Meaning of Matthew 19:6

This verse, spoken by Jesus in response to a question about divorce, articulates the profound and divinely ordained unity of marriage. It asserts that when a man and woman enter into matrimony, they transcend their individual identities to become a single, unified entity in God's eyes. This unity is not merely a social contract or a legal arrangement but a spiritual bond established by God Himself. Consequently, the indissolubility of this union is emphasized, with the divine authority of God overriding any human attempt to sever what He has joined. This principle establishes a high standard for marital commitment, viewing it as a sacred covenant meant to endure.

Context and Background

Jesus' discourse on marriage in Matthew 19 occurs within a broader theological context concerning the Law of Moses and its interpretation. The Pharisees, seeking to test Jesus, pose a question about divorce, specifically referencing Deuteronomy 24:1-4, which outlines grounds for a man to give his wife a certificate of divorce. This legal provision was often interpreted as permitting divorce for almost any reason. Jesus, however, redirects their attention to the original creation account in Genesis (Genesis 1:27-28 and Genesis 2:24), which he cites as the foundational understanding of marriage. By appealing to the Genesis narrative, Jesus is not abrogating the Mosaic Law but rather revealing its underlying intent and God's original design for humanity, which predates and supersedes later legal allowances.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary themes are the divine institution of marriage, the unity of husband and wife, and the indissolubility of the marital bond. Jesus emphasizes that marriage is not primarily a human arrangement but a divine creation, originating with God. The concept of "one flesh" signifies a deep, intrinsic union that goes beyond physical intimacy to encompass spiritual, emotional, and relational oneness. This unity is so profound that it alters the very identity of the individuals, making them a single entity in God's sight. The concluding statement, "let no one separate," underscores the sacredness and permanence of this divine union, framing divorce as an act against God's established order.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance lies in understanding marriage as a sacred covenant reflecting God's own covenantal faithfulness. For believers, it is a tangible representation of Christ's relationship with the Church (Ephesians 5:32), a union characterized by love, sacrifice, and commitment. The application for individuals is a call to approach marriage with utmost seriousness, recognizing its divine origin and purpose. It encourages a commitment to working through difficulties and a rejection of casual dissolution of the marital bond. It calls for mutual love, respect, and forgiveness as essential components for maintaining the "one flesh" unity that God has ordained.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Matthew 19:6 is a pivotal point in the biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan. It reinforces the foundational covenantal relationship established from creation. By affirming the original design of marriage, Jesus aligns himself with God's consistent desire for order, faithfulness, and unity within human relationships. This teaching on marriage also foreshadows the ultimate unity of God's people in the New Covenant. The emphasis on indissolubility anticipates the eternal kingdom where relationships will be perfectly reconciled and unified under God.

Analogies

One analogy to understand the "one flesh" concept is that of two streams merging into a single river. Individually, the streams have their own courses, but once they converge, they become a unified body of water, flowing together, their individual identities transformed into a shared current. Another analogy is that of two threads woven into a single tapestry. Each thread retains its color and texture, but when interwoven, they create a new, cohesive, and inseparable whole that is more beautiful and resilient than the individual threads.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse is deeply connected to the creation accounts in Genesis 1:27-28 and Genesis 2:24, which Jesus directly quotes and builds upon. It also resonates with Mark 10:6-9, where Jesus reiterates the same teaching with similar emphasis. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul expands on this concept in Ephesians 5:22-33, likening the union of husband and wife to the relationship between Christ and the Church, further highlighting the spiritual and sacrificial dimensions of marriage. The prohibition against divorce is also echoed in 1 Corinthians 7:10-11, where Paul instructs married believers not to separate, though he allows for separation in specific circumstances of abandonment by an unbelieving spouse, a nuance that acknowledges the realities of a fallen world while upholding the ideal.