Matthew 19:8 (KJV)

What does Matthew 19:8 mean?

Matthew 19:8 describes Jesus explaining that Moses allowed divorce because people’s hearts were hard, but that this was not God’s original intention for marriage. Jesus points out that from the very beginning, marriage was meant to be a lasting union, not something to be easily ended.

In this verse, Jesus is responding to a question from the Pharisees about divorce. He clarifies that Moses permitted divorce as a concession to human stubbornness, not because it was ideal. Jesus shifts the focus back to God’s original design for marriage, emphasizing that the law was given in response to people’s unwillingness to follow God’s best plan.

The Greek behind Matthew 19:8

• σκληροκαρδίαν (sklērokardian, "hardness of your hearts"): This word combines "hard" and "heart," and it refers to stubbornness or an unyielding attitude. Jesus uses it to explain why Moses made allowances for divorce, highlighting a problem within people, not with God’s design.
• ἐπέτρεψεν (epetrepsen, "suffered/allowed"): This word means to permit or allow. Jesus is clear that Moses did not command divorce but merely allowed it, showing it was a concession, not a command or ideal.
• ἀπ’ ἀρχῆς (ap’ archēs, "from the beginning"): This phrase means "from the start" or "originally." Jesus is pointing back to the creation account, stressing that God’s true intention for marriage was established at the very beginning.

Why Matthew 19:8 matters

• Matthew 19:8 clears up the misunderstanding that divorce was ever God’s preferred solution; it was a temporary allowance due to people’s unwillingness to follow God’s way.
• The verse highlights Jesus’ authority in interpreting the law of Moses, showing that he points beyond the law to God’s original purpose.
• This verse connects to the larger conversation in Matthew 19, where Jesus is teaching about the seriousness and sacredness of marriage, challenging the common practices and assumptions of his day.