19:11a

Not everyone can accept this word: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as this word can also be translated as “this saying” (as in the English Standard Version). There are two ways to interpret this phrase:

(1) It refers to what the disciples said in 19:10b. (It is better not to get married.) For example:

Not everyone can do what you suggest. (God’s Word)

(Berean Standard Bible, God’s Word, Revised English Bible and many commentaries)

(2) It refers to Jesus’ teaching about divorce in 19:3–9. For example:

It is not everyone who can accept what I have said (New Jerusalem Bible)

(Good News Translation, New Revised Standard Version, New Jerusalem Bible, Contemporary English Version, New Century Version)

Many English versions are ambiguous and it is not possible to tell which interpretation they follow.

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). Verse 19:12 is clearly about people who do not get married. It is likely that here in 19:11, Jesus was referring to what the disciples said about not getting married (in 19:10b). In other words, the topic of discussion in this paragraph has changed from divorce to not getting married. Also, it seems unlikely that Jesus would have said that his teaching about divorce was not for everyone.

Here are some other ways to translate this entire clause:

Not everyone can accept these/your words
-or-
Everyone will not agree with what you said
-or-
Not everyone will accept remaining unmarried

He replied: This clause begins with a Greek conjunction that is often translated as “But.” This conjunction here simply indicates a change from one speaker to another. In this context, it does not indicate a contrast. Many English versions, like the Berean Standard Bible, do not translate this word. In many languages, it will not be necessary to translate this word either.

Here are some other ways to translate this clause:

He said to them
-or-
Jesus said

19:11b

but only: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible here translates as but only occurs when a pair of clauses is related, and the first clause (19:11a) contains the word “not.” In some languages, it will be better to introduce 19:11b with another conjunction, or with no conjunction at all. For example:

except (NET Bible)
-or-

11aNot everyone can do what you suggest. 11bOnly those who have that gift can. (God’s Word)

those to whom it has been given: The word it refers to the ability that God gives to some people not to marry

This clause is passive. Here are some other ways to translate it:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

those who have been given the ability ⌊not to marry⌋

• Use an active verb. For example:

the people ⌊who can accept it are those⌋ to whom God has given the ability/strength

-or-

people to whom God has given the strength ⌊not to marry⌋

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