What does Jesus mean by "they two shall be one flesh" in this passage?

When Jesus says that a man and woman become “one flesh,” He is going back to God’s design at creation. Marriage is not just a loose agreement that can be dropped when it feels hard. It is a deep joining of two people into one shared life, like they are glued together. They leave their parents and are united to each other in a way that touches their bodies, hearts, and futures. Because God is the one who joins them, people should not treat that bond as something they can break at will.

Why does Jesus say, "What God hath joined together, let not man put asunder"?

Jesus says this to show that marriage is first of all God’s work, not just a human decision or contract. When a man and woman marry, God joins them in a special way. So to break that union lightly, or for selfish reasons, is to go against what God has done. The Pharisees were looking for easy reasons to send a wife away. Jesus answers by lifting their eyes from human rules back to God’s plan and tells them that no person has the right to tear apart what God has joined.

If God hates divorce, why did Moses allow a writing of divorcement?

Jesus explains that Moses allowed divorce because of the hardness of people’s hearts. In other words, their stubborn sin and unkindness in marriage were so strong that a civil permission was given to limit greater harm. This allowance was never God’s ideal or His original plan. From the beginning, God made marriage to be a lasting union between one man and one woman. So Moses’ permission does not mean God approves of casual divorce. It shows how far people’s hearts can drift from what God first intended.

What does "except it be for fornication" mean in Jesus’ teaching on divorce?

Jesus says that whoever divorces a spouse and marries another commits adultery, except in a case of fornication. Fornication here points to sexual sin that breaks the marriage bond in a serious way, such as adultery. In that situation, Jesus allows an exception for putting away a spouse. This verse has been read in more than one way, but the main point is that divorce is not open for every complaint or disappointment. It is only spoken of where there has been clear sexual unfaithfulness that wounds the union deeply.

Why do Jesus’ disciples say "it is not good to marry" after hearing this?

The disciples react strongly because Jesus’ words make marriage sound very binding and serious, without easy ways out. They realize that if a man cannot simply leave his wife when things are hard, marriage is a weighty commitment. Their comment, “it is not good to marry,” shows they feel the cost. Jesus does not deny that His teaching is demanding. Instead, He explains that some people are given grace to remain single, while others will marry, and both states should be received from God with care and responsibility.

What does Jesus mean by different kinds of eunuchs in this passage?

Jesus mentions three kinds of eunuchs. First, some are born that way, not able to marry or have children. Second, some are made eunuchs by other people, often through physical injury or force. Third, some choose to live like eunuchs “for the kingdom of heaven’s sake,” meaning they willingly remain single to serve God with an undivided heart. He is not commanding everyone to do this, but explaining that singleness can be a good and godly path for those who are given that gift and are able to receive it.

Is every Christian called to celibacy because of what Jesus says here?

No, Jesus is clear that not everyone can receive this saying. Celibacy is a gift given to some, not a rule for all. Marriage is still good and part of God’s design from the beginning. Jesus is answering the disciples’ worry that marriage might be too hard. He shows that there are two real callings: some are called to a faithful, lifelong marriage, and some are called to a faithful, single life for the sake of God’s kingdom. Each person should receive the path God gives, rather than forcing one way on everyone.

How should Christians today think about marriage and divorce in light of this passage?

This passage calls Christians to see marriage as a serious, lifelong covenant, not something to leave for small reasons. It encourages couples to enter marriage thoughtfully, with the understanding that God joins them together. At the same time, it honestly recognizes that sexual unfaithfulness can deeply damage a marriage. While civil laws may allow many grounds for divorce, Jesus points back to God’s first design. Christians are invited to seek forgiveness, patience, and help, and only see divorce as a last resort where there has been clear, serious sin.

Why is Jesus’ teaching on divorce and remarriage difficult for some to accept?

Jesus’ words go against the human desire for easy exits when relationships are painful or disappointing. In His time, some people thought a man could send his wife away for many reasons. Today, people also look for quick ways out. Jesus closes that door to casual divorce by taking us back to creation, saying that marriage makes two people one flesh. That depth of union means real cost, sacrifice, and faithfulness. It can feel hard, especially in a broken world, but it also protects the dignity of both husband and wife.

Matt.19.1

Matthew 19:1

KJV

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;

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.