Matthew 19:8

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

He saith {G3004} unto them {G846},{G3754} Moses {G3475} because of {G4314} the hardness {G4641} of your {G5216} hearts {G4641} suffered {G2010} you {G5213} to put away {G630} your {G5216} wives {G1135}: but {G1161} from {G575} the beginning {G746} it was {G1096} not {G3756} so {G3779}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He answered, "Moshe allowed you to divorce your wives because your hearts are so hardened. But this is not how it was at the beginning.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

He saith unto them, Moses for your hardness of heart suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it hath not been so.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Jesus profoundly clarifies the divine intent for marriage, explaining to the Pharisees that Moses' allowance for divorce was a concession, not an original command, granted solely "because of the hardness of your hearts." This pivotal statement reveals God's eternal standard for marriage as a lifelong, indissoluble union, contrasting it sharply with the human sinfulness that necessitated temporary legal provisions within the Mosaic Law.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is central to Jesus' discourse with the Pharisees on the controversial topic of divorce. The discussion begins in [Matthew 19:3](/matthew/19-3 "Matthew 19:3 - The Pharisees Test Jesus"), where the Pharisees attempt to test Jesus by asking if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason. Jesus initially redirects their focus to God's original creation design, quoting from [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Creation of Humanity") and [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - One Flesh Union"), emphasizing the "one flesh" union and God's intention that "what therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder" ([Matthew 19:6](/matthew/19-6 "Matthew 19:6 - What God Has Joined")). When the Pharisees then challenge Him, citing Moses' permission for a certificate of divorce ([Matthew 19:7](/matthew/19-7 "Matthew 19:7 - Pharisees Question Moses' Law")), Jesus delivers the decisive explanation found in [Matthew 19:8](/matthew/19-8 "Matthew 19:8 - Jesus' Explanation of Moses' Concession"), distinguishing between divine ideal and human concession. The disciples' subsequent reaction and further questioning in [Matthew 19:10-12](/matthew/19-10-12 "Matthew 19:10-12 - Disciples' Reaction and Jesus' Further Teaching") underscore the radical nature of Jesus' teaching.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In Jesus' time, divorce was a common practice in Jewish society, often initiated by the husband. There were two dominant rabbinic schools of thought regarding the grounds for divorce, based on interpretations of [Deuteronomy 24:1](/deuteronomy/24-1 "Deuteronomy 24:1 - Mosaic Law on Divorce"). The School of Shammai held a stricter view, allowing divorce only for sexual immorality ("some uncleanness"), while the School of Hillel adopted a much more lenient stance, permitting divorce for virtually any reason that displeased the husband, even trivial matters like burning a meal. This legal and cultural backdrop highlights the significance of Jesus' teaching, as He bypasses these contemporary debates by appealing directly to the foundational principles of creation, thereby challenging the prevailing norms and interpretations that had diluted God's original intent for marriage. The Mosaic provision was primarily a protective measure for women in a patriarchal society, ensuring a legal document for remarriage and preventing greater social or economic destitution.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospels and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **God's Original Design for Marriage**, emphasizing its sacred, covenantal nature as instituted at creation, a theme foundational to understanding human relationships and divine order. Secondly, it underscores the pervasive impact of **Human Sinfulness and Fallenness**, specifically manifested as "hardness of heart," which obstructs humanity's ability to live according to God's perfect will. This concept of spiritual insensitivity is crucial for understanding why certain concessions were made in the Mosaic Law. Lastly, the verse illuminates the distinction between **Divine Ideal and Legal Concession**, demonstrating that not all biblical allowances represent God's ultimate desire but rather His compassionate accommodation to fallen humanity's limitations, while still pointing towards a higher standard. Jesus' teaching here elevates the discussion from mere legalism to the profound theological principles governing human relationships under God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **suffered (Greek, _epitrépō_):** This verb, stemming from a root meaning "to turn over" or "transfer," signifies to "allow," "permit," or "give leave." Jesus' use of "suffered" (or "permitted") is crucial because it indicates that Moses' provision for divorce was not a divine command or endorsement, but rather a concession or allowance. It implies a reluctant permission, granted due to circumstances, rather than an active institution or approval of divorce as God's ideal. This highlights the distinction between a divine mandate and a legal regulation designed to manage the consequences of human sin.
* **hardness (Greek, _sklērokardía_):** This compound noun literally means "hard-heartedness" (from _sklēros_ "hard" and _kardía_ "heart"). In biblical theology, "hardness of heart" refers to a spiritual insensitivity, stubbornness, and an unwillingness to respond to God's truth, will, or grace. It signifies a state of spiritual rebellion or resistance, where individuals are unwilling to humble themselves and obey divine principles. Jesus identifies this human condition—this recalcitrance and lack of compassion—as the underlying reason Moses permitted divorce, not because divorce was good, but because people's hearts were so hardened that a legal provision was necessary to prevent even greater societal evils or injustices.
* **beginning (Greek, _archḗ_):** This noun refers to a "commencement," "origin," or "first estate." By stating "from the beginning it was not so," Jesus directly appeals to the primordial state of creation as described in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") and [Genesis 2](/genesis/2 "Genesis 2 - Creation of Man and Woman"). This phrase establishes God's original, perfect design for marriage as a permanent, exclusive, and indissoluble union, predating the fall and any subsequent legal concessions. It sets the divine ideal as the ultimate standard, against which the Mosaic allowance is seen as a temporary deviation necessitated by human sin, rather than a reflection of God's perfect will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He saith unto them":** This phrase establishes Jesus' authoritative voice and direct response to the Pharisees' challenge. He is not merely offering an opinion but declaring divine truth.
* **"Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives":** This clause identifies the specific reason for the Mosaic allowance of divorce. It was not a divine command but a permission (_suffered_) granted by Moses, not due to God's preference for divorce, but as an accommodation to the deep-seated spiritual insensitivity and stubbornness (_hardness of your hearts_) of the people. This "hardness" led to abuses and injustices within marriage, necessitating a legal framework to regulate an already existing problem and protect the vulnerable, particularly women.
* **"but from the beginning it was not so":** This powerful contrasting statement immediately shifts the focus from the Mosaic concession back to God's original, perfect design for marriage. "From the beginning" refers to the creation account, where God instituted marriage as a lifelong, "one flesh" union between a man and a woman, intended to be indissoluble. This highlights that divorce was never part of God's ideal plan for humanity, serving as a clear theological distinction between God's perfect will and the temporary provisions made for a fallen world.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Contrast** and **Metaphor**. The stark **Contrast** is evident in Jesus' juxtaposition of "Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives" with "but from the beginning it was not so." This highlights the tension between a temporary, human-necessitated allowance and God's eternal, perfect design. The phrase "hardness of your hearts" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for spiritual insensitivity, stubbornness, and an unwillingness to conform to God's perfect will. It is not a literal physical hardening but a spiritual condition that resists divine truth and love, leading to relational breakdown. This metaphorical language effectively conveys the deep-seated human sinfulness that necessitated the Mosaic concession.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 19:8 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of marriage and the impact of sin. Jesus re-establishes God's original, pre-Fall design for marriage as a permanent, covenantal union, moving beyond the legalistic debates of His day. He reveals that the Mosaic allowance for divorce was not an endorsement of divorce itself, but a compassionate regulation for a fallen humanity whose "hardness of heart" made living up to God's ideal difficult, if not impossible, without divine intervention. This highlights the tension between God's perfect will and His gracious accommodation to human brokenness, while simultaneously calling humanity back to the higher standard. The verse underscores that sin, particularly the stubborn refusal to love and forgive, is the root cause of marital breakdown, not a flaw in God's design.

