Matthew 19:4
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 19:4
4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
Chapter Context
Matthew 19 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of prayer, discipleship, holiness. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-30: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 19:4
4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
Analysis
Jesus answers the divorce question by appealing to creation: 'Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female?' This grounds marriage in God's creative design, not human custom or Mosaic concession. The phrase 'at the beginning' takes the discussion back to Genesis 1-2, before sin corrupted human relationships. Reformed theology sees here the foundational importance of creation ordinances—marriage between male and female is God's design from the beginning, not culturally constructed.
Historical Context
The Pharisees' question about divorce (19:3) was contentious, with rabbis debating grounds for divorce. The school of Shammai allowed divorce only for adultery; Hillel permitted it for any cause. Jesus bypasses this debate to establish marriage's original design. His appeal to 'the beginning' transcends Mosaic Law's accommodations to human hardness of heart (19:8).
Reflection
- How does grounding marriage in creation affect your view of its nature and permanence?
- What cultural marriage practices need evaluation against biblical creation design?
- How should Christians respond to society's redefinition of marriage?
Cross-References
- Creation: Genesis 1:27, 5:2
- Parallel theme: Matthew 12:3, 22:31, Genesis 2:18, 2:23, Malachi 2:15, Luke 10:26