Matthew 19 11

Matthew 19:11 kjv

But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.

Matthew 19:11 nkjv

But He said to them, "All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given:

Matthew 19:11 niv

Jesus replied, "Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given.

Matthew 19:11 esv

But he said to them, "Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given.

Matthew 19:11 nlt

"Not everyone can accept this statement," Jesus said. "Only those whom God helps.

Matthew 19 verses

Matthew 19 11 Meaning

This verse serves as Jesus' direct response to His disciples' lament regarding the strictness of His teaching on marriage and divorce, suggesting in Matthew 19:10 that "if the case of the man with his wife is so, it is better not to marry." Jesus clarifies that the ability to remain unmarried, particularly for the sake of the kingdom of heaven, is not a universal capacity but a specific spiritual enablement or gift granted by God to certain individuals. It speaks to a divine bestowment for a unique calling, implying a spiritual readiness and power beyond human effort alone.

Matthew 19 11 Context

Matthew chapter 19 opens with Jesus crossing the Jordan into Judea, where He is again approached by large crowds, and He heals them (v. 1-2). Pharisees then test Him by asking about the lawfulness of divorce (v. 3). Jesus responds by referring to God's original creation ordinance regarding marriage in Genesis 1:27 and 2:24, emphasizing that marriage creates an indissoluble bond between a man and a woman (vv. 4-6). When the Pharisees question why Moses permitted divorce (Deut 24:1), Jesus explains that it was due to their hardness of heart, but that it was not God's original intention, further defining divorce as causing adultery unless for the reason of sexual immorality (vv. 7-9).

It is in light of this rigorous teaching on marriage, which sets a high standard far above contemporary Jewish divorce practices (which allowed for trivial reasons), that the disciples respond in verse 10: "If the case of the man with his wife is so, it is better not to marry." They express a sentiment of overwhelm or even defeat at the perceived impossibility of maintaining such a strict marital bond. Jesus' statement in Matthew 19:11 is His immediate and direct reply, clarifying that remaining unmarried (a possibility implied by the disciples' remark) is not for "all men" but for those divinely gifted or enabled for it. This verse prepares the way for His subsequent explanation in verse 12 about different kinds of "eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven," directly linking the capacity to "accept this saying" with a specific spiritual calling from God.

Matthew 19 11 Word analysis

• But He said to them: (Greek: Ho de eipen autois) - This phrase directly links Jesus' response to the preceding statement by the disciples (Matt 19:10). It signals a profound clarification and distinction from the disciples' natural, human assessment of the situation.
• Not all men: (Greek: Ou pantes anthrōpoi) - "Not all" (Ou pantes) indicates a clear exclusion. This capacity is explicitly stated as not universal. It immediately sets a boundary, preventing misinterpretation that celibacy or radical dedication to the Kingdom is a mandatory expectation for every person. Anthrōpoi refers to humankind in general.
• can accept: (Greek: chorousin, from chōreō (χωρέω)) - The verb means "to make room for," "to hold," "to receive," or "to comprehend" in a practical, experiential sense. It's more than just intellectual understanding; it implies the capacity or ability to embrace, live out, or contain this teaching. It denotes suitability, readiness, or spiritual capacity.
• this saying: (Greek: ton logon touton) - "This word/saying." This refers primarily to the preceding declaration by the disciples (that it is better not to marry), but also anticipates and encapsulates Jesus' own elaboration in verse 12 about becoming "eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven." It's the weighty spiritual principle under discussion concerning complete dedication to the Kingdom, including a potential lifestyle of celibacy.
• but only those: (Greek: all' hoi ouk exōrēsanthēsan) - A strong contrast is drawn with "but only" (all' hoi). This sets apart a select group, emphasizing divine specificity rather than human striving or generalized piety.
• to whom it has been given: (Greek: dedotai (δέδοται)) - This is a key phrase. Dedotai is a perfect passive indicative form of the verb didōmi (δίδωμι), meaning "to give."
  • "Perfect" tense: indicates a completed action in the past with ongoing results or a continuing state. It implies a definitive, settled divine act.
  • "Passive voice": signifies that the subject ("it") is receiving the action, not initiating it. This explicitly removes the ability from human self-will or effort and places it firmly in the realm of divine bestowal.
  • "It has been given": points to God as the unspoken Giver (a "divine passive"). The capacity or spiritual gift is a sovereign bestowal from God's grace, not a self-generated resolve or earned merit. It suggests a divine enablement, grace, or calling.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Not all men can accept this saying": This phrase introduces the concept of varying spiritual capacities. It directly counters any notion that a specific high spiritual commitment (like celibacy for the kingdom) is a universal call or readily attainable by all through sheer willpower. It implies a need for a unique kind of strength or aptitude beyond what is common.
• "but only those to whom it has been given": This immediately identifies the source of such a capacity: God Himself. The perfect passive voice emphasizes that this is not a choice or accomplishment originating from human effort, but rather a completed, sovereign act of divine grace and endowment. This gift is God-given, enabling a specific path for certain individuals in His Kingdom. It suggests a divine allocation or special gifting necessary for living out such a "saying."

Matthew 19 11 Bonus section

The concept of "gift" in Matthew 19:11 resonates strongly with New Testament teachings on spiritual gifts (e.g., 1 Cor 7, Rom 12, 1 Cor 12). While celibacy (being a "eunuch for the kingdom") is distinct from charismatic gifts like prophecy or healing, it is presented as a spiritual capacity originating from God. This challenges the worldly view that celibacy is either an inherent sexual incapacity, an ascetic achievement, or simply a lack of opportunity for marriage. Instead, Jesus elevates it to a divinely bestowed grace that empowers individuals to dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the advancement of God's kingdom without the competing demands of family life. This special enabling demonstrates God's sovereignty in orchestrating various roles and callings within His people to accomplish His grand purpose.

Matthew 19 11 Commentary

Matthew 19:11 is pivotal because it underscores a fundamental principle of Christian discipleship: not all radical calls or spiritual assignments are universally applicable or achievable through human striving alone. In response to the disciples' implied apprehension about marriage (suggesting celibacy might be easier), Jesus clarifies that even celibacy, especially for the sake of the Kingdom, is a specialized divine enablement. It’s a gift, a capacity granted by God, not a mere preference or a state attainable by all. This perspective guards against both judgmentalism towards those who marry and unrealistic expectations for those who are not gifted with celibacy. It grounds high spiritual callings in divine grace, highlighting that God equips those whom He calls for specific tasks, be it remaining single, or fulfilling marital obligations according to His standards. It's a truth about spiritual aptitudes being divinely apportioned according to God's will and purpose.