Matthew 19:11 Commentary and Bible Study

To the observation that it is better not to marry, Christ responds, ‘All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given’. What the disciples are suggesting does not take account of man’s need for marriage. God created Eve for Adam because Adam had need of a helpmeet. She was designed specifically with marriage in mind, to be one flesh with Adam. Marriage was to be the most significant and the closest relationship in human society, and it would be the normal for most human beings. It would be the God given way in which the human race would be propagated, and in which his command to mankind as a whole would be carried out: ‘Be fruitful, and multiply.’ In the words of the marriage service, ‘Firstly [marriage] was ordained that children may be brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Secondly it was ordained as a remedy against sin, and to avoid fornication. Thirdly it was ordained for the mutual care and companionship that the one ought to have for the other both in prosperity and adversity, in sickness and in health.’ Therefore, to try to eliminate marriage, just because difficulties may arise would be to go against God’s plan for mankind. This was not a wise or practical suggestion. It would lead to greater evils and would be an impossible rule for most to follow. And yet, Christ’s answer acknowledges, there are those to whom it is given by God not to be married. They are the exception to the norm.