* [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - The One Flesh Union")
* [Deuteronomy 24:1](/deuteronomy/24-1 "Deuteronomy 24:1 - Mosaic Law on Divorce")
* [Malachi 2:16](/malachi/2-16 "Malachi 2:16 - God Hates Divorce")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Matthew 19:8](/matthew/19-8 "Matthew 19:8 - Jesus' Teaching on Marriage") challenges us to look beyond mere legalistic interpretations of marriage and divorce and to grasp God's profound, beautiful ideal for this sacred union. While acknowledging the painful reality of human brokenness and the devastating effects of sin, Jesus calls us to cultivate "soft hearts"—hearts that are receptive to God's will, quick to forgive, and committed to sacrificial love. For those in marriage, this means striving to embody the "one flesh" union, prioritizing reconciliation, seeking grace to overcome personal failings, and resisting the "hardness of heart" that leads to relational decay. For all believers, it's a call to uphold the sanctity of marriage within the church and society, praying for and supporting those who struggle, and recognizing that God's grace is sufficient to transform even the most hardened hearts, enabling us to live closer to His perfect design. This verse encourages us not to settle for concessions but to pursue the divine ideal with God's help.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "hardness of heart" look like in relationships today, both within and outside of marriage?**
* **How can individuals and the church actively cultivate "soft hearts" that are receptive to God's will and committed to reconciliation?**
* **In what ways does Jesus' teaching in [Matthew 19:8](/matthew/19-8 "Matthew 19:8 - Reflecting on Jesus' Teaching") challenge prevailing cultural views on marriage and commitment?**
* **How does understanding God's original design for marriage impact your personal view of covenant and commitment?**

