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But he said to them, "Not all men can receive this saying, but they to whom it is given.
Verse Takeaways
1
Celibacy is a Special Gift
Commentators unanimously agree that Jesus is responding to the disciples' rash conclusion that it's better not to marry. Jesus clarifies that lifelong celibacy for the sake of the kingdom is not an inherently holier state than marriage, but rather a special gift from God. It is a specific calling given only to some, not a general command or something achievable by mere willpower.
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Matthew
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9
18th Century
Presbyterian
All men cannot receive this saying. The minds of men are not prepared for this. This saying evidently means what the disciples ha…
But they to whom it is given (αλλ' οις δεδοτα). A neat Greek idiom, dative case of relation and perfect passive indicative. The sa…
19th Century
Anglican
All men cannot receive this saying — As the words stand, “this saying” could refer either to the rule our Lord had given …
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Baptist
It may be better in some respects not to marry, but all men cannot receive this saying, and put it into practice. It would be the end of the race i…
“This word” refers to the disciples’ question in v.10 rather than Jesus’ statements in vv.4–9. Jesus responds that not everyone can live by such a …
16th Century
Protestant
All are not capable of receiving this saying. By this he means that the choice is not placed in our hands, as if we were to deliberate on …
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
With respect to the inference or conclusion, the disciples formed from what he had asserted:
The Pharisees were eager to draw something from Jesus that they could portray as contrary to the law of Moses. Cases about marriage have been numer…
13th Century
Catholic
In this passage, it was shown how one comes to eternal life by the common way. Here, He teaches how one comes by the way of perfection. This way of…
