New Testament
Matthew 19:8
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Jesus told them, "Moses allowed you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning."
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He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.
What Matthew 19:8 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus explains that Moses permitted divorce due to the hardness of people's hearts, meaning their unwillingness to forgive and love fully. However, Jesus emphasizes that this was not God's original intention for marriage. From the beginning, God designed marriage to be a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman. Jesus highlights the importance of understanding the sanctity of marriage and the need for compassion and forgiveness in relationships. He calls people to reflect on their attitudes and behaviors towards marriage, urging them to strive for the ideal of unity and love that God intended. This teaching challenges the cultural norms of the time and encourages a deeper commitment to the marriage covenant, rather than viewing divorce as an easy option.
How to apply Matthew 19:8 to your life
This verse encourages us to approach our relationships with love and forgiveness, recognizing the importance of commitment. When faced with challenges in marriage, we should seek to understand and heal rather than resort to separation. Embracing God's design for marriage can lead to stronger, more fulfilling relationships.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 19:8 mean?
Matthew 19:8 explains that Moses allowed divorce due to the hardness of people's hearts, indicating their inability to love and forgive fully. Jesus emphasizes that this was not God's original design for marriage, which was meant to be a lifelong commitment.
What is the meaning of 'hardness of heart' in Matthew 19:8?
'Hardness of heart' in Matthew 19:8 refers to a person's unwillingness to forgive and love deeply. It highlights how negative attitudes can lead to the breakdown of relationships, prompting the need for compassion and understanding.
How does Matthew 19:8 relate to marriage today?
Matthew 19:8 encourages individuals to view marriage as a serious commitment rather than an easy option for divorce. It promotes the values of love, forgiveness, and understanding in relationships.
What does Jesus teach about divorce in Matthew 19:8?
In Matthew 19:8, Jesus teaches that divorce was allowed by Moses because of people's hard hearts, but He stresses that God's intention was for marriage to be a lifelong union, urging a return to that ideal.
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