Definition: He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 19:8. It’s a really important and often misunderstood passage in the Bible. Here's a simple explanation: What it says: “He says unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.” Let’s unpack it word by word: “He saith unto them…” : This is Jesus speaking. He's addressing a group of people. “…Moses because of the hardness of your hearts…” : This is key. It refers to our hearts – our thoughts, feelings, and choices. “Hardness” means being stubborn, unwilling to listen or understand, and often acting out of anger or pride. Jesus is pointing out that people were experiencing this kind of behavior. “…suffered you to put away your wives…” : This is the core of the verse. It means that some people were allowing themselves to divorce their spouses. It’s not saying everyone was doing it, but that there were instances where they were prioritizing their desires over love and responsibility. “But from the beginning it was not so.” : This is the crucial part. Jesus is saying that this wasn't always the case. He’s emphasizing a pattern of behavior that was not happening in the beginning. So, what does this mean in modern terms? Jesus is saying that humans are prone to making choices that harm relationships and love. He’s highlighting a tendency – sometimes unconscious – to prioritize our own wants or desires over the well-being of others and the sanctity of marriage. It's about being selfish and unwilling to compromise. The bigger picture: This verse is a reminder that we need to be mindful of our hearts, especially when it comes to our relationships with others. It’s about: Respecting boundaries: Recognizing and honoring the limits set by others. Honesty & Integrity: Being truthful and acting in accordance with what’s right. Love & Responsibility: Prioritizing love for those we care about and taking responsibility for our actions. In short, it's a call to self-reflection and encouraging people to cultivate more compassion and understanding. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme?