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Book of Matthew - Chapter 19 - Verse 11

19:11
But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.

Meaning

When Jesus said, "All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given," he was referring to a deep spiritual understanding that not everyone is capable of grasping. This saying may have been difficult for some to comprehend due to the complexities of the message or the depth of faith required to fully accept it. Jesus acknowledged that not everyone has the ability to receive certain teachings, as spiritual discernment and receptivity are gifts from God. Those who are open-hearted and willing to receive the message with humility and faith are the ones to whom it is given. This verse highlights the importance of being open to receive spiritual truths and the role of divine grace in granting understanding to those who seek it earnestly.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of the verse "But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given" (Matthew 19:11) emphasizes the role of divine grace in understanding and accepting spiritual truths. The phrase "save they to whom it is given" implies that not everyone has the spiritual capacity to comprehend certain teachings unless God enables them to do so. This underscores the concept of God's sovereignty in revealing and imparting knowledge to individuals according to His will.

Word studies of the verse highlight the significance of the term "receive." In this context, "receive" conveys the idea of accepting or welcoming a message or teaching. The verse suggests that not everyone is receptive to certain spiritual truths due to their spiritual readiness or willingness to embrace them. It emphasizes the importance of being open and receptive to God's teachings in order to fully grasp and internalize them.

American Standard Version

But he said unto them, Not all men can receive this saying, but they to whom it is given.
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