Matthew 19:8- “Jesus replied, ‘Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.'”
An Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Jesus responds to the Pharisees’ question about Moses’ allowance for divorce. He explains that Moses’ provision was not a reflection of God’s original intent but a concession made because of the hardness of human hearts. Divorce was never part of God’s perfect plan for marriage; it became necessary because of human sin and the resulting brokenness in relationships.
Jesus emphasizes that from the beginning, God designed marriage to be a lifelong union. By pointing back to creation, He shifts the focus from human failure to God’s ideal, showing that marriage was intended to reflect God’s faithfulness and unity.
Historical Context
During Moses’ time, divorce was a common practice, and many men would abandon their wives without legal protections. The certificate of divorce, as outlined in Deuteronomy 24:1-4, was introduced to regulate this practice and provide some level of justice, particularly for women who were often left vulnerable.
In Jesus’ time, Jewish leaders were divided over the reasons for divorce. The Pharisees brought up this issue not to genuinely learn from Jesus but to test Him and trap Him in the ongoing debate. By addressing the hardness of human hearts, Jesus highlights the root issue: sin and its damaging effects on relationships.
Theological Implications
This verse reveals the tension between God’s perfect will and the accommodations He allows because of human sin. While divorce was permitted as a concession to deal with brokenness, it was never part of God’s original design for marriage.
It also points to the nature of sin and its impact on relationships. Hardened hearts—characterized by selfishness, stubbornness, and lack of love—are what lead to the breakdown of marriage. Jesus calls His listeners to aim for God’s ideal, which requires softened hearts transformed by His grace.
Literary Analysis
The structure of Jesus’ response is significant. By beginning with “Moses permitted,” Jesus acknowledges the reality of human failure while immediately contrasting it with “it was not this way from the beginning.” This contrast highlights the difference between human concessions and God’s original plan.
The phrase “your hearts were hard” is both a diagnosis and a challenge. It reflects the root cause of relational brokenness and points to the need for transformation. The literary flow moves from the Pharisees’ focus on the law to Jesus’ focus on God’s higher purpose.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 2:24 – God’s original design for marriage as a lifelong union.
- Deuteronomy 24:1-4 – Moses’ regulation of divorce to address the reality of sin.
- Ezekiel 36:26 – God promises to give His people a new heart, replacing their hardened hearts.
- Mark 10:5-9 – A parallel account of this teaching, emphasizing the permanence of marriage.
- Malachi 2:16 – God’s declaration that He hates divorce, underscoring the sanctity of marriage.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder to strive for God’s ideal in marriage rather than settling for what culture permits. It challenges believers to guard their hearts against hardness by seeking God’s grace to foster love, forgiveness, and unity in their relationships.
This verse also speaks to the reality of brokenness in the world. While divorce may sometimes be necessary in cases of abuse or unfaithfulness, it should always be viewed as a tragic result of sin, not an easy solution. Christians are called to pursue reconciliation and healing whenever possible.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in His design for marriage. From the beginning, He created marriage as a source of joy, companionship, and unity. Even in the face of human failure, God’s love is shown through His patience and provision. The law regarding divorce was a concession to protect people, especially the vulnerable, from further harm.
God’s ultimate desire is for relationships to reflect His love and faithfulness. This verse points to His willingness to work with broken people, while also calling them to a higher standard rooted in His original plan.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus’ teaching in this verse reflects His authority as the one who fulfills and clarifies God’s law. He points beyond the regulations of Moses to God’s original intent, showing His deep understanding of human sin and the need for redemption.
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus makes it possible for hardened hearts to be transformed. His grace enables believers to love selflessly and commit faithfully, reflecting the kind of relationship God intended for marriage. Jesus also embodies the faithfulness and covenant-keeping nature that marriage is meant to symbolize.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge your understanding of God’s original intent for marriage?
- What does it mean to guard against a “hardened heart” in your relationships?
- How can Christians balance the reality of brokenness with the call to pursue God’s ideal for marriage?
- In what ways does Jesus’ teaching encourage reconciliation and healing in relationships?
- How can the church support individuals and couples in aligning their relationships with God’s design?