Teaching about Divorce (Matthew 19:1-12)
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Slovenčina Matthew 19:1-12 recounts Jesus' teachings on marriage and divorce, emphasizing the sacredness of marital bonds and the importance of upholding the original intent of God's design for marriage.
The passage begins with the Pharisees testing Jesus by asking whether it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason. Jesus responds by referring to the creation account in Genesis, reminding them that God made male and female, and that a man should leave his parents and be joined to his wife, becoming one flesh (Matthew 19:4-6). Jesus emphasizes that what God has joined together, no human should separate.
The Pharisees then inquire why Moses permitted divorce through a written certificate. Jesus explains that Moses allowed it because of the hardness of their hearts, but from the beginning, it was not so (Matthew 19:7-8). He goes on to state that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another commits adultery (Matthew 19:9).
The disciples, surprised by Jesus' strict stance on divorce, suggest that it might be better not to marry at all. Jesus acknowledges that not everyone can accept this teaching, but only those to whom it has been given (Matthew 19:11). He then discusses the concept of eunuchs—those who have chosen to live a celibate life for the sake of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:12).
The theological message of Matthew 19:1-12 highlights the sanctity of marriage and the importance of upholding God's original design for it as a lifelong, unbreakable union. Jesus' teachings challenge the cultural norms of his time by emphasizing the seriousness of the marital covenant and limiting the grounds for divorce.
The passage's significance lies in its affirmation of the value and sacredness of marriage and its call for believers to prioritize the kingdom of heaven in their relationships. Jesus' teachings on marriage and celibacy encourage followers to remain committed and faithful, reflecting the divine love and faithfulness that characterize God's relationship with His people.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|
| εὐνουχίζω | castrate | |
| ὅτε | when; while | |
| τελέω | to end, finish | |
| Ἰησοῦς, οῦ, ὁ | Jesus, Joshua | |
| μεταίρω | go away | |
| Γαλιλαία, ας, ἡ | Galilee | |
| ἔρχομαι | come, go | |
| ὅριον, ου, τό | boundary | |
| Ἰουδαία, ας, ἡ | Judea | |
| πέραν | on the other side | |
| Ἰορδάνης, ου, ὁ | the Jordan | |
| ἀκολουθέω | to follow | |
| ὄχλος, ου, ὁ | a crowd; horde | |
| πολύς, πολλή, πολύ | many | |
| θεραπεύω | heal; serve | |
| ἐκεῖ | there | |
| προσέρχομαι | come/go to, approach | |
| Φαρισαῖος, ου, ὁ | Pharisee | |
| πειράζω | to try, examine, tempt, attempt | |
| ἔξεστιν | it is right, proper | |
| κατά | against, with (with G); according to, by, at (with A) | |
| ἀποκρίνομαι | answer | |
| ἀναγινώσκω | to read | |
| κτίζω | create | |
| ἄρσην, εν | male | |
| θῆλυς, εια, υ | female | |
| ποιέω | make, do | |
| ἕνεκα | because of (with G) | |
| καταλείπω | leave | |
| πατήρ, πατρός, ὁ | father | |
| κολλάω | join, attach | |
| ὥστε | so that; therefore, so | |
| οὐκέτι | no longer | |
| θεός, οῦ, ὁ | God | |
| συζεύγνυμι | join together, pair | |
| χωρίζω | divide, separate |