Matthew 19:7

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

They say {G3004} unto him {G846}, Why {G5101} did Moses {G3475} then {G3767} command {G1781} to give {G1325} a writing {G975} of divorcement {G647}, and {G2532} to put {G630} her {G846} away {G630}?

They said to him, "Then why did Moshe give the commandment that a man should hand his wife a get and divorce her?"

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

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

In Matthew 19:7, the Pharisees challenge Jesus' teaching on the permanence of marriage by invoking the Mosaic Law. This verse captures their direct question: "Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?" It highlights their attempt to trap Jesus between God's ideal for marriage and a perceived contradiction in the Law of Moses.

Context

This verse follows Jesus' powerful declaration in Matthew 19:6 that "What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." The Pharisees, seeking to test Him, immediately retort by referencing the allowance for divorce in the Law of Moses. They refer to the Mosaic Law found in Deuteronomy 24:1, which permitted a man to give his wife a certificate of divorce if he found "some uncleanness in her." Their question reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of Moses' provision, viewing it as a command rather than a concession due to human failing.

Key Themes

  • Interpretation of Scripture: The Pharisees demonstrate a legalistic and superficial interpretation of the Mosaic Law, focusing on the letter rather than the spirit or original intent. They misrepresent Moses' allowance as a command, overlooking God's foundational design for marriage.
  • God's Ideal vs. Human Compromise: This verse sets the stage for Jesus to explain the tension between God's perfect will for marriage, established at creation (as Jesus previously referenced in Genesis 2:24), and the concessions made in the Law due to the "hardness of men's hearts."
  • The Nature of Divorce: The question implicitly raises the painful reality of divorce and its place within divine law and human society. It compels Jesus to clarify the true nature and permissibility of divorce.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "writing of divorcement" translates the Greek biblion apostasiou, which refers to a legal document or certificate of divorce. In Hebrew, this was known as a sepher keritut. This document was crucial because it legally severed the marriage bond, allowing the woman to remarry and protecting her from accusations of adultery. Moses' provision, while allowing for divorce, also regulated it to prevent arbitrary abandonment and provide some legal protection for the divorced woman in a patriarchal society.

Practical Application

Matthew 19:7 serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding God's Word in its full context and intent, rather than selectively quoting verses to justify actions. It challenges believers to seek God's ideal for marriage and relationships, recognizing that while human sinfulness often leads to brokenness, God's original design remains foundational. This passage encourages a deeper look into the reasons behind biblical laws and the compassionate heart of God, even amidst difficult human realities. It also highlights Jesus' authority to interpret and fulfill the Law, moving beyond mere legalism to the heart of God's will.

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.

  • Deuteronomy 24:1

    ¶ When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give [it] in her hand, and send her out of his house.

  • Deuteronomy 24:4

    Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that [is] abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee [for] an inheritance.

  • Matthew 5:31

    It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:

  • Mark 10:4

    And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put [her] away.

  • Malachi 2:16

    For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for [one] covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.

  • Matthew 1:19

    Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

  • Jeremiah 3:8

    And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.

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