Matthew 19:10

His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with [his] wife, it is not good to marry.

His {G846} disciples {G3101} say {G3004} unto him {G846}, If {G1487} the case {G156} of the man {G444} be {G2076} so {G3779} with {G3326} his wife {G1135}, it is {G4851} not {G3756} good {G4851} to marry {G1060}.

The talmidim said to him, "If that is how things are between husband and wife, it would be better not to marry!"

His disciples said to Him, “If this is the case between a man and his wife, it is better not to marry.”

The disciples say unto him, If the case of the man is so with his wife, it is not expedient to marry.

Matthew 19:10 (KJV) captures the disciples' surprised reaction to Jesus' strict teaching on marriage and divorce. After hearing His profound words on the permanence of the marital bond, they conclude that if marriage is so binding, perhaps it is better not to marry at all.

Context

This verse follows directly from Jesus' discussion with the Pharisees regarding the lawfulness of divorce (Matthew 19:3). The Pharisees cited Moses' allowance for a certificate of divorce, but Jesus pointed them back to the original creation design, stating that God made them male and female and joined them as one flesh (Matthew 19:4-6). He then declared that divorce, except for the cause of fornication, leads to adultery (Matthew 19:9). The disciples, accustomed to the more lenient Mosaic allowance, found Jesus' standard incredibly high, almost impossibly so.

Key Themes

  • The Sanctity and Permanence of Marriage: Jesus' teaching elevates marriage to its divine, lifelong intention, challenging the cultural norms of His day (and ours).
  • The Disciples' Human Perspective: Their reaction highlights the tension between God's ideal standard and human limitations or preferences. They perceived the commitment as burdensome if there was no easy way out.
  • The Challenging Nature of Discipleship: Following Jesus often means embracing standards that are counter-cultural and require significant personal commitment, even in areas like marriage.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "If the case of the man be so with his wife" translates the Greek word aitia (αἰτία), which means "cause," "reason," or "charge." The disciples are essentially saying, "If the *reason* for divorce is so limited and serious, as you've just described, then it is not good to marry." Their conclusion "it is not good to marry" expresses their astonishment and perhaps dismay at the immense, lifelong commitment Jesus affirmed, especially given the strictures against divorce.

Reflection and Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the solemnity and lifelong commitment inherent in Christian marriage. It challenges us to consider marriage not as a temporary arrangement but as a sacred covenant designed by God. The disciples' reaction underscores that God's ideal for marriage is indeed a high standard, requiring grace, perseverance, and dependence on Him. For those considering marriage, it calls for serious prayer and discernment, recognizing the profound covenantal bond involved.

Furthermore, this verse sets the stage for Jesus' subsequent teaching on singleness in Matthew 19:11-12, where He acknowledges that not everyone can accept this teaching and speaks of those who are eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven. This suggests that while marriage is good and divinely ordained, singleness, when chosen or embraced for the sake of God's kingdom, is also a valid and honorable path.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:32

    But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

  • 1 Corinthians 7:35

    And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

  • Proverbs 5:15

    ¶ Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.

  • Proverbs 5:19

    [Let her be as] the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.

  • Proverbs 18:22

    ¶ [Whoso] findeth a wife findeth a good [thing], and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

  • 1 Timothy 5:11

    But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;

  • 1 Timothy 5:15

    For some are already turned aside after Satan.

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