King James Version

What Does Matthew 19:7 Mean?

Matthew 19:7 in the King James Version says “They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 19:7 · KJV

Context

5

And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

6

Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

7

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

8

He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.

9

And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

Read Matthew 19 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement (βιβλίον ἀποστασίου, biblion apostasiou)—The Pharisees' question exposes their fundamental misunderstanding. Moses did not command (ἐντέλλομαι, entellomai) divorce; he permitted it as a regulatory concession to human hardness of heart (v. 8). The biblion apostasiou (certificate of divorce) in Deuteronomy 24:1-4 was a protective measure for women in a patriarchal society, not divine endorsement of divorce.

Jesus's response redirects them to creation's original design (Gen. 1:27, 2:24), establishing that God's ideal precedes and supersedes Mosaic accommodation. The law regulated sin's consequences without endorsing sin itself—a pattern seen throughout Torah's civil legislation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In first-century Judaism, the schools of Hillel and Shammai debated the grounds for divorce. Hillel permitted divorce for almost any reason; Shammai restricted it to sexual immorality. The Pharisees sought to trap Jesus by forcing him to choose sides in this contentious rabbinic debate, potentially alienating either the strict or lenient factions.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus's distinction between divine command and Mosaic permission apply to other Old Testament regulations that seem inconsistent with the New Covenant?
  2. What does this exchange reveal about the danger of using Scripture to justify what God merely tolerates?
  3. How should the church balance Christ's high standard for marriage with pastoral care for those affected by divorce?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
λέγουσιν1 of 12

“They say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτήν2 of 12

“her”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Τί3 of 12

“Why”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

οὖν4 of 12

“then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

Μωσῆς5 of 12

“did Moses”

G3475

moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver

ἐνετείλατο6 of 12

“command”

G1781

to enjoin

δοῦναι7 of 12

“to give”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

βιβλίον8 of 12

“a writing”

G975

a roll

ἀποστασίου9 of 12

“of divorcement”

G647

properly, something separative, i.e., (specially) divorce

καὶ10 of 12

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀπολῦσαι11 of 12

“away”

G630

to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce

αὐτήν12 of 12

“her”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 19:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 19:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 24:1-4Matthew 5:31Mark 10:4Malachi 2:16Jeremiah 3:8Isaiah 50:1

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