Medieval History, Modern History, Syro Malabar Church, Thomas Christians

Regarding celibacy and Matthew 19:11-12. There is every indication …

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Comment posted on Major Arch Bishop Alencheril Mar Giwargis II Bava-The Patriarch of Syro Malabar Church and The Gate of All India- A Discussion on The Historical Hierarchical Status of The Church of Saint Thomas Christians by Steven Ring

Regarding celibacy and Matthew 19:11-12.

There is every indication that these verses have suffered from tampering (western cultural adaptation) during translation from an Aramaic original into Greek.

If you look at this verse in the Syriac of the Peshitta, it reads differently. Taken fully within in the preceding context, the Peshitta can be translated as follows:

‘He said to them, “This word is not sufficient for everyone, except those to whom it is given. There are those faithful ones who are born from their mother’s womb, and there are those faithful ones who are faithful due to men and there are those who decide to be faithful ones themselves because of the kingdom of heaven. For him who finds that enough, it will be enough.” ‘

My translation of the Syriac also fits with the preceding context of verses 8 – 11, if one sees the context as a teaching about marital fidelity. I believe this to be the case, if you read our Lord’s teachings in these verses without preconceptions.

This reading without any reference to celibacy finds historical support from eastern Christianity where once even the monks were allowed to marry without reproach.

This teaching is a very precious one to me. I am appalled at how many lives may have been impacted needlessly by this and the many other grievous defects found in the Greek version. May God confirm his word, to whom be praise.

Steven Ring.