New Testament

Matthew 19:3

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, the Pharisees approach Jesus with a question designed to challenge him.

Author
Matthew the apostle
Written
Around AD 60-70
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
Jewish Christians
CBTClear Bible Translation

Some Pharisees came to him, trying to trap him. They asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?"

KJVKing James Version

The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the Pharisees approach Jesus with a question designed to challenge him. They ask if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason. This question reflects the debates of the time regarding divorce laws, particularly the interpretation of Moses' teachings. The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the law, and by asking this question, they hoped to trap Jesus into making a statement that could be used against him. If he said divorce was permissible for any reason, he could be accused of undermining the sanctity of marriage. Conversely, if he said it was not allowed, he could be seen as contradicting the law of Moses. This interaction sets the stage for Jesus to clarify the true intent of marriage and divorce, emphasizing the importance of commitment and the sacredness of the marital bond.

How to apply Matthew 19:3 to your life

This verse reminds us to approach difficult questions with wisdom and integrity. In our own lives, we should consider the seriousness of commitments, especially in marriage. It encourages us to seek understanding and guidance from spiritual teachings when facing challenging decisions about relationships.

Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What did the Pharisees ask Jesus in Matthew 19:3?

In Matthew 19:3, the Pharisees approached Jesus with a question about divorce, asking, 'Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason at all?' This question was intended to trap Jesus into making a controversial statement regarding the law of Moses and divorce.

Why did the Pharisees question Jesus about divorce?

The Pharisees questioned Jesus about divorce to challenge him and test his interpretation of the law. They aimed to trap him into making a statement that could be used against him, either by accusing him of undermining the sanctity of marriage or by claiming he contradicted Moses' teachings.

What is the significance of Jesus' response to the divorce question?

Jesus' response to the divorce question emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and the importance of commitment. He clarifies that divorce should not be taken lightly and highlights the original intent of marriage as a lifelong union, thus reinforcing the value of fidelity and the seriousness of marital vows.

How does Matthew 19:3 relate to modern views on marriage and divorce?

Matthew 19:3 challenges modern views on marriage and divorce by reminding us of the seriousness of marital commitments. It encourages individuals to reflect on the sanctity of marriage and the implications of divorce, urging a thoughtful approach to relationships and the decisions we make regarding them.

The Book of Matthew
Book Summary

The Book of Matthew

Matthew 1: The Generation and Birth of Jesus Christ

The book begins with the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. It records the generations from Abraham to David, from David until the carrying away into Babylon, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ, each being fourteen generations. The genealogy concludes with Jacob begetting Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

Premium

Unlock the full Matthew summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Matthew — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 28 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Matthew summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.