Old Testament

New Testament

Matthew 19:8-19 Contemporary English Version Anglicised (CEVUK00)

8. Jesus replied, “You are so heartless! That's why Moses allowed you to divorce your wife. But from the beginning God did not intend it to be that way.

9. I say that if your wife has not committed some terrible sexual sin, you must not divorce her to marry someone else. If you do, you are unfaithful.”

10. The disciples said, “If that's how it is between a man and a woman, it's better not to get married.”

11. Jesus told them, “Only those people who have been given the gift of staying single can accept this teaching.

12. Some people are unable to marry because of birth defects or because of what someone has done to their bodies. Others stay single for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Anyone who can accept this teaching should do so.”

13. Some people brought their children to Jesus, so that he could place his hands on them and pray for them. His disciples told the people to stop bothering him.

14. But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and don't try to stop them! People who are like these children belong to God's kingdom.”

15. After Jesus had placed his hands on the children, he left.

16. A man came to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to have eternal life?”

17. Jesus said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? Only God is good. If you want to have eternal life, you must obey his commandments.”

18. “Which ones?” the man asked.Jesus answered, “Do not murder. Be faithful in marriage. Do not steal. Do not tell lies about others.

19. Respect your father and mother. And love others as much as you love yourself.”

Read complete chapter Matthew 19