A.T. Robertson Commentary Matthew 19:11

"But he said unto them, Not all men can receive this saying, but they to whom it is given." — Matthew 19:11 (ASV)

But they to whom it is given (αλλ' οις δεδοτα). A neat Greek idiom, dative case of relation and perfect passive indicative. The same idea is repeated at the close of verse 12. It is a voluntary renunciation of marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. "Jesus recognizes the severity of the demand as going beyond the capacity of all but a select number." It was a direct appeal to the spiritual intelligence of the disciples not to misconceive his meaning as certainly the monastic orders have done.