“And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,”– Matthew 19:4 (KJV)
“Haven’t you read the Scriptures? Jesus replied. ‘They record that from the beginning God made them male and female.'” – Matthew 19:4 (NLT)
“He said, ‘Don’t you read your Bibles? This is what the Scripture says: a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife'”– Matthew 19:4 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 19:4 Mean?
This verse is part of a larger conversation that Jesus is having with the Pharisees regarding marriage and divorce. The Pharisees, who were known for their strict adherence to the law, asked Jesus whether it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason. Jesus’ response gives a crucial insight into God’s design for marriage. By referencing the creation account, He reminds us that marriage is an institution designed by God. In the beginning, God created man and woman, intending for them to be together in a sacred union.
The fact that Jesus mentions “male and female” is significant. It highlights the complementary nature of the two genders that God created. They are distinct, yet they fit together perfectly in marriage. There’s also an implication here that marriage is not a human invention or societal construct; it’s a divine ordinance. This foundational truth about marriage carries weight not just in the eyes of God but also for society as a whole.
Matthew 19:4 Explanation and Commentary
When we think about marriage in today’s world, we see it surrounded by a lot of confusion and varying opinions. Yet, Jesus points us back to the beginning, and this helps clarify what marriage should look like. By doing this, He lays a solid groundwork for the understanding of the marital bond. It emphasizes that marriage is about more than just two individuals coming together; it’s a unity established by God. We are reminded that marriage isn’t just casual and should not be treated lightly.
Jesus’ response points out that the design of marriage is rooted in the original creation narrative found in Genesis. This idea of male and female coming together originates from God’s perfect plan. In Genesis 2:24, it says, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” This is God’s blueprint for marriage and establishes its beautiful essence.
We might also notice that Jesus does not only talk about the laws surrounding divorce but highlights the importance of commitment and the sanctity of marriage. It is often easy for us to focus solely on the legal aspects when it comes to marriage and divorce, but Jesus brings our focus back to what matters. This helps us see how much God values the bond of marriage. He created it to be a lasting, loving, and supportive relationship.
Furthermore, the use of the term “made them male and female” shows that God intended for men and women to complement one another in ways that bring emotional, spiritual, and physical richness to their lives together. As we navigate our relationships, we should bear in mind the parallel of how God designed men and women to function together as a team, cherishing and valuing each other’s contributions. In this way, we participate in God’s divine vision for marriage.
Context of Matthew 19:4
To fully grasp the meaning behind Matthew 19:4, we need to understand the context in which it is spoken. The Pharisees were testing Jesus with their questions to trap Him into making a statement that they could use against Him. Their inquiry about divorce was rooted in differing interpretations of the Law, with some schools of thought suggesting that divorce was permitted for a range of reasons. Jesus, however, shifts the conversation to God’s original intent for marriage, challenging the Pharisees to reconsider their perspectives.
By focusing on creation, Jesus redirects the conversation away from legalistic interpretations of divorce to the profound purpose behind marriage itself. It’s evident that He is advocating for a higher standard. In Deuteronomy 24, Moses allowed divorce under certain circumstances, but Jesus points out that it was due to the hardness of human hearts, signaling that this was never God’s design. In this discourse, Jesus is asking us to recognize the value of what God intended for us, which is both a challenge and reassurance for those of us navigating marriage and relationships.
The mention of God “making” indicates direct and intentional action. Here, we see that marriage serves as a reflection of God’s nature and His relationship with humanity. In Ephesians 5:31-32, Paul describes the relationship between a husband and a wife as a profound mystery, comparing it to Christ’s love for the church. By referencing the origin of marriage, Jesus reinforces its significance not only in individual lives but also in God’s grand narrative of love, unity, and companionship throughout the Scriptures.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 19:4
When we look at the phrase “Have you not read,” Jesus calls attention to Scripture and invites us to explore its wisdom. It suggests an expectation of familiarity with the Word of God, which is vital for understanding how we should conduct our lives. He reminds us of the importance of Scripture as a foundation for all our beliefs and practices. As followers of Christ, we are invited to immerse ourselves in the Word, ensuring that we align our thoughts, actions, and relationships with biblical teachings.
Jesus’s reference to “the beginning” emphasizes that God’s design for marriage was established long before any laws or customs were introduced. This reinforces the idea that we should prioritize God’s original plan rather than modifying the concept of marriage to fit our cultural perspectives or convenient interpretations. This intention leaves little room for misunderstandings about the sanctity and permanence of marriage.
Next, the distinction of “male and female” touches on God’s creative order, showing that gender is an important aspect of this union. In a time when gender roles may be challenged, it’s crucial for us to recognize the unique and complementary nature of relationships between men and women. The union is not solely physical but extends to emotional and spiritual dimensions. This is a reminder to us as a community to honor and celebrate the uniqueness of each gender while working together in unity.
Lastly, the phrase “he which made them” reaffirms God’s sovereignty in the institution of marriage. He designed it with purpose, emphasizing the profound and sacred nature of this relationship. By acknowledging that marriage is created by God, we see that there is a divine responsibility in how we approach our relationships. Engaging in matters of the heart comes with a responsibility that we must uphold honestly and faithfully.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 19:4
When we reflect on this verse, many lessons come to light. One of the most profound messages is the immense value of marriage as a sacred covenant, not merely a contract. It’s essential to approach our relationships with a mindset that prioritizes commitment and loyalty. In today’s fast-paced society, we sometimes view marriage through a lens of convenience, losing sight of the depth and significance it holds. Let us remember that marriage is rooted in the divine and has profound implications in our lives.
An essential lesson we can glean is about the beauty of God’s design for unity. Men and women share complementary roles that add richness to our unions. Embracing our differences can lead to stronger and healthier marriages, as each partner brings unique strengths, perspectives, and experiences to the table. As we work together, we become a mosaic of God’s love. We must encourage collaboration and understanding between couples, letting love lead us to celebrate each other’s uniqueness.
Furthermore, we are reminded of the importance of grounding our thoughts and actions in biblical truth. As followers of Christ, having a solid understanding of Scripture helps us navigate our relationships. When faced with challenges, we can turn to the word of God for guidance and strength. Being well-versed in God’s Word empowers us to create a healthy marital environment based on love, respect, and mutual understanding.
Finally, another lesson is the necessity of grace and forgiveness. We acknowledge that we all fall short, and mistakes may be made in our relationships. Embracing this reality leads us towards a posture of love and compassion. Just as Christ extends grace to us, we are called to do the same with our spouses. This enables us to foster a loving environment where individuals can grow and evolve together. In the spirit of encouragement, let’s strive towards creating a home centered on faith, love, and upliftment.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Matthew 19:4 serves as a crucial reminder of God’s original design for marriage and relationships. It calls us back to the essential truth that marriage is a sacred bond created by God. In our individual and collective journeys, it is important for us to ensure that we respect this divine institution and recognize its purpose in our lives. By doing so, we honor God, framing our relationships within the context of His love and plan for us.
As we move through life, let’s continue to embrace the lessons from this verse. May we seek to celebrate the beauty of our differences, ground ourselves in biblical truth, foster environments of grace, and uphold the sanctity of marriage. Living out these truths will enable us to cultivate strong, nurturing relationships that reflect God’s love and purpose. Let’s keep encouraging each other to explore more topics, including the teachings of Jesus and how they shape our understanding of love and relationships.