Matthew 19:4

KJV

And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made [them] at the beginning made them male and female,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he answered {G611} and said {G2036} unto them {G846}, Have ye {G314} not {G3756} read {G314}, that {G3754} he which {G3588} made {G4160} them at {G575} the beginning {G746} made {G4160} them {G846} male {G730} and {G2532} female {G2338},

Complete Jewish Bible

He replied, "Haven't you read that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female,

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus answered, “Have you not read that from the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’

American Standard Version

And he answered and said, Have ye not read, that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 19:4, Jesus responds to the Pharisees' question about divorce by redirecting their focus from legalistic debates to God's original design for marriage, as revealed in the creation account. He asserts that the Creator, from the very beginning, established humanity as male and female, thereby laying the foundational truth for the institution of marriage as a union between two distinct, complementary sexes, intended by God Himself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates Jesus' profound teaching on marriage and divorce, directly following the Pharisees' attempt to test Him on the lawfulness of divorce in [Matthew 19:3](/matthew/19-3 "Matthew 19:3 - The Pharisees Test Jesus"). Instead of engaging in a rabbinic debate over the interpretation of [Deuteronomy 24:1](/deuteronomy/24-1 "Deuteronomy 24:1 - Law of Divorce"), Jesus transcends the legalistic arguments by appealing to the pre-Mosaic, foundational truth of creation. His subsequent teaching in [Matthew 19:5-6](/matthew/19-5-6 "Matthew 19:5-6 - God's Design for Marriage") builds directly upon this initial statement, emphasizing the indissoluble nature of the marital bond and God's role in joining husband and wife. The entire discourse, culminating in the disciples' reaction in [Matthew 19:10](/matthew/19-10 "Matthew 19:10 - Disciples' Reaction to Marriage Teaching") and Jesus' teaching on celibacy for the kingdom, underscores the high regard Jesus held for marriage as a divine institution.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society was deeply influenced by varying interpretations of Mosaic law, particularly regarding divorce. Two prominent rabbinic schools, Hillel and Shammai, held differing views on the grounds for divorce, primarily based on [Deuteronomy 24:1](/deuteronomy/24-1 "Deuteronomy 24:1 - Law of Divorce"). The Hillel school permitted divorce for virtually any reason that displeased the husband, while the Shammai school held a stricter view, allowing it only for "uncleanness" (sexual immorality). The Pharisees' question to Jesus was likely an attempt to force Him to align with one of these schools, thereby alienating the other and potentially undermining His authority. Jesus' response, however, bypasses these contemporary debates by appealing to a higher, more ancient authority: the creation narrative, which predates the Mosaic Law and any rabbinic interpretation.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 19:4 is pivotal in establishing several key themes. Firstly, it underscores the **Divine Authority of Scripture**, as Jesus grounds His teaching not in human tradition or legalistic interpretation, but in the foundational truths of [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") and [Genesis 2](/genesis/2 "Genesis 2 - The Creation of Man and Woman"). By asking, "Have ye not read," Jesus emphasizes that the answers to life's most profound questions are found in God's revealed Word. Secondly, it highlights **God's Original Design for Marriage**, presenting it as a divine institution established at creation, not merely a human convention or a legal contract. This design involves the **Complementary Nature of Male and Female**, emphasizing the distinct yet interdependent roles of man and woman as created by God. This complementarity is foundational to the unique union of marriage, as further elaborated in [Matthew 19:5-6](/matthew/19-5-6 "Matthew 19:5-6 - The One Flesh Union").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **read (Greek, _anaginṓskō'_):** This word signifies "to know again" or "to recognize," and by extension, "to read." Jesus' use of this term is not merely a casual inquiry but a pointed challenge to the Pharisees, implying that the truth about marriage is readily available and should have been understood by those who diligently studied the Law. It underscores the accessibility and clarity of God's original intent in the Scriptures.
* **made (Greek, _poiéō'_):** This verb is a broad term meaning "to make" or "to do," often implying deliberate action, creation, or performance. In this context, it emphasizes God's active and intentional role as the Creator. It highlights that the distinction and union of male and female in creation were not accidental but the result of God's purposeful design and sovereign will, establishing a divine blueprint for humanity and marriage.
* **male (Greek, _árrhēn'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to lift" or "to be stronger," this word denotes the male sex.
* **female (Greek, _thēlys'_):** This word specifically refers to the female sex. The pairing of "male and female" (árrhēn kaí thēlys) is a direct echo of [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Creation of Male and Female") and [Genesis 5:2](/genesis/5-2 "Genesis 5:2 - He Created Them Male and Female"), emphasizing the fundamental, divinely ordained binary distinction of human sexes at creation, which is foundational to the biblical understanding of marriage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he answered and said unto them":** This phrase sets the stage for Jesus' authoritative response, indicating that He is directly addressing the Pharisees' challenging question. His answer is not a debate point but a declaration of truth.
* **"Have ye not read":** This is a rhetorical question, a common teaching device used by Jesus. It serves to appeal to the Pharisees' own knowledge of the Scriptures, implying that the answer to their question is not obscure but plainly stated in the very texts they claim to uphold. It highlights their selective or insufficient understanding of God's Word.
* **"that he which made [them] at the beginning made them male and female":** This is the core of Jesus' argument, a direct allusion and summary of the creation narrative in Genesis. "He which made" refers to God the Creator. "At the beginning" points to the foundational act of creation, establishing God's original, perfect design before the fall and before the Mosaic Law. The phrase "made them male and female" directly quotes or paraphrases [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Creation of Humanity") and [Genesis 5:2](/genesis/5-2 "Genesis 5:2 - He Created Them Male and Female"), asserting the divine origin and binary nature of human sexuality as the basis for marriage.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent literary devices in this concise verse. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Have ye not read," which is not intended to elicit an answer but to challenge the Pharisees' presumed expertise in the Law and to underscore the self-evident nature of the truth He is about to declare. This question also serves as a form of **Admonition**, subtly rebuking their failure to grasp the fundamental principles of Scripture. Furthermore, the verse is a profound example of **Allusion** and **Intertextuality**, as Jesus directly references and builds His argument upon the creation accounts in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") and [Genesis 2](/genesis/2 "Genesis 2 - The Creation of Man and Woman"). By appealing to "the beginning," He establishes a timeless, pre-fall, and pre-Mosaic foundation for marriage, elevating it above human legalistic interpretations. This also demonstrates **Emphasis** on divine authority, as Jesus' argument rests not on His own opinion but on the very words and actions of God the Creator.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 19:4 serves as a theological cornerstone, asserting that the institution of marriage is not a human construct but a divine ordinance, rooted in the very act of creation. By appealing to "the beginning," Jesus establishes a timeless and universal principle for marriage, emphasizing its sacred origin and the Creator's intentional design for humanity as male and female. This foundational truth transcends cultural norms and legalistic interpretations, presenting marriage as a covenantal union reflecting God's order for human flourishing and procreation. It highlights the inherent dignity and complementary nature of the sexes as part of God's original, good creation.

