Matthew 19:10 - His disciples said to him, “If this is the case of the man with his wife, it is not expedient to marry.”
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What does "Matthew 19:10" mean?
This verse in Matthew 19:10 is a response to Jesus' teachings on divorce. To understand it, we need a little context:
Jesus' Teaching on Divorce: In Matthew 19:3-9, Jesus is questioned by the Pharisees about the legality of divorce. He argues that divorce should only be permissible in cases of sexual immorality ("porneia" in Greek, which is debated in its exact meaning, but generally understood as marital unfaithfulness). He emphasizes the original intent of marriage as a lifelong, indissoluble union.
The Disciples' Reaction: After hearing Jesus' strong stance on the permanence of marriage, the disciples are taken aback. They conclude that if divorce is so restricted, and marriage is meant to be an unbreakable bond, then it might be better not to get married at all.
In other words, the disciples are saying: "If a man is essentially stuck with his wife, and divorce is only allowed in very specific circumstances (or even forbidden altogether), then marriage seems like a risky and potentially unhappy proposition. Wouldn't it be wiser to avoid the whole situation entirely?"
Key Implications of the Verse:
The Difficulty of Jesus' Teaching: The disciples' reaction shows that Jesus' teaching on the permanence of marriage was challenging and went against the prevailing cultural norms of the time, where divorce was more easily obtainable for men.
Weighing the Risks and Rewards of Marriage: The disciples are considering the potential difficulties and burdens of marriage, especially if it's considered a virtually unbreakable commitment. They see the risks outweighing the rewards.
Not a Command Against Marriage: It's crucial to understand that this verse isn't a commandment against marriage. It's the disciples' personal conclusion based on Jesus' teachings. Jesus doesn't directly rebuke them here, but he does clarify the issue in the following verses (Matthew 19:11-12) by talking about those who are "eunuchs" (those who choose to remain celibate) either by birth, by human intervention, or "for the sake of the kingdom of heaven."
In summary, Matthew 19:10 reflects the disciples' surprised and perhaps somewhat pessimistic reaction to Jesus' strong teaching on the indissolubility of marriage. They wonder if the strictness of the commitment makes marriage itself too risky.
Matthew 19:10 - His disciples said to him, “If this is the case of the man with his wife, it is not expedient to marry.”
What does "Matthew 19:10" mean?
This verse in Matthew 19:10 is a response to Jesus' teachings on divorce. To understand it, we need a little context:
Jesus' Teaching on Divorce: In Matthew 19:3-9, Jesus is questioned by the Pharisees about the legality of divorce. He argues that divorce should only be permissible in cases of sexual immorality ("porneia" in Greek, which is debated in its exact meaning, but generally understood as marital unfaithfulness). He emphasizes the original intent of marriage as a lifelong, indissoluble union.
The Disciples' Reaction: After hearing Jesus' strong stance on the permanence of marriage, the disciples are taken aback. They conclude that if divorce is so restricted, and marriage is meant to be an unbreakable bond, then it might be better not to get married at all.
In other words, the disciples are saying: "If a man is essentially stuck with his wife, and divorce is only allowed in very specific circumstances (or even forbidden altogether), then marriage seems like a risky and potentially unhappy proposition. Wouldn't it be wiser to avoid the whole situation entirely?"
Key Implications of the Verse:
The Difficulty of Jesus' Teaching: The disciples' reaction shows that Jesus' teaching on the permanence of marriage was challenging and went against the prevailing cultural norms of the time, where divorce was more easily obtainable for men.
Weighing the Risks and Rewards of Marriage: The disciples are considering the potential difficulties and burdens of marriage, especially if it's considered a virtually unbreakable commitment. They see the risks outweighing the rewards.
Not a Command Against Marriage: It's crucial to understand that this verse isn't a commandment against marriage. It's the disciples' personal conclusion based on Jesus' teachings. Jesus doesn't directly rebuke them here, but he does clarify the issue in the following verses (Matthew 19:11-12) by talking about those who are "eunuchs" (those who choose to remain celibate) either by birth, by human intervention, or "for the sake of the kingdom of heaven."
In summary, Matthew 19:10 reflects the disciples' surprised and perhaps somewhat pessimistic reaction to Jesus' strong teaching on the indissolubility of marriage. They wonder if the strictness of the commitment makes marriage itself too risky.