“I
tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and he who marries her when she is divorced commits adultery.”
Matthew 19:9
Matthew 19 [7.] They asked him, “Why then did Moses command us to give her a bill of divorce, and divorce her?”
Matthew 19 [8.] He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it has not been so. I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and he who marries her when she is divorced commits adultery.”
Matthew 19 [10.] His disciples said to him, “If this is the case of the man with his wife, it is not expedient to marry.”
Matthew 19 [11.] But he said to them, “Not all men can receive this saying, but those to whom it is given.”
Meaning:
This verse is part of a larger discussion between Jesus and the Pharisees about the subject of divorce. The Pharisees, seeking to test Jesus, asked Him whether it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason. Jesus responds by emphasizing the sanctity and permanence of marriage, referring back to the creation narrative where God made male and female and instituted marriage as a lifelong union (Matthew 19:4-6). In verse 9, Jesus specifically addresses the issue of divorce and remarriage, highlighting the seriousness of these actions.
- Jesus' Teaching on Divorce
In Jewish society during Jesus' time, there were differing opinions on the grounds for divorce. Some schools of thought, particularly the school of Hillel, allowed for divorce on almost any grounds, even for trivial reasons. The stricter school of Shammai, on the other hand, taught that divorce was only permissible in cases of serious misconduct, such as sexual immorality. The Pharisees’ question to Jesus was intended to draw Him into this debate and possibly to trap Him into saying something that could be used against Him.
Jesus’ response goes beyond the legalistic debate and focuses on God’s original intention for marriage. By quoting Genesis 2:24 ("For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh"), Jesus emphasizes that marriage is a divine institution meant to be an indissoluble union. His teaching in Matthew 19:9 further reinforces the sanctity of this bond by limiting the grounds for divorce and highlighting the consequences of remarriage after an unjustified divorce.
- The Exception Clause: "Except for Sexual Immorality"
The phrase "except for sexual immorality" is crucial in understanding Jesus' teaching on divorce. The term used here for "sexual immorality" (Greek: porneia) is broad and can encompass various forms of sexual misconduct, including adultery, fornication, and other illicit sexual activities. Jesus acknowledges that in cases of sexual immorality, the bond of marriage has been violated in a fundamental way, providing a legitimate ground for divorce.
However, it’s important to note that even in cases where divorce is permitted, it is not necessarily commanded. The overarching message of Jesus is the permanence of marriage. In cases of sexual immorality, divorce may be allowed, but reconciliation and forgiveness are still valued in the Christian ethic. Jