“Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”– Matthew 19:6 (KJV)
“Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.”– Matthew 19:6 (NLT)
“Because they are no longer two but one. Let no one split apart what God has joined together.”– Matthew 19:6 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 19:6 Mean?
Matthew 19:6 speaks volumes about the sanctity of marriage. Jesus was responding to a question posed by the Pharisees about divorce. When He said that once a couple has been united in marriage, they become one flesh, He emphasizes the deep and spiritual connection that occurs during a marriage ceremony. It is not just a legal binding; it is a sacred union ordained by God. This unity reflects a deep relationship that God Himself established, and because of this divine association, it is meant to be unbreakable.
In biblical terms, the phrase “one flesh” suggests that a husband and wife are no longer individuals but are bound together as partners. This relationship transcends physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects. It is a collaboration in every sense that weaves together the lives of both partners, making them stronger together. This oneness symbolizes commitment, loyalty, and an intimacy that should only be shared between a husband and a wife.
Matthew 19:6 Explanation and Commentary
When discussing subjects like marriage and divorce, it’s important to understand the context behind the statements made. In Matthew 19:6, Jesus aims to clarify God’s vision for marriage. The Pharisees were trying to challenge Him with questions about whether it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason. Jesus, however, redirected their inquiry back to the original intention of marriage as ordained in Genesis, which highlights the intention of God regarding relationships between a man and a woman.
When we read “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder,” it becomes evident that Jesus is very much against divorce. Marriage was instituted by God and, therefore, is something sacred that should not be easily dissolved by human decisions. This part of the verse reminds us that marriages should be treated with respect and care since it is God’s design. Every wedding attests that God holds the authority to unite two individuals together. Therefore, to consider ending that union lightly is to disregard its sacredness.
God’s purpose for creating such unbreakable bonds is very practical too. Married couples often provide emotional stability not just for each other but also for their families. The family unit, when strong, contributes to society upliftment. Children raised in a loving, united home thrive better emotionally and socially. This “one flesh” idea also means that both spouses must support each other, nurture each other, and work through challenges together.
A passage like this also echoes through the teachings found in other parts of the Bible. For instance, in Ephesians 5:31, we find the same notion that a man shall leave his parents and be joined to his wife. A concrete bond is formed between the two that is intended to be lifelong. Thus, understanding God’s initial plan strengthens our commitment to one another.
Context of Matthew 19:6
To fully appreciate the weight of Matthew 19:6, one must grasp the context in which Jesus spoke. This segment of Scripture features a dialogue between Jesus and the Pharisees. They approached Him with troubling questions about divorce, aiming to entrap Him in controversy. In biblical times, divorce laws could be quite flexible; men could dismiss their wives for various reasons, often without much social repercussion. This flexibility led to many hurting families and disrupted lives.
Jesus, however, took this opportunity to redirect the focus from the law surrounding divorce back to the original divine design for marriage. His response in Matthew 19:6 asserts that the true essence of marriage extends beyond the legalities and aligns more closely with God’s intention for a lifelong commitment. By referring back to creation, He reiterated the notion that marriage is an act orchestrated by God, designed to promote harmony, love, and unity.
A significant part of this context is also found in Genesis 2:24, which informs that a man shall leave his father and mother to unite with his wife. This citation not only reflects Jesus’ deep-rooted understanding of scriptural authority but also reveals His reverence for marriage. He was indicating that His teaching was not a new doctrine but was indeed built upon the longstanding foundation laid in the Scriptures.
This context urges us to regard marriage as more than just a personal or social agreement but as a divine covenant with eternal significance. A deep understanding of this passage encourages us to approach our relationships with the seriousness they deserve and respects their divine origins.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 19:6
Breaking down Matthew 19:6 allows us to grasp the intricate layers it holds. Firstly, Jesus mentions, “What therefore God hath joined together.” This part reminds us that marriage is not solely a human decision but divinely orchestrated. We are not merely partners by choice; we are united by God. The significance here is immense. It points to God’s active participation in the union, implying that He desires for it to be harmonious and everlasting.
Furthermore, we see “let not man put asunder.” This expression serves as a powerful warning against separation. It emphasizes a crucial point that human will and societal norms should not determine the fate of a marriage. Instead, we are encouraged to draw strength from our commitment to uphold this sacred covenant. The warning denotes that the act of separating what God has joined is not merely a human issue but one that involves divine disapproval. Thus, the text invokes a responsibility among couples to protect the sanctity of their marital bond.
The phrase “one flesh” is tremendously insightful as well. It encapsulates the essence of marital intimacy, fostering understanding that encompasses emotional, spiritual, and physical spheres of the relationship. When two become one, it means both partners share joys and sorrows and face life’s trials together. This oneness is central to the notion of love, partnership, and support that is necessary for a successful marriage.
Ultimately, dissecting these key parts of Matthew 19:6 enriches our appreciation of marriage—as a perfection designed by God aimed at fostering long-term unity, understanding, and love.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 19:6
From Matthew 19:6, we learn several timeless lessons applicable to our lives. First and foremost, we realize the gravity of vows made within the context of marriage. A commitment goes beyond mere words; it binds two individuals together spiritually and emotionally. Thus, as we enter into marriage, we must approach it with reverence, recognizing that this is a covenant to be honored for a lifetime.
Another lesson we can take is the importance of unity in a relationship. The notion of being “one flesh” challenges us to work together as a team. This means supporting each other through challenges, celebrating each other’s victories, and being emotionally available in times of need. This unity fosters a safe environment where love can flourish and where conflicts can be resolved in a manner that strengthens the relationship instead of tearing it apart.
The text also challenges us to prioritize our marriages. In our busy lives filled with obligations, it’s easy to let our relationship with our spouse take a backseat. However, Matthew 19:6 reminds us that marriage should remain a top priority. Investing time, effort, and resources to nurture our bond is essential and should never be neglected. Scheduling regular date nights, communicating openly about feelings, and ensuring that both partners feel valued are just a few ways we can prioritize our marital relationship.
Lastly, this passage calls us to a level of accountability in our relationships. By recognizing that marriage is sacred, we accept that we share the weight of our commitments. This accountability can act as a deterrent against any thoughts of divorce or separation and guides us to seek resolutions to conflicts. Instead of viewing issues as insurmountable problems, we can choose to confront them together.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Matthew 19:6 offers profound wisdom on the inviolable nature of marriage. It urges us to remember that union is sanctified by God and should be treated with utmost respect. As we reflect on this passage, let us embrace the lessons about the value of commitment and unity in our relationships.
We should seek to foster deeper partnerships that honor the sacredness of marriage. The journey of love and partnership may not always be smooth, but through understanding, commitment, and accountability, we can cultivate relationships that mirror God’s original design. As we navigate our lives, let us hold on to the promise of marriage as a blessed and cherished bond.
For deeper insights into other related topics, consider exploring Matthew 11 or the rich stories within Genesis 18. Each passage can provide us with valuable lessons that further enhance our understanding of faith and relationships.