Charles Ellicott 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)

All men cannot receive this saying — As the words stand, “this saying” could refer either to the rule our Lord had given about divorce or to the disciples' comment on that rule. However, what follows makes it clear that the reference is to the disciples' comment.

Looking at marriage from a purely selfish perspective, the disciples had an inadequate understanding of both its duties and the temptations that accompany the unmarried life. Because of this, they rashly concluded that if our Lord’s rule was true, it was not good or expedient to “marry.”

Our Lord declares that judgment to be false. Only a few people are capable of safely acting on that conclusion. For those who are not so capable—and the next verse explains who they are—marriage, with all its risks, is the truer, healthier, and safer state. Whether in its brighter or sadder aspects, in apparent success or apparent failure, it provides the discipline people need.