Matthew 19:7 Meaning and Explanation
“They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Pharisees object by appealing to the law of Moses that permitted divorce.
What Does Matthew 19:7 Mean?
The Pharisees press back. If marriage is so binding, why did Moses provide a "writing of divorcement"? They appeal to Deuteronomy, treating Moses' permission as if it were a command, and use it to challenge the high view Jesus has just set forth from creation.
Their objection reveals a common temptation: to take a concession granted for human weakness and elevate it into a positive ideal. They lean on what the law allowed rather than what God intended from the beginning. Jesus will answer by distinguishing the two. The exchange reminds us to read God's commands in light of His original purpose, not to use a permission as a license against His design.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 19:7
What does Matthew 19:7 mean?
The Pharisees object by appealing to the law of Moses that permitted divorce.