Matthew 19:3

The Pharisees. [Marriage and Divorce, Matt. 19:3-12=Mark 10:2-12. Major comment: Matthew. See on Matt. 5:27-32.] Luke 9:51 to 18:14, which is sometimes termed Luke’s “great insertion” (see on Luke 9:51), logically falls between vs. 2 and 3 of Matt. 19. Luke is the only gospel writer to cover the incidents and teachings that he records in chs. 9 to 18, which deal largely with the Peraean ministry. At the time the incident here recorded took place, apparently but a few weeks intervened until the Passover of A.D. 31. Concerning the beliefs and practices of the Pharisees see pp. 51, 52.

Tempting him. Or, “testing Him” (see on ch. 4:1), that is, with the purpose of entrapping Him. For nearly two years now spies commissioned by the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem had followed Jesus with the twofold objective of finding some accusation to bring against Him and of attempting to discredit Him in the eyes of the people (see DA 213). Upon two previous occasions since the Feast of Tabernacles (see on ch. 19:1) attempts had been made in Jerusalem to stone Jesus (see John 8:59; 10:31-33). It was commonly known that His life was in danger should He again venture into Judea (see John 11:8), for the Jewish leaders were seeking His arrest (John 11:57). Again and again since the healing of the man at the Pool of Bethesda (see John 5:1-9) the scribes and Pharisees had sought to entrap Jesus with questions calculated to elicit statements that might later be made the basis of charges against Him (see Mark 7:2,5; 8:11; John 8:6; etc.). See on Matt. 16:1.

Put away his wife. That is, “divorce” her. See on ch. 5:31.

For every cause. For comment see on ch. 5:31, 32.