Matthew 19:10 from the King James Version (KJV) reads as follows: "His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry." This verse is part of a larger passage in which Jesus is teaching about marriage and divorce. The disciples have just heard Jesus' teaching that divorce is only permissible in the case of adultery, and they express their astonishment at the high standard that Jesus sets for marriage.

The context of this passage is important for understanding the meaning of Matthew 19:10. In the preceding verses, the Pharisees were testing Jesus by asking him about divorce. Jesus responds by affirming the sacredness of marriage and the bond that God has created between a husband and wife. He also elaborates on the reasons for divorce, explaining that it is only permissible in cases of sexual immorality.

In verse 10, the disciples react to Jesus' teaching by expressing their concerns about the difficulty of marriage under such strict guidelines. Their reaction reflects the cultural and societal norms of their time, where divorce was more common and marriage was not always considered a lifelong commitment. The disciples' response also reveals their own personal biases and expectations about marriage, which Jesus challenges in the following verses.

The themes present in this passage include the sanctity of marriage, the importance of commitment and fidelity, and the disciples' struggle to understand and accept Jesus' teachings. Jesus' response to the disciples' concerns will be to emphasize the significance of marriage and to point out that not everyone is capable of living up to this high standard, but those who can should strive to do so.

Symbolism can also be found in this verse. The disciples' reaction symbolizes the struggle that many people have with the teachings of Jesus, especially when they contradict societal norms and personal desires. Their response also serves as a reminder that the values of the kingdom of God often do not align with the values of the world. Jesus' response to the disciples symbolizes his unwavering commitment to truth and righteousness, even in the face of opposition and disbelief.

In a broader theological context, this passage is about more than just marriage and divorce. It speaks to the deeper spiritual reality of the relationship between Christ and his church. In Ephesians 5:25-33, the apostle Paul uses the metaphor of marriage to describe the relationship between Christ and the church, emphasizing the sacrificial love and commitment that should characterize this union. Jesus' teachings on marriage and divorce reflect the divine standard for the sacred bond between Christ and his people.

In conclusion, Matthew 19:10 from the King James Version is a significant verse that captures the disciples' reaction to Jesus' teachings on marriage and divorce. The passage as a whole raises important themes about the sanctity of marriage, the challenges of living up to God's standards, and the contrast between worldly values and kingdom values. Symbolically, the disciples' response and Jesus' subsequent teachings illuminate the complexities of following Christ and the radical nature of his message. Ultimately, this passage invites us to examine our own attitudes and assumptions about marriage and to strive for the kind of love and commitment that God has ordained.