Meaning of Matthew 19:8

Jesus' statement in Matthew 19:8 directly addresses the contentious issue of divorce, asserting that Moses' allowance for it was a concession to human sinfulness rather than an ideal established by God. He distinguishes between the Mosaic Law's practical accommodation of a fallen human condition and the original, perfect design of marriage as instituted by God in creation. The hardness of heart, representing a stubborn resistance to God's will and a disregard for the sanctity of the marital covenant, is identified as the root cause for the need for divorce regulations. Jesus is not abrogating the Law but revealing its ultimate purpose and pointing back to a more profound, original divine intention for marriage, a standard that transcends temporary legal allowances.

Context and Background

This exchange occurs within Jesus' discourse on divorce, prompted by the Pharisees testing him regarding Moses' Law (Matthew 19:3). The Pharisees, seeking to trap Jesus, ask if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause. Their question reflects a rabbinic debate of the time, with differing schools of thought on the grounds for divorce. Some, like the school of Hillel, allowed divorce for almost any reason, while the school of Shammai held a stricter view. Jesus’ response transcends this debate by appealing to the very foundation of marriage in God’s original design, demonstrating his authority to interpret and fulfill the Law.

Key Themes and Messages

• Original Design of Marriage: Jesus emphasizes that God's initial intent for marriage, as established in Genesis, was a lifelong, indissoluble union between one man and one woman.
• Concession to Human Sinfulness: The Mosaic Law's provision for divorce is presented not as God's ideal, but as a pragmatic allowance due to the pervasive sinfulness and "hardness of heart" among the people. This hardness prevented them from upholding the ideal.
• The Nature of the Law: Jesus distinguishes between the letter of the Law, which could be accommodated, and the spirit or intent of the Law, which points to God's perfect will. He is revealing the deeper meaning and purpose behind the Mosaic regulations.
• Authority of Christ: By appealing to creation and the original intent of God, Jesus asserts his authority as the divine interpreter of God's will, even over established Mosaic legislation.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse calls believers to a higher standard of commitment in marriage, reflecting God's own faithfulness. It challenges the casual approach to divorce prevalent in many societies and even within some religious circles. The emphasis on "hardness of heart" serves as a spiritual diagnostic tool, prompting introspection about one's own willingness to be pliable and obedient to God's commands regarding marital fidelity and commitment. It encourages a pursuit of reconciliation and forgiveness within marriage, mirroring God's redemptive work.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Matthew 19:8 is integral to the biblical narrative of creation, fall, and redemption. It begins with the perfect union established in Eden (Genesis 1-2), moves through the introduction of sin and its consequences, including the allowance for divorce under the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 24:1-4), and culminates in Christ's re-establishment of the divine ideal. Jesus' teaching here points toward the redemptive power of God to restore relationships and enable believers to live according to God's original, perfect will, a will that will be fully realized in the new creation.

Analogies

One analogy for Moses permitting divorce due to hardness of heart is a doctor prescribing a crutch for a broken leg. The crutch is not the ideal state of walking, but a necessary aid to manage a debilitating injury until healing occurs. Similarly, divorce was a concession to manage the brokenness caused by sin, not the ideal God intended. Another analogy is a parent allowing a child to have a temporary toy that is not ideal for their long-term development, but is permitted because the child is not yet mature enough to handle the more beneficial, but perhaps less immediately gratifying, option.

Relation to Other Verses

• Genesis 1:27-28 & Genesis 2:24: These foundational texts establish the creation ordinance of marriage as a union of male and female, intended to be "one flesh" and fruitful. Jesus' statement directly references this original design.
• Deuteronomy 24:1-4: This passage outlines the procedure for divorce under the Mosaic Law, including the issuance of a certificate of divorce. Jesus acknowledges this allowance but contextualizes it as a concession.
• Matthew 5:31-32: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus also addresses divorce, stating that divorcing one's wife except for sexual immorality makes her guilty of adultery, and anyone who marries her commits adultery. This reinforces his stricter interpretation of marital fidelity.
• 1 Corinthians 7:10-16: Paul, guided by the Holy Spirit, also discusses marriage and divorce, affirming that a believer should not divorce an unbelieving spouse if they are willing to stay, and reiterating that a wife should not separate from her husband, but if she does, she must remain unmarried or be reconciled. This reflects the principle of preserving the marital bond where possible.