Matthew 19:10
New International Version
The disciples said to him, “If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.”

New Living Translation
Jesus’ disciples then said to him, “If this is the case, it is better not to marry!”

English Standard Version
The disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.”

Berean Standard Bible
His disciples said to Him, “If this is the case between a man and his wife, it is better not to marry.”

Berean Literal Bible
His disciples say to Him, "If this is the case of the man with the wife, it is better not to marry."

King James Bible
His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.

New King James Version
His disciples said to Him, “If such is the case of the man with his wife, it is better not to marry.”

New American Standard Bible
The disciples said to Him, “If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry.”

NASB 1995
The disciples said to Him, “If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry.”

NASB 1977
The disciples said to Him, “If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry.”

Legacy Standard Bible
The disciples said to Him, “If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry.”

Amplified Bible
The disciples said to Jesus, “If the relationship of a man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry.”

Christian Standard Bible
His disciples said to him, “If the relationship of a man with his wife is like this, it’s better not to marry.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
His disciples said to Him, “If the relationship of a man with his wife is like this, it’s better not to marry!”

American Standard Version
The disciples say unto him, If the case of the man is so with his wife, it is not expedient to marry.

Contemporary English Version
The disciples said, "If that's how it is between a man and a woman, it's better not to get married."

English Revised Version
The disciples say unto him, If the case of the man is so with his wife, it is not expedient to marry.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The disciples said to him, "If that is the only reason a man can use to divorce his wife, it's better not to get married."

Good News Translation
His disciples said to him, "If this is how it is between a man and his wife, it is better not to marry."

International Standard Version
His disciples asked him, "If that is the relationship of a man with his wife, it's not worth getting married!"

Majority Standard Bible
His disciples said to Him, “If this is the case between a man and his wife, it is better not to marry.”

NET Bible
The disciples said to him, "If this is the case of a husband with a wife, it is better not to marry!"

New Heart English Bible
The disciples said to him, "If this is the case of a husband with a wife, it is not expedient to marry."

Webster's Bible Translation
His disciples say to him, If the case of the man is so with his wife, it is not good to marry.

Weymouth New Testament
"If this is the case with a man in relation to his wife," said the disciples to Him, "it is better not to marry."

World English Bible
His disciples said to him, “If this is the case of the man with his wife, it is not expedient to marry.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
His disciples say to Him, “If the case of the man with the woman is so, it is not good to marry.”

Berean Literal Bible
His disciples say to Him, "If this is the case of the man with the wife, it is better not to marry."

Young's Literal Translation
His disciples say to him, 'If the case of the man with the woman is so, it is not good to marry.'

Smith's Literal Translation
His disciples say to him, If the cause of a man is so with the woman, it is not profitable to marry.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
His disciples say unto him: If the case of a man with his wife be so, it is not expedient to marry.

Catholic Public Domain Version
His disciples said to him, “If such is the case for a man with a wife, then it is not expedient to marry.”

New American Bible
[His] disciples said to him, “If that is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.”

New Revised Standard Version
His disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
His disciples said to him, If there is so much scandal between man and woman, it is not worthwhile to marry.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
His disciples were saying to him, “If the accusations are thus between a man and a wife, it is not expedient to take a wife.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
His disciples said to him: If the relation of man and wife be such, it is not good to marry.

Godbey New Testament
His disciples say to Him, If the cause of a man with his wife is thus, it is better not to marry.

Haweis New Testament
His disciples said unto him, If the case of a man with his wife be thus, it is not expedient to marry.

Mace New Testament
thereupon his disciples said, if the case between man and wife be such, it is best not to marry.

Weymouth New Testament
"If this is the case with a man in relation to his wife," said the disciples to Him, "it is better not to marry."

Worrell New Testament
The disciples say to Him, "If the case of the man is so with his wife, it is not expedient to marry."

Worsley New Testament
His disciples say unto Him, if the case of a man with his wife be thus, it is not adviseable to marry:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Teachings about Divorce
9Now I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman, commits adultery.” 10His disciples said to Him, “If this is the case between a man and his wife, it is better not to marry.” 11“Not everyone can accept this word,” He replied, “but only those to whom it has been given.…

Cross References
1 Corinthians 7:1-2
Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good to abstain from sexual relations. / But because there is so much sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband.

1 Corinthians 7:7-9
I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. / Now to the unmarried and widows I say this: It is good for them to remain unmarried, as I am. / But if they cannot control themselves, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

1 Corinthians 7:26-28
Because of the present crisis, I think it is good for a man to remain as he is. / Are you committed to a wife? Do not seek to be released. Are you free of commitment? Do not look for a wife. / But if you do marry, you have not sinned. And if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.

1 Corinthians 7:32-35
I want you to be free from concern. The unmarried man is concerned about the work of the Lord, how he can please the Lord. / But the married man is concerned about the affairs of this world, how he can please his wife, / and his interests are divided. The unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the work of the Lord, how she can be holy in both body and spirit. But the married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world, how she can please her husband. ...

1 Corinthians 7:38
So then, he who marries the virgin does well, but he who does not marry her does even better.

1 Corinthians 7:40
In my judgment, however, she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.

Matthew 5:31-32
It has also been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ / But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her. And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Mark 10:10-12
When they were back inside the house, the disciples asked Jesus about this matter. / So He told them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. / And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.”

