Matthew Chapter 19 — Teachings on Marriage and Wealth
Jesus provides instruction on the permanence of marriage, blesses children, and explains the challenges wealth poses to entering the Kingdom of God.
Open this chapter in the Biblicast app for the full reading experience with audio narration and explanations.
Notable Verses
Matthew 19:6
“So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, don’t let man tear apart.”
This verse establishes Jesus' teaching on the sacred and enduring nature of the marital bond.
Matthew 19:14
“But Jesus said, 'Allow the little children, and don’t forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these.'”
Jesus highlights the importance of humility and childlike faith as qualities of those in God's Kingdom.
Matthew 19:24
“Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into God’s Kingdom.”
This famous metaphor illustrates the spiritual dangers and difficulties associated with great wealth.
Chapter Summary
In Matthew 19, Jesus leaves Galilee for Judea, where He is questioned by Pharisees regarding the legality of divorce. He emphasizes the divine union of marriage, stating that what God has joined should not be separated, while noting that Moses allowed divorce only because of human hardness of heart. Jesus then welcomes and blesses little children, rebuking His disciples for trying to keep them away. A rich young man approaches Jesus asking how to obtain eternal life; after being told to keep the commandments, he is challenged to sell his possessions and follow Jesus, which he finds too difficult. Jesus uses this encounter to teach His disciples that while it is difficult for the wealthy to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, salvation is possible through God's grace. The chapter concludes with a promise of great rewards and eternal life for those who leave everything to follow Jesus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jesus explains that marriage was intended from the beginning to be a permanent union. He states that Moses permitted divorce only because of people's 'hardness of heart' and clarifies that remarriage after divorce—except in cases of sexual immorality—constitutes adultery.
Jesus identified that the young man's wealth was a primary barrier to his total commitment to God. By telling him to sell everything and give to the poor, Jesus challenged him to prioritize heavenly treasure over earthly security.
After hearing how hard it is for the rich to enter heaven, the disciples were astonished and wondered who could be saved. Jesus' response emphasizes that salvation is a work of God's power and grace, rather than human effort or status.
Study Note
The phrase 'beyond the Jordan' refers to Perea, an area on the eastern side of the river that Jesus traveled through on His final journey toward Jerusalem.
Related Chapters
Genesis 2
Jesus quotes from the creation account in Genesis to explain the origin and purpose of marriage.
Mark 10
This chapter provides a parallel account of the rich young ruler and Jesus' teachings on divorce.
Luke 18
Luke records similar events concerning the blessing of children and the difficulty of the rich entering the Kingdom.
Continue in the App
Get the full experience — immersive audio, instant explanations, highlights, notes, and reading plans.