Matthew 19:11

KJV

But he said unto them, All [men] cannot receive this saying, save [they] to whom it is given.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} he said {G2036} unto them {G846}, All {G3956} men cannot {G3756} receive {G5562} this {G5126} saying {G3056}, save {G235} they to whom {G3739} it is given {G1325}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said to them, "Not everyone grasps this teaching, only those for whom it is meant.

Berean Standard Bible

“Not everyone can accept this word,” He replied, “but only those to whom it has been given.

American Standard Version

But he said unto them, Not all men can receive this saying, but they to whom it is given.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 19:11, Jesus responds to His disciples' incredulity regarding the strictness of His teaching on marriage and divorce. He clarifies that the capacity to embrace and live out a life of celibacy is not a universal human ability or choice, but rather a specific spiritual endowment, a divine gift bestowed by God upon certain individuals for a particular purpose within His kingdom. This statement distinguishes between the normative call to marriage and the specialized calling to singleness, emphasizing divine sovereignty in both.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct response from Jesus to His disciples' reaction in [Matthew 19:10](/matthew/19-10 "Matthew 19:10 - Disciples' Reaction to Marriage Teaching"). Immediately preceding this, Jesus engaged in a profound discussion with the Pharisees about marriage and divorce, affirming God's original design for marriage as an indissoluble, lifelong union ([Matthew 19:3-9](/matthew/19-3-9 "Jesus' Teaching on Marriage and Divorce")). The disciples, finding this teaching exceptionally demanding, concluded, "If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry." Jesus' reply in [Matthew 19:11](/matthew/19-11 "The Gift of Celibacy") and the subsequent verse ([Matthew 19:12](/matthew/19-12 "Eunuchs for the Kingdom")) serves to qualify His earlier statements, indicating that while marriage is the norm, celibacy for the kingdom is a distinct, divinely enabled calling.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, marriage and procreation were highly valued and considered normative. Remaining unmarried was generally seen as undesirable, and celibacy was not a common or esteemed spiritual path. The Mosaic Law permitted divorce ([Deuteronomy 24:1-4](/deuteronomy/24-1-4 "Law of Divorce")), though its interpretation varied among rabbinic schools. Jesus' teaching on the permanence of marriage was radical for its time, challenging prevailing cultural norms and interpretations of the Law. His subsequent statement in [Matthew 19:11](/matthew/19-11 "The Divine Gift of Celibacy") about the "gift" of celibacy was even more counter-cultural, introducing a concept largely foreign to mainstream Jewish thought, where a large family was often seen as a sign of divine blessing.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of Matthew and broader New Testament theology. It highlights the **Sovereignty of God** in gifting individuals for specific callings, whether marriage or celibacy. It underscores the **Radical Nature of Kingdom Ethics**, demonstrating that allegiance to God's kingdom may call for unconventional life choices, such as celibacy, which are empowered by divine grace. Furthermore, it subtly reinforces the **Sanctity of Marriage** by presenting celibacy not as a universally accessible alternative, but as a specialized, divinely enabled path for those who cannot "receive this saying" about the demanding nature of marriage. This theme is further developed in [1 Corinthians 7](/1_corinthians/7 "Marriage and Celibacy"), where Paul discusses both states as legitimate and God-honoring.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **receive (Greek, _chōréō'_):** From G5562, meaning "to be in (give) space, i.e. (intransitively) to pass, enter, or (transitively) to hold, admit (literally or figuratively)." In this context, it signifies the capacity or ability to grasp, embrace, or live out the demanding implications of Jesus' teaching on marriage, specifically the idea that if marriage is so binding, it might be better not to marry at all. It speaks to a spiritual and practical capacity to remain single.
* **saying (Greek, _lógos'_):** From G3056, meaning "something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive." Here, "this saying" refers to the disciples' conclusion in [Matthew 19:10](/matthew/19-10 "Disciples' Response"), which was a response to Jesus' own stringent teaching on the indissoluble nature of marriage. It encapsulates the challenging truth about the permanence of the marital bond and the subsequent implication that celibacy might be preferable.
* **given (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** From G1325, a prolonged form of a primary verb meaning "to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)." The passive voice ("it is given") indicates a divine agent. This highlights that the capacity for celibacy is not a natural human ability or a mere personal preference, but a supernatural endowment, a gift from God, enabling one to live a life devoted to the kingdom without the responsibilities of marriage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he said unto them,"**: This phrase marks Jesus' direct and authoritative response to His disciples, indicating a clarification or counterpoint to their previous statement. It sets the stage for a crucial teaching that refines their understanding.
* **"All [men] cannot receive this saying,"**: Jesus asserts a limitation on human capacity. The "saying" refers to the disciples' own conclusion in [Matthew 19:10](/matthew/19-10 "The Disciples' Reaction"), that it is "not good to marry" given the strictness of Jesus' teaching on divorce. Jesus states that not everyone possesses the spiritual or practical ability to embrace such a life of celibacy. This implies that celibacy is not a universally viable option for all believers.
* **"save [they] to whom it is given."**: This clause introduces the exception and the divine provision. The capacity to live a celibate life is not a result of human will or effort alone, but is a specific endowment from God. The passive construction "it is given" (Greek: _dedotai_) emphasizes that this ability is a divine bestowal, a gift of grace, rather than an inherent trait or a self-achieved state. It points to God's sovereign hand in equipping individuals for distinct callings.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Contrast** to highlight the difference between general human capacity and divinely bestowed ability. Jesus contrasts "All men cannot receive" with "save they to whom it is given," drawing a clear distinction between what is naturally possible and what is supernaturally enabled. There is also an implicit **Divine Passive** in "it is given," where the agent (God) is unstated but understood, emphasizing that the capacity for celibacy is a gift from a divine source. This rhetorical choice underscores God's sovereignty in distributing spiritual gifts and callings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 19:11 profoundly shapes our understanding of divine calling and spiritual gifts within the Christian life. It teaches that while marriage is the normative and blessed path for most, God sovereignly bestows a unique gift of celibacy upon some individuals, enabling them to live a life of singular devotion to His kingdom without the responsibilities of marriage. This gift is not a sign of spiritual superiority, but a specific grace for a particular purpose, demonstrating the diverse ways God equips His people. It underscores that all vocations, whether married or single, are honorable when lived in accordance with God's will and empowered by His grace.

