FocusCreation and faithfulness
Connection to the wholeJesus answers the dispute by returning to the creation account, then addresses the disciples' response to His teaching.
interpretation Matthew 19:1
KJVAnd it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;
Read it in context
Journey to Judea and Teachings
Start reading at Matthew 19:1 (Matthew 19:1 to Matthew 19:30).
The verse marks a geographical transition in Jesus' ministry, initiating a new phase of teaching and interaction as He moves towards Jerusalem.
- 19:1 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;
- 19:2 And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.
- 19:3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
- 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
- 19:5 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?
- 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
- 19:7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?
- 19:8 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.
- 19:9 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.
- 19:10 His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.
- 19:11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.
- 19:12 For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother's womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.
- 19:13 Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.
- 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
- 19:15 And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.
- 19:16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
- 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
- 19:18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
- 19:19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
- 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
- 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
- 19:22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
- 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
- 19:24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
- 19:25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
- 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
- 19:27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
- 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
- 19:29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
- 19:30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 19:1–19:30): Jesus responds to Pharisees about marriage, speaks to His disciples, receives children, and answers a wealthy young man; Peter then asks about the disciples' reward. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
- What is the main event or theme? Jesus' departure from Galilee and arrival in the region of Judea beyond Jordan, marking a significant geographical shift in His ministry.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing the purposeful progression of Jesus' earthly ministry, moving Him geographically to new regions for teaching and healing, ultimately leading towards Jerusalem and His redemptive work.
- What is the literary style? Gospel narrative, specifically a transitional statement within the narrative.
When
- When was it written? Approximately A.D. 50 to 70.
- When does the event take place? During Jesus' public ministry, likely in the final year before His crucifixion, around A.D. 30.
Where
- Where did it happen? Jesus departed from Galilee and arrived in the region of Judea beyond the Jordan River.
- Where was the author located? Judea or Antioch.
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Journey to Judea and Teachings (Matthew 19:1 to Matthew 19:30). Start reading at Matthew 19:1. The verse marks a geographical transition in Jesus' ministry, initiating a new phase of teaching and interaction as He moves towards Jerusalem.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse serves as a geographical and narrative transition, marking Jesus' departure from Galilee after concluding a significant block of teaching (Matthew 18) and initiating His ministry in Judea beyond Jordan, moving Him closer to Jerusalem and the events of His passion. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? Jesus' deliberate movement from Galilee to Judea beyond Jordan demonstrates His sovereign control over His ministry and His purposeful journey towards Jerusalem, where He would ultimately fulfill His redemptive mission through His death and resurrection, showing His obedience to the Father's will. interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers today can apply this by recognizing that God often calls us to new places or phases of ministry. We should be willing to follow His leading with intentionality and purpose, just as Jesus moved geographically to continue His work. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 19:1
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostle
From early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Related passages
- that when Mark 10:1 John 10:40
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 19
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
Children received
Matthew 19:13–15FocusThe kingdom and the little ones
Connection to the wholeJesus' reception of children continues the challenge to assumptions about importance and access to Him.
interpretation Possessions and following Jesus
Matthew 19:16–30FocusThe rich man and the disciples
Connection to the wholeThe rich man's response exposes the hold of possessions, leading to teaching on salvation, sacrifice, and the reversal developed in chapter 20.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Matthew 1:1 Matthew 28:18 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:20
The promised Messiah introduced
Matthew 1:1–4:16FocusOrigins and preparation
Connection to the wholeThe genealogy, birth, baptism, and temptation establish Jesus' identity and mission before His public preaching expands.
interpretation The kingdom proclaimed
Matthew 4:17–7:29FocusMinistry and the mountain discourse
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.
interpretation Authority and mission
Matthew 8:1–10:42FocusWorks of mercy and sent disciples
Connection to the wholeHealings and other mighty works display Jesus' authority; He then commissions disciples and prepares them for opposition.
interpretation Responses to the kingdom
Matthew 11:1–13:58FocusOpposition, revelation, and parables
Connection to the wholeContrasting responses to Jesus lead into parables that explain hearing, growth, judgment, and the kingdom's value.
interpretation Following the Messiah
Matthew 14:1–18:35FocusIdentity, suffering, and community
Connection to the wholeJesus teaches disciples about His coming suffering and about humility, care for others, correction, and forgiveness.
interpretation FocusConflict, judgment, and watchfulness
Connection to the wholeThe journey to Jerusalem and temple disputes lead into warnings about judgment and the need for faithful readiness.
interpretation Death, resurrection, and commission
Matthew 26:1–28:20FocusThe crucified and risen Lord
Connection to the wholeJesus' passion and resurrection bring the narrative to the commission to teach all nations and obey His commands.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.