Book of Matthew - Chapter 19 - Verse 7

When Jesus is asked about the commandment of Moses to give a writing of divorcement and put away one's wife, He begins to address the true meaning behind marriage. Jesus explains that Moses allowed divorce as a concession to human sinfulness, but from the beginning, it was not meant to be this way. His response highlights the sacredness and permanence of marriage as God intended it. By referencing the creation story in Genesis, Jesus emphasizes the unity and oneness that marriage represents, with God joining man and woman together. This verse serves as a reminder that marriage is a covenant between a man and a woman, meant to be upheld and cherished. Jesus' words challenge us to reevaluate our understanding of marriage and to uphold the sanctity of this union according to God's original design.

In this verse, the Pharisees question Jesus about the command Moses gave regarding divorce, which can be found in Deuteronomy 24:1-4. They are referring to the law that permitted a man to give his wife a certificate of divorce if he found some "indecency" in her. However, Jesus uses this opportunity to provide a theological interpretation of the law, pointing out that God's original intention for marriage was for it to be a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman. Jesus emphasizes that this law was given as a concession due to the hardness of people's hearts, but it was not the ideal plan that God had in mind. The word "indecency" in Deuteronomy has sparked debates among scholars regarding what it means, with some interpreting it as referring to sexual unfaithfulness, while others believe it could mean something broader like marital unfaithfulness or other serious transgressions. This verse serves as a reminder for Christians to uphold the sanctity of marriage and to approach divorce with careful consideration and prayer.