* [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Creation of Humanity in God's Image"): "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them."
* [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - One Flesh Union"): "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
* [Mark 10:6](/mark/10-6 "Mark 10:6 - Jesus on Creation and Marriage"): "But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' response in Matthew 19:4 is a profound call for us to anchor our understanding of marriage, gender, and human relationships in God's original, unchanging design. In a world constantly redefining and challenging these foundational concepts, this verse serves as a crucial reminder that divine wisdom, not human opinion or cultural trends, must be our ultimate guide. It compels us to recognize the sacredness of marriage as a union ordained by God for a man and a woman, reflecting His creative intent and the complementary nature He built into humanity. For believers, this means upholding the dignity of both male and female, honoring the covenant of marriage, and seeking to live in alignment with the Creator's blueprint for flourishing relationships, even when it stands counter to prevailing societal norms.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's original design for marriage "at the beginning" impact your view of marriage today?**
* **In what ways might contemporary society's views on gender and marriage diverge from the truth presented in this verse?**
* **How can you, as an individual or part of a community, uphold and honor God's foundational truth about male and female in your daily life?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus refer to "the beginning" instead of directly addressing the Mosaic Law on divorce?**

Answer: Jesus referred to "the beginning" (the creation account in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") and [Genesis 2](/genesis/2 "Genesis 2 - The Creation of Man and Woman")) to establish a higher, more fundamental authority than the Mosaic Law. The Mosaic Law, particularly concerning divorce in [Deuteronomy 24:1](/deuteronomy/24-1 "Deuteronomy 24:1 - Law of Divorce"), was given because of the "hardness of your hearts" ([Matthew 19:8](/matthew/19-8 "Matthew 19:8 - Hardness of Hearts")), a concession to human sinfulness after the Fall. By contrast, God's original design at creation represents His perfect, ideal will for humanity and marriage, before sin corrupted it. Jesus elevates the discussion from legalistic loopholes to God's eternal purpose, demonstrating that the creation ordinance is the ultimate standard for marriage.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 19:4, while directly addressing the Pharisees' question about marriage and divorce, profoundly points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's creative design and redemptive purpose. Jesus, as the very "Word" through whom "all things were made" ([John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him")), is the Creator referenced in this verse. He is the one who "made them male and female" at the beginning, embodying the wisdom and power of God in creation. His teaching here is not merely a recitation of ancient texts but an authoritative declaration from the Creator Himself, revealing the divine intent for human relationships. Furthermore, in the New Testament, marriage becomes a profound **type and shadow** of the relationship between Christ and His Church ([Ephesians 5:31-32](/ephesians/5-31-32 "Ephesians 5:31-32 - Mystery of Christ and the Church")). Just as God designed male and female for a complementary union, so Christ, the heavenly Bridegroom, perfectly unites with His Bride, the Church, in a new creation. His coming inaugurates a new "beginning" for humanity, restoring what was marred by sin and offering the possibility of living in accordance with God's original, perfect design through the power of the Holy Spirit, ultimately culminating in the "marriage supper of the Lamb" ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

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

Genesis 2:23

And Adam said, This [is] now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

Genesis 1:27

So God created man in his [own] image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

Genesis 5:2

Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.

Malachi 2:15

And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.

Luke 10:26

He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

Genesis 2:18

¶ And the LORD God said, [It is] not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

Matthew 22:31

But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,