Devine Scripture

Matthew 19:7

What does Matthew 19:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 19:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 19:7 means

The Pharisees, challenged by Jesus's emphasis on Genesis, immediately countered by asking why Moses commanded a bill of divorcement, allowing a man to put away his wife. They were appealing to a seemingly contradictory Mosaic law found in Deuteronomy 24:1-4. Their question revealed their focus on legalistic exceptions rather than God's original, ideal intention for marriage, seeking to justify their own practices against Jesus's teaching.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

They say unto him, Why then did Moses command to give a bill of divorcement, and to put her away?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

They say unto him, Why then did Moses command to give a bill of divorcement, and to put her away?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

They say to him, Why then did Moses give orders that a husband might give her a statement in writing and be free from her?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

They say to him, `Why then did Moses command to give a roll of divorce, and to put her away?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

They say to him: Why then did Moses command to give a bill of divorce, and to put away?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

They say to him, Why then did Moses command to give a letter of divorce and to send [her] away?

Context

Following Jesus's strong declaration about the indissoluble nature of marriage in verse 6, the Pharisees present a direct challenge. This question about Moses's command on divorce is a tactical move designed to force Jesus to reconcile His teaching with the Law, setting the stage for Jesus's clarification on the purpose and limitations of the Mosaic allowance.

v.6So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

v.7This passage

v.8He saith unto them, Moses for your hardness of heart suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it hath not been so.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Malachi 2:16

    For I hate putting away, saith Jehovah, the God of Israel, and him that covereth his garment with violence, saith Jehovah of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.

  • Jeremiah 3:8

    And I saw, when, for this very cause that backsliding Israel had committed adultery, I had put her away and given her a bill of divorcement, yet treacherous Judah her sister feared not; but she also went and played the harlot.

  • Matthew 5:31

    It was said also, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:

  • Isaiah 50:1

    Thus saith Jehovah, Where is the bill of your mother’s divorcement, wherewith I have put her away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities were ye sold, and for your transgressions was your mother put away.

  • Matthew 1:19

    And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

  • Mark 10:4

    And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 19

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 19.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Matthew 19:7.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary