Matthew 19:3-5: Not an Injunction Against Same-Sex Marriage

The passage in Matthew 19:3-5 is not a discourse in which Jesus elaborates on who may marry, but talks precisely on the subject of divorce. Jesus, addressing the sect of religious lawyers, the Pharisees, employs prudent legal restraint and precision.

Speaking to lawyers, he provides the minimum requisite information; enabling him to satisfy their query while preventing his own legal entrapment.

Speaking as a lawyer, Jesus cleverly answers their question with a question.

Verse 5 reads “for this cause.” Certainly a disappointment for opponents of marriage equality, Jesus’ question does not use the specifically restrictive language “for this cause and this cause only.”

Because of this, Jesus does not pronounce an injunction against same-sex marriage, but does respond to the legalistic Pharisees quite handily.

--ez duz it Copyright © 22 June 2011