Matthew 19ASV
Books
All books

Matthew19

American Standard Version · Public Domain

1And it came to pass when Jesus had finished these words, he departed from Galilee, and came into the borders of Judaea beyond the Jordan;

2and great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.

3And there came unto him Pharisees, trying him, and saying, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?

4And he answered and said, Have ye not read, that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female,

5and said, For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh?

6So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

7They say unto him, Why then did Moses command to give a bill of divorcement, and to put her away?

8He saith unto them, Moses for your hardness of heart suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it hath not been so.

9And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and he that marrieth her when she is put away committeth adultery.

10The disciples say unto him, If the case of the man is so with his wife, it is not expedient to marry.

11But he said unto them, Not all men can receive this saying, but they to whom it is given.

12For there are eunuchs, that were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are eunuchs, that were made eunuchs by men: and there are eunuchs, that made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

13Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should lay his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.

14But Jesus said, Suffer the little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for to such belongeth the kingdom of heaven.

15And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.

16And behold, one came to him and said, Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

17And he said unto him, Why askest thou me concerning that which is good? One there is who is good: but if thou wouldest enter into life, keep the commandments.

18He saith unto him, Which? And Jesus said, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,

19Honor thy father and thy mother; and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.

20The young man saith unto him, All these things have I observed: what lack I yet?

21Jesus said unto him, If thou wouldest be perfect, go, sell that which thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

22But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sorrowful; for he was one that had great possessions.

23And Jesus said unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, It is hard for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven.

24And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

25And when the disciples heard it, they were astonished exceedingly, saying, Who then can be saved?

26And Jesus looking upon them said to them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

27Then answered Peter and said unto him, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee; what then shall we have?

28And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, that ye who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

29And every one that hath left houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit eternal life.

30But many shall be last that are first; and first that are last.

Study Guide

Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Matthew 19.

Full AI study →

Chapter Summary

In this chapter: Jesus enters Judea. (1, 2). The Pharisees' question about divorces. (3–12). Young children brought to Jesus. (13–15). The rich young man's inquiry. (16–22). The recompence of Christ's followers. (23–30).

vv1-2

Great multitudes followed Christ. When Christ departs, it is best for us to follow him. They found him as able and ready to help elsewhere, as he had been in Galilee; wherever the Sun of Righteousness arose, it was with healing in his wings.

vv3-12

The Pharisees were desirous of drawing something from Jesus which they might represent as contrary to the law of Moses. Cases about marriage have been numerous, and sometimes perplexed; made so, not by the law of God, but by the lusts and follies of men; and often people fix what they will do, before they ask for advice. Jesus replied by asking whether they had not read the account of the creation, and the first example of marriage; thus pointing out that every departure therefrom was wrong. That condition is best for us, and to be chosen and kept to accordingly, which is best for our souls, and tends most to prepare us for, and preserve us to, the kingdom of heaven. When the gospel is really embraced, it makes men kind relatives and faithful friends; it teaches them to bear the burdens, and to bear with the infirmities of those with whom they are connected, to consider their peace and happiness more than their own. As to ungodly persons, it is proper that they should be restrained by laws, from breaking the peace of society. And we learn that the married state should be entered upon with great seriousness and earnest prayer.

vv13-15

It is well when we come to Christ ourselves, and bring our children. Little children may be brought to Christ as needing, and being capable of receiving blessings from him, and having an interest in his intercession. We can but beg a blessing for them: Christ only can command the blessing. It is well for us, that Christ has more love and tenderness in him than the best of his disciples have. And let us learn of him not to discountenance any willing, well-meaning souls, in their seeking after Christ, though they are but weak. Those who are given to Christ, as part of his purchase, he will in no wise cast out. Therefore he takes it ill of all who forbid, and try to shut out those whom he has received. And all Christians should bring their children to the Saviour that he may bless them with spiritual blessings.

Cross References

Matthew 19
v4Genesis 1:27quotation

Jesus quotes the original creation account of humanity being made male and female.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v5Genesis 2:24quotation

Jesus quotes the foundational definition of marriage as a permanent one-flesh union.

Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, JFB

The Pharisees cite the Mosaic concession of divorce, which Jesus explains as due to hard hearts.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v9Matthew 5:32thematic

Jesus restates His strict standard on divorce and remarriage from the Sermon on the Mount.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v18Exodus 20:12-17quotation

Jesus directs the rich young ruler to the second table of the Decalogue.

Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole

v19Leviticus 19:18quotation

Jesus summarizes the social commandments with the duty to love one's neighbor.

Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole

Paul uses Genesis 2:24 to argue for sexual purity, reinforcing the one-flesh reality.

Supported by John Calvin

Paul's teaching on celibacy as a specific spiritual gift for serving God's kingdom.

Supported by John Calvin, JFB

v28Luke 22:28-30thematic

Parallels the promise that the apostles will sit on thrones judging the tribes of Israel.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v30Matthew 20:16thematic

The inversion of status in God's kingdom, immediately expanded in the next chapter.

Supported by Matthew Henry

v1Mark 10:1thematic

Parallel account of Jesus departing Galilee and entering Judea beyond Jordan.

Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB

v13Luke 18:15thematic

Parallel gospel narrative of infants and children being brought to Jesus for blessing.

Supported by JFB

v16Luke 18:18thematic

Parallel gospel account of the rich young ruler's inquiry about eternal life.

Supported by JFB

v12Isaiah 56:4thematic

Old Testament promise of blessing to eunuchs who keep covenant, transcending physical limitations.

Supported by John Calvin