Matthew 19:5

Authorized King James Version

And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

Word-by-Word Analysis

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἶπεν

G2036

said

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ἕνεκεν

G1752

cause

on account of

τούτου

G5127

For this

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

καταλείψει

G2641

leave

to leave down, i.e., behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining

ἄνθρωπος

G444

shall a man

man-faced, i.e., a human being

τὸν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πατέρα

G3962

father

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#10

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#11

μητέρα

G3384

mother

a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)

#12

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#13

προσκολληθήσεται

G4347

shall cleave

to glue to, i.e., (figuratively) to adhere

#14

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

γυναικὶ

G1135

wife

a woman; specially, a wife

#16

αὐτοῦ

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#17

καὶ

G2532

And

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#18

ἔσονται

G2071

shall be

will be

#19

οἱ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#20

δύο

G1417

they twain

"two"

#21

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#22

σάρκα

G4561

flesh

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

#23

μίαν

G1520

one

Analysis

Within the broader context of Matthew, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Matthew.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within Roman imperial rule over Jewish Palestine with messianic expectations. The author writes to address Jewish Christians seeking to understand Jesus as Messiah, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

Related Resources

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Matthew 19:5

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources