Matthew 19:4

Arabic Bible ERV 2009

فَأجابَ يَسُوعُ: «ألَمْ تَقرَأُوا فِي الكِتابِ أنَّ اللهَ مُنذُ البِدايَةِ ‹خَلَقَ النّاسَ ذَكَراً وَأُنثَى؟›

What Does This Mean?

In Matthew 19:4, Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees about marriage and reminds them that from the very beginning of creation, God made humans as male and female. This verse emphasizes God's original design for human relationships.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing with dolls or action figures. At first, they were all different types - some girls and some boys. Jesus is saying this just like how your toys came in pairs, God made people to be both boys and girls right from the start.

Historical Background

Matthew wrote his Gospel for a Jewish audience around AD 80-90. This passage occurs when Jesus is defending marriage against the Pharisees' questions about divorce. It reflects a culture deeply rooted in traditional Jewish values and laws.

Living It Out Today

In today's world, we often debate gender roles and identities. This verse can remind us of God’s original purpose for creating humans as male and female, encouraging respect and understanding between genders.

Topics

• marriage
• gender roles
• creation
• God's design
• divorce
• respect

Related Verses

• Genesis 1:27
• Mark 10:6
• Ephesians 5:31
• 1 Corinthians 11:11
• Malachi 2:15

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is speaking in Matthew 19:4?

Jesus is the speaker in this verse, addressing a question from the Pharisees regarding marriage and divorce.

What does 'at the beginning' refer to?

'At the beginning' refers back to the creation account where God created humans as male and female (Genesis 1:27), establishing the foundational principle of human relationships.

How should we understand gender roles today in light of this verse?

This verse highlights that gender differences are part of God's original design. It encourages understanding and respect for the unique roles and responsibilities of men and women within marriage and society.

What cultural setting influenced Jesus' words here?

Jesus was speaking to a Jewish audience deeply rooted in the Torah, where questions about divorce were common. His response emphasizes God's original intention for human relationships from creation.