The Pharisees also came, &c.—for every cause— Upon every pretence. Campbell. At discretion. Version of 1729. Our Lord had delivered his sentiments on the subject twice; once in Galilee, ch. Matthew 5:32 and again in Perea, Luke 16:18. It is probable, therefore, that they knew his opinion, andsolicited him to declare it, hoping that it would incense the people, who reckoned the liberty which the law gave them of divorcing their wives, one of their chief privileges. Or, if, standing in awe of the people, he should deliver a doctrine different from what he had taught on former occasions, they thought it would be a fit ground for accusing him of dissimulation. But they missed their aim entirely; for Jesus, always consistent with himself, boldly declared the third time against arbitrary divorces, not in the least fearing the popular resentment. See Macknight, and the note on ch. Matthew 5:31-32 and on Deuteronomy 24:1
Related Commentaries of Matthew 19:3
Matthew 19:3
3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?