But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.
MATTHEW 19:11KJVWhat does Matthew 19:11 mean?
Matthew 19:11 means that not everyone is able to accept or live by the teaching Jesus has just given, but only those to whom the ability or calling has been given. Jesus is saying that some teachings are not universally possible for everyone to follow, but are meant for certain people.
In this scene, Jesus is speaking to His disciples after they react with surprise to His strict teaching about marriage and divorce. The disciples have just suggested that it might be better not to marry at all, and Jesus responds by acknowledging that this idea is not something everyone can accept. He points out that the capacity to receive or live out this teaching is a gift or calling, not a universal expectation.
The Greek behind Matthew 19:11
- "receive" (χωρέω, chōreō): This word often means to make room for or to accept. Here, it suggests more than just understanding—it means to truly take in and live by the teaching, which not everyone is able to do.
- "given" (δίδωμι, didōmi): The Greek word for "given" highlights that the ability to accept this teaching is something granted, not achieved by personal effort alone. This points to a sense of calling or special enablement for certain people.
Why Matthew 19:11 matters
- Matthew 19:11 clarifies that Jesus does not expect every person to live by the same standard in every situation, especially regarding difficult teachings like lifelong singleness.
- This verse helps prevent misunderstanding that Jesus is making a universal rule about marriage or celibacy; He recognizes individual differences and divine enablement.
- Matthew 19:11 connects to the wider passage by showing Jesus’ sensitivity to human limitations and by setting up His following explanation about those who remain unmarried for the sake of God's kingdom.