divorce only because of people's stubbornness. Jesus introduced the radical idea that what God permits is not always what he desires (see 1 Corinthians 6:12). Divorce is never what God desires (Malachi 2:14–16). It shows the brokenness of human sin.

Matthew 19:1–20:34

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.

Theme notes and profiles

Human Sexuality The Stone the Builders Rejected

Events

Jesus Teaches in Pereac. AD 30

Related verses

Deuteronomy 24:1–4
If a man marries a woman, but she becomes displeasing to him because he finds some indecency in her, he may write her a certificate of divorce, hand it to her, and send her away from his house.
Matthew 5:31
It has also been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’
Mark 10:4
They answered, “Moses permitted a man to write his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away.”
Malachi 2:16
“For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel. “He who divorces his wife covers his garment with violence,” says the LORD of Hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith.
Isaiah 50:1
This is what the LORD says: “Where is your mother’s certificate of divorce with which I sent her away? Or to which of My creditors did I sell you? Look, you were sold for your iniquities, and for your transgressions your mother was sent away.
Jeremiah 3:8
She saw that because faithless Israel had committed adultery, I gave her a certificate of divorce and sent her away. Yet that unfaithful sister Judah had no fear and prostituted herself as well.
Matthew 1:19
Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and was unwilling to disgrace her publicly, he resolved to divorce her quietly.

Parallels

Mark 10:1–12

People

Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Glossary

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

Topics

Divorce: General Scriptures Concerning Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Dwell with Them for Life Jesus, the Christ: Interprets the Law Concerning Marriage and Divorce (In Peraea) Marriage: The Jews were Allowed Divorce From, Because of Hardness of Their Marriage: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To

Matthew 19:7

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