Definition: And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made [them] at the beginning made them male and female,
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 19:4. It's a really important one in understanding God’s plan for creation and humanity. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: “And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made [them] at the beginning made them male and female?” "He answered..." : This means Jesus is speaking to a group of people – likely young adults or people who are facing a significant decision. "...that he which made [them] at the beginning made them male and female?" : This is the core of the verse. It’s asking if they understand that God created humans as both male and female. Now, let's unpack it: “He made [them] at the beginning” : This refers to God creating humanity. It's a fundamental part of his plan. "...made them male and female" : This is the key point. God created humans with distinct biological characteristics – male and female. He gave each gender its unique qualities, roles, and abilities. So, what does this verse really mean? It’s a statement about God's original design for humanity. It emphasizes that God didn't just create people; He created them in two distinct ways – as male and female – to fulfill his purpose for our existence. It speaks to the idea of a divinely ordained order and balance. Why is this important? This verse raises questions about: Human Nature: It highlights that humans are fundamentally two beings created by God, with different roles and responsibilities. Our Understanding of Gender: It prompts us to consider the origins of our understanding of gender – why do we assign certain characteristics to males and females? In short, this verse is a reminder of God’s original creation and his plan for humanity. --- Do you want me to: Explain it in more detail with examples? Discuss the theological significance of this passage? Compare it to another Bible verse that deals with gender?