### FAQ

**Did Moses contradict God's will by allowing divorce?**

Answer: No, Moses did not contradict God's will. As Jesus explains in [Matthew 19:8](/matthew/19-8 "Matthew 19:8 - Moses' Concession"), the Mosaic provision for a certificate of divorce ([Deuteronomy 24:1](/deuteronomy/24-1 "Deuteronomy 24:1 - The Mosaic Divorce Law")) was not a divine command or an endorsement of divorce as God's ideal. Instead, it was a concession, a legal allowance ("suffered you to put away your wives"), made "because of the hardness of your hearts." This means it was a regulation of an existing practice that arose from human sinfulness, designed to manage its consequences and provide some protection, particularly for the divorced woman, rather than to promote divorce itself. God's original and perfect will for marriage, as established "from the beginning" ([Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - God's Original Design for Marriage")), was a lifelong, indissoluble union.

**Does "hardness of heart" justify or excuse divorce today?**

Answer: No, Jesus' statement in [Matthew 19:8](/matthew/19-8 "Matthew 19:8 - Understanding Hardness of Heart") does not justify or excuse divorce today. Rather, it identifies the *reason* for Moses' allowance in a fallen world. Jesus' teaching elevates the standard back to God's original design, implying that "hardness of heart" is a sinful condition that Christians are called to overcome, not to embrace as a justification for breaking covenant. While acknowledging the reality of sin and its devastating effects on relationships, Jesus' message is a call to repentance, forgiveness, and a renewed commitment to God's ideal for marriage. The New Testament, particularly in passages like [Ephesians 4:32](/ephesians/4-32 "Ephesians 4:32 - Be Kind and Forgiving") and [Colossians 3:13](/colossians/3-13 "Colossians 3:13 - Bear with Each Other and Forgive"), consistently calls believers to cultivate soft, forgiving hearts, reflecting the character of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Matthew 19:8](/matthew/19-8 "Matthew 19:8 - Christ's Fulfillment of Marriage") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Jesus unequivocally declares God's original, perfect design for marriage, He also confronts the "hardness of heart" which is the root cause of its breakdown. This hardness is a manifestation of humanity's fallen nature, a spiritual insensitivity to God's will. Christ's redemptive work on the cross directly addresses this deep-seated sin. Through His sacrifice, He provides the means for a new heart, as promised in the New Covenant ([Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - A New Heart and Spirit")). The Holy Spirit, given to believers, empowers them to overcome the "hardness of heart" and live according to God's perfect will, including in their marriages. Furthermore, marriage itself becomes a profound picture of Christ's covenantal relationship with His Church ([Ephesians 5:25-32](/ephesians/5-25-32 "Ephesians 5:25-32 - Christ and the Church")), where His sacrificial love, forgiveness, and unwavering commitment serve as the divine model for husbands and wives. Thus, Jesus not only articulates the divine ideal but also provides the spiritual resources necessary for humanity to strive towards that ideal, transforming hearts and enabling relationships to reflect the glory of God.

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

Malachi 2:13

And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth [it] with good will at your hand.

Malachi 2:14

Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet [is] she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.

Genesis 2:24

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

Mark 10:5

And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.

Zechariah 7:12

Yea, they made their hearts [as] an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the LORD of hosts hath sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the LORD of hosts.

Matthew 3:15

And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer [it to be so] now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

Jeremiah 6:16

Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where [is] the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk [therein].