Matthew 19ESV
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Matthew19

English Standard Version

1 , he the of the .

2 , he .

3 to by , it to ?

4 , Have he from the ,

5 , a shall his his to , the shall ?

6 they no . has , .

7They to , did one to a of to ?

8He to , of of to , the it .

9 I to : , , , .

10The to , the of a his , it to .

11 he to , can , only those to it is .

12 there have been , there have been , there have the sake of the of . the one who is to this it.

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14 , the little do , to the of .

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16 , a to , , , must I ?

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18He to , ones? , , , , ,

19 , , You shall .

20The to , I have . do I ?

21 to , , , what to the , you will ; , .

22 the he , he .

23 to , , I to , only with will a the of .

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28 to , , I to , the , the of will , have will , the of .

29 has , for , will a will .

30 who are will , the .

Study Guide

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

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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