* [1 Corinthians 7:7](/1_corinthians/7-7 "Paul on the Gift of Singleness")
* [1 Corinthians 7:32-35](/1_corinthians/7-32-35 "Undivided Devotion in Singleness")
* [Ephesians 4:7](/ephesians/4-7 "Grace Given According to Christ's Measure")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers profound insights for personal discernment and communal understanding within the body of Christ. For individuals, it encourages honest self-assessment regarding one's calling: Am I genuinely gifted for celibacy, or is marriage my intended path? It frees believers from societal or religious pressures to conform to one state over another, emphasizing that both marriage and celibacy are valid and honorable in God's eyes when lived out in faith and obedience. For the church, it fosters a deeper appreciation for the diverse gifts and callings within its membership, promoting respect and support for both married couples and single individuals. Recognizing celibacy as a divine gift helps the community value and empower those who serve the kingdom with an undivided devotion, acknowledging the unique grace required for such a life. Ultimately, it calls us to seek God's will for our lives, trusting that He equips us for whatever path He calls us to.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding celibacy as a "gift" from God change your perception of singleness within the church?**
* **In what ways might the church better affirm and support individuals who are called to a life of celibacy for the kingdom?**
* **How can this verse help individuals discern God's will for their own relational status (marriage or singleness)?**

### FAQ

**What "saying" is Jesus referring to when He says "All men cannot receive this saying"?**

Answer: Jesus is referring to the disciples' own conclusion in [Matthew 19:10](/matthew/19-10 "Disciples' Reaction to Marriage Teaching"), where they responded to His strict teaching on marriage and divorce by saying, "If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry." The "saying" is the idea that, given the indissoluble nature of marriage as taught by Jesus, it might be better to remain unmarried. Jesus' statement in [Matthew 19:11](/matthew/19-11 "The Gift of Celibacy") clarifies that this radical option of celibacy is not for everyone, but only for those divinely enabled.

**Does this verse imply that marriage is not for everyone, or that celibacy is a universal expectation for Christians?**

Answer: No, quite the opposite. By stating that "All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given," Jesus implicitly affirms that marriage is the normative state for the majority. He is not suggesting that celibacy is a universal expectation or a superior state for all believers. Instead, He is highlighting that the capacity for celibacy is a special, divinely bestowed gift for a select few, enabling them to serve the kingdom in a unique way, as further elaborated in [Matthew 19:12](/matthew/19-12 "Eunuchs for the Kingdom of Heaven").

**Is celibacy considered a more spiritual or holy state than marriage according to this verse?**

Answer: This verse does not suggest that celibacy is inherently more spiritual or holy than marriage. Both states are presented as legitimate and honorable callings from God. While celibacy, when divinely gifted, allows for an "undivided devotion" to the Lord ([1 Corinthians 7:35](/1_corinthians/7-35 "Undivided Devotion")), marriage is also a sacred institution ordained by God, reflecting the union of Christ and the Church ([Ephesians 5:31-32](/ephesians/5-31-32 "The Mystery of Christ and the Church")). The emphasis is on God's sovereign gifting and the faithful stewardship of whichever calling one receives.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 19:11, while directly addressing the gift of celibacy, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself lived a life of celibacy, not out of inability or lack, but out of a singular, unwavering devotion to His Father's will and the establishment of the kingdom of heaven. His life perfectly exemplifies the "undivided devotion" that the gift of celibacy enables, as He was fully consumed with His mission to seek and save the lost ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost")). The "giving" mentioned in the verse points to God's sovereign grace, a grace supremely manifest in the giving of His Son, Jesus Christ, for the redemption of humanity ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God So Loved the World")). Furthermore, just as the capacity for celibacy is a divine gift, so too is faith itself and the very gift of salvation, which are not earned by human effort but are freely "given" through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Grace Through Faith")). Thus, the verse subtly foreshadows the ultimate divine bestowal: the gift of new life in Christ, enabling believers to live for Him, whether in marriage or in singleness, reflecting His own perfect obedience and dedication to the Father's glory.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 7:17

¶ But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

1 Corinthians 7:2

Nevertheless, [to avoid] fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

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.

Matthew 13:11

He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

1 Corinthians 7:7

For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.

1 Corinthians 7:9

But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.