Luke 16:18
Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Genesis 2:18
The LORD God also said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make for him a suitable helper.”

Genesis 2:24
For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

Deuteronomy 24:1-4
If a man marries a woman, but she becomes displeasing to him because he finds some indecency in her, he may write her a certificate of divorce, hand it to her, and send her away from his house. / If, after leaving his house, she goes and becomes another man’s wife, / and the second man hates her, writes her a certificate of divorce, hands it to her, and sends her away from his house, or if he dies, ...

Proverbs 18:22
He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the LORD.

Proverbs 19:14
Houses and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.

Proverbs 21:9
Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife.


Treasury of Scripture

His disciples say to him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.

Genesis 2:18
And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

Proverbs 5:15-19
Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well…

Proverbs 18:22
Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD.

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Matthew 19
1. Jesus heals the sick;
3. answers the Pharisees concerning divorce;
10. shows when marriage is necessary;
13. receives the little children;
16. instructs the young man how to attain eternal life;
20. and how to be perfect;
23. tells his disciples how hard it is for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God;
27. and promises reward to those who forsake all to follow him.














His disciples said to Him
The phrase "His disciples said to Him" indicates a direct response from those who were closest to Jesus, His disciples. In the Greek, "disciples" (μαθηταί, mathētai) refers to learners or followers, emphasizing their role as students of Jesus' teachings. This interaction highlights the disciples' engagement and their struggle to comprehend the radical nature of Jesus' teachings on marriage and divorce. Historically, disciples were expected to question and seek deeper understanding, which is evident here as they grapple with the implications of Jesus' words.

If this is the case
The phrase "If this is the case" reflects a conditional statement, showing the disciples' contemplation of the stringent conditions Jesus placed on marriage. The Greek word for "case" (αἰτία, aitia) can also mean cause or reason, suggesting that the disciples are considering the rationale behind Jesus' teaching. This reflects a moment of realization and perhaps shock, as the disciples begin to understand the seriousness and sanctity of the marriage covenant as Jesus presents it.

between a man and his wife
This phrase underscores the relational dynamic that Jesus is addressing. The Greek words for "man" (ἀνήρ, anēr) and "wife" (γυνή, gynē) denote a specific, God-ordained partnership. In the historical and cultural context of first-century Judaism, marriage was a covenantal relationship with deep spiritual and social implications. Jesus' teaching elevates this relationship, emphasizing its indissolubility and the mutual commitment required by both parties.

it is better not to marry
The conclusion "it is better not to marry" reveals the disciples' reaction to the high standard Jesus sets for marriage. The Greek word for "better" (συμφέρει, sympherei) suggests an advantage or benefit, indicating that the disciples perceive remaining unmarried as a preferable option given the stringent conditions. This reflects a common Jewish perspective of the time, where marriage was highly valued, yet the disciples are now considering celibacy as a viable and perhaps more prudent path in light of Jesus' teachings.

(10) If the case of the man.--The words seem to indicate that the laxer view of the school of Hillel was the more popular one even with those who, like the disciples, had been roused to some efforts after a righteousness higher than that of the scribes or Pharisees. They looked forward to the possible discomforts of marriage under the conditions which their Master had set before them, and drew the conclusion that they outweighed its advantages. Why entangle themselves in a union which they were no longer able to dissolve, when they got tired of it, by the short and easy method of a bill of divorcement? It is instructive to remember that one of the greatest of English writers has taken the same line of thought in dealing with the question. Milton's Doctrine and Discipline of Divorce, and the treatises that followed it, are but an elaborate and eloquent expression of the words of the disciples, "If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry."

Verse 10. - His disciples say unto him. Our Lord appears to have repeated privately to the disciples what he had said publicly to the Pharisees. If the case (ἡ αἰτία) of the man be so with his wife. Some commentators take αἰτία to signify guilt: "if such guilt appertains to the married state." But the meaning is plain enough anyway, and the word, as here used, corresponds to the Latin causa, and the Hebrew dibrah, which may denote "case," "condition," etc. The disciples reflect the feeling of their day. Marriage without any possibility of essential release (for they see that this is Christ's law) seems to them a severe and unbearable connection. It were better never to marry at all than to fetter one's self with such an inexorable obligation. Such a doctrine was entirely novel in that age, and most unpalatable; and even the apostles receive it with wonder and hesitation. They have not yet leaned that in Messiah's kingdom grace conquers natural inclination, and strengthens the weak will so that it rises superior to custom, prejudice, and the promptings of the flesh.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
His
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

disciples
μαθηταί (mathētai)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.

said
Λέγουσιν (Legousin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

to Him,
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

“If
Εἰ (Ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

this
οὕτως (houtōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3779: Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).

is
ἐστὶν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

the
(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

case
αἰτία (aitia)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 156: From the same as aiteo; a cause, i.e. reason, crime.

between
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

a man
ἀνθρώπου (anthrōpou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

[and]
μετὰ (meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

[his]
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

wife,
γυναικός (gynaikos)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1135: A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.

it is better
συμφέρει (sympherei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4851: From sun and phero; to bear together, i.e. to collect, or to conduce; especially advantage.

not
οὐ (ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

to marry.”
γαμῆσαι (gamēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1060: To marry, used of either sex. From gamos; to wed.


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