Matthew 19:8

Translations

Modern

Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because of your hardness of heart. But it was not this way from the beginning.

Traditional

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.

Literal

He says to them, “Moses, for your hardness of heart, allowed you to divorce your wives; but it has not been this way from the beginning.

Latin

Ait illis: Quoniam Moyses ad duritiam cordis vestri permisit vobis dimittere uxores vestras: ab initio autem non fuit sic.

Original

Greek

English

Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because of your hardness of heart. But it was not this way from the beginning.

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

Malachi 2:13–14
And this is another thing you do: You cover the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping and groaning, because He no longer regards your offerings or receives them gladly from your hands.
Genesis 2:24
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
Jeremiah 6:16
This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’
Mark 10:5
But Jesus told them, “Moses wrote this commandment for you because of your hardness of heart.
Zechariah 7:12
They made their hearts like flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of Hosts.
Genesis 7:7
And Noah and his wife, with his sons and their wives, entered the ark to escape the waters of the flood.
Matthew 3:15
“Let it be so now,” Jesus replied. “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.” Then John permitted Him.
1 Corinthians 7:6
I say this as a concession, not as a command.

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 Concubinage, Concubines Divorce Genesis, Book of Gospel of Matthew Hardness of Heart Jesus Christ, Teachings of

Topics

Bad Husbands Dating While Separated Divorce: General Scriptures Concerning Divorce: Permitted: On Account of Hardness of Heart God: Longsuffering of 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 Separation in Marriage

Matthew 19:8

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Original?

Notes?

Events?

Related verses?

Parallels?