Matthew 19:4- “Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’”
An Extended Explanation of the Verse
In Matthew 19:4, Jesus responds to the Pharisees’ question about divorce by directing them back to the Scriptures. He emphasizes God’s original design for humanity, pointing to creation itself as the foundation for understanding marriage. Jesus highlights that God created humans as “male and female” and intended them to live in a complementary, lifelong relationship.
By starting with “Haven’t you read,” Jesus gently but firmly challenges the Pharisees’ understanding of the Scriptures they claimed to know so well. Instead of debating their interpretations, He takes them back to the very beginning—to God’s creation of humanity—and grounds His teaching in the Creator’s original plan.
Historical Context
The Pharisees were experts in the law and likely expected Jesus to engage in a technical discussion about divorce based on Mosaic law. Instead, Jesus shifts the focus to Genesis, reminding them that marriage is rooted in God’s creation and not merely in legal regulations.
In the ancient Jewish culture, marriage was a deeply respected institution, but human traditions and debates had sometimes obscured its divine purpose. Jesus’ reference to Genesis highlights that marriage was established before the law, as part of God’s perfect creation.
Theological Implications
This verse underscores the sanctity of marriage as a divine institution, created and designed by God Himself. It reminds us that marriage is not merely a human contract but a covenant established by God.
The phrase “male and female” also reflects God’s intentional design for humanity. It emphasizes that men and women are equal in value yet distinct, created to complement and complete one another within the context of marriage. This points to God’s wisdom and purpose in His design for relationships.
Literary Analysis
Jesus’ use of Scripture here is significant. By quoting Genesis 1:27, He appeals to the authority of God’s Word, showing that the answers to life’s most important questions can be found in the Bible. His rhetorical question, “Haven’t you read,” underscores the Pharisees’ failure to understand the heart of Scripture, despite their knowledge of it.
The structure of Jesus’ argument is also worth noting. He begins with creation to establish the foundational principle before addressing the Pharisees’ specific question about divorce. This approach reflects His ability to address deeper issues rather than just surface-level debates.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 1:27 – The original creation account where God makes humans in His image, “male and female.”
- Genesis 2:24 – The foundation for the concept of marriage, which Jesus refers to in the following verses.
- Mark 10:6 – A parallel account of this teaching, reinforcing the creation-based foundation of marriage.
- Ephesians 5:31-32 – Paul connects the marriage relationship to the relationship between Christ and the church, emphasizing its sacred nature.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder to look to God’s Word for guidance in all aspects of life, including marriage and relationships. It challenges us to value marriage as a divine institution and to approach it with reverence and commitment.
The verse also calls us to honor God’s design for humanity, recognizing the beauty and purpose of His creation. In a culture that often questions or distorts God’s intentions for relationships, this verse provides clarity and truth.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reveals God’s love through His intentional design for humanity. By creating men and women in His image and instituting marriage, God demonstrates His care for our relationships and well-being. He provides marriage as a gift, reflecting His desire for humans to experience love, companionship, and unity.
God’s love is also evident in His willingness to remind us of His original design, even when we stray or misunderstand His purposes. Through Jesus, He calls us back to the beauty and truth of His creation.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus’ response in this verse points to His role as the ultimate teacher and interpreter of God’s Word. He not only affirms the authority of Scripture but also fulfills its purpose by living out God’s perfect design.
The marriage relationship that Jesus describes here also reflects His relationship with the church. As Ephesians 5 explains, Christ loves the church as a husband loves his wife, demonstrating sacrificial love, commitment, and unity. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus embodies the faithfulness and love that God designed marriage to represent.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Jesus’ reference to creation challenge your understanding of marriage and relationships?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of seeking God’s original design in all areas of life?
- How can Christians honor the sanctity of marriage in today’s world?
- In what ways does Jesus’ teaching in this verse reflect God’s love for humanity?
- How does the relationship between Christ and the church deepen your understanding of marriage as described in this passage?