“Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.”– Matthew 19:8
Matthew 19:8 Meaning
This verse is part of a larger conversation that Jesus is having about marriage and divorce. In this particular statement, Jesus references Moses’ allowance for divorce. He explains why such a provision was made, citing the hardness of people’s hearts as the reason. It is crucial to recognize that the intention behind marriage was always to be a covenant, a sacred bond meant to last for a lifetime. The reference to “hard hearts” illustrates the tendency of people to let their emotions and sin interfere with God’s original design for relationships.
At its core, this verse speaks to human nature. We often struggle with following God’s perfect ways because our emotions and desires can lead us astray. While Moses did allow divorce under certain situations, Jesus underscores that this was not God’s original plan for humanity. The mention of “from the beginning” is a reference to the creation narrative, where God established marriage as a lifetime commitment between a man and a woman. Thus, when interpreting Matthew 19:8, we see a clear distinction between divine intention and human practice, emphasizing God’s desire for marriage to be an enduring and faithful relationship.
Matthew 19:8 Commentary and Explanation
When Jesus speaks about Moses’ command regarding divorce in Matthew 19:8, He sheds light on the underlying motivations within humanity. The mention of hard hearts indicates that, throughout history, human beings have often opted for convenient solutions instead of striving for the higher calling of love. In allowing divorce, Moses responded to an existing need rather than prescribing an ideal. This distinction paves the way to understand that though there may be legitimate reasons for divorce, it is not aligned with God’s design for marriage.
Rewind to the early chapters of Genesis, where we find God creating man and woman with the intention of them coming together as one. In Genesis 2:24, it is stated that “a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.” God’s purpose was not to have an easy exit strategy in times of conflict but to foster unity and love. Highlighting this contrast makes it abundantly clear that while God acknowledges human frailty, He does not condone it as an excuse for breaking commitments.
Throughout the Bible, love, faithfulness, and lifelong commitment are emphasized. The Song of Solomon beautifully portrays the depth of romantic love, while Ephesians 5 offers deep spiritual insight into the roles of husbands and wives. When we grasp the whole picture, we recognize that Matthew 19:8 serves as a reminder to look beyond ourselves and contemplate what God intended marriage to be—a reflection of Christ’s relationship with the Church (Ephesians 5:25). This ultimate perspective on marriage is profound, as it aims for love, commitment, and mutual respect as fundamental elements.
In application, it pushes us to examine our hearts. Are we yielding to a hard-hearted attitude that shrinks our capacity to love? Do we sometimes cling to justifications, as did those in Moses’ time, instead of leaning into God’s perfect plan? We are invited to forsake our selfish desires, surrender our relationships to God, and aspire toward His ideal for marriage, recognizing that it calls for selflessness and commitment.
Jesus’ challenge to His listeners in Matthew 19:8 is a powerful call for transformation. It’s about commitment rather than casual relationships, focusing not just on legalistic rules but on the heart and intention behind our actions. If we are honest, we will recognize the moments when our hearts harden against our partner. It could be during dry, boring seasons or during times of misunderstanding when we don’t feel “in love.” In those moments, let’s remember the covenant we committed to and strive to nurture that bond.
Context of Matthew 19:8
In Matthew 19, Jesus is approached by the Pharisees, who inquire about the lawfulness of divorce for any reason. This questioning was not rooted in a sincere desire to understand, but rather to test Jesus. At that time, there were varying interpretations of Mosaic Law regarding divorce, leading to heated debates among the religious leaders. The two major schools of thought were represented by Hillel, which permitted divorce for nearly any reason, and Shammai, which was far stricter, only allowing it in cases of marital unfaithfulness.
When Jesus answers, He points back to God’s original intention for marriage and reminds them of the ideal set forth at creation as His answer transcends legal interpretations. By reaffirming the sanctity of marriage, Jesus challenges the prevailing norms of the day that too lightly treated the covenant of marriage. Thus, Matthew 19:8 comes as Jesus emphasizes the intent behind Moses’ law, drawing a clear line between God’s perfect design and the consequences of human sinfulness that can pervert that design.
The surrounding verses serve to highlight this exchange further. Jesus goes on to clarify that divorce is permitted, not as an ideal, but because of human sin. He then reiterates the profound unity in marriage, a bond that should not be severed lightly. This discourse invites us to appreciate the divine significance placed on marriages and the grace we are called to embody within them.
Considering the broader context enhances our understanding of Matthew 19:8. It isn’t merely a statement about divorce; it is a deeper concern for the condition of our hearts and relationships. Jesus invites a reflection on how we treat one another within the sacred context of marriage, pushing us away from convenience and toward commitment and love, even amidst challenges. This holds a timeless relevance in our context; societal norms may change, but the covenant of marriage remains divinely significant.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 19:8
The phrase “Moses permitted you” indicates that this allowance was not God’s ultimate design but a concession given to human sin. It speaks volumes about the times in which Jesus lived, where the law was often manipulated. Further, “hardness of heart” highlights the emotional barriers people erect, preventing them from fully loving and committing to one another. This demonstrates how stubbornness can lead to poor choices in relationships.
The latter part of the verse, which says, “it was not this way from the beginning,” contrasts the current state of affairs with God’s original intention. It serves as a reminder that Jesus seeks to reclaim the love, devotion, and sacredness that God established in the marriage relationship. His words reflect God’s heart where His desire is always for us to experience the fullness of love and commitment, rather than the fleeting comfort of convenience. In breaking down the verse, we see it fuels thoughtful discourse on commitment and on how to approach love emancipated from sin.
Lessons From Matthew 19:8
There are several powerful lessons we can glean from Matthew 19:8. One of the most significant is the affirmation of the divine intention behind marriage—which is meant to be sacred and enduring. The emphasis on love and commitment overrides the temporary challenges we may experience. It serves as a reminder that seeking God’s guidance and strength is essential to navigating the complexities and hardships that may arise.
Another vital lesson is the critical importance of softening our hearts toward our spouse. Acknowledging and addressing areas of hardness can lead to healing and restoration in relationships. We are called to be receptive to love, humility, and service, remembering that marriage involves two imperfect individuals coming together in unity beneath God’s grace.
Lastly, we continue to recognize that while we live in a world where divorce seems permissible for numerous reasons, it does not reflect God’s ideal. We must shift the focus from quick fixes to nurturing our relationships. Instead of solely looking for reasons for divorce, we should seek healthy paths for reconciliation and understanding. This way, we embrace God’s principle of loving dedication, always striving to rise above our shortcomings into His redemptive love.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 19:8 captures the deep complexities and richness of human relationships mirrored against God’s divine purpose for marriage. It challenges us to reevaluate our commitments and confront the hardness of our hearts when times are tough. We are invited to not only see the legal aspects of marriage and divorce but to delve deeper into the emotional and spiritual implications that bind us together. Through grace, we can aspire to embrace God’s everlasting emphasis on love within our relationships and to act towards nurturing them.
If you found this exploration meaningful, let’s continue to discover more about how we can grow through God’s word. Some topics you might be interested in exploring include Bible verses about your body, Matthew 18:33, and Bible verses about working on yourself. May we be blessed in our journey of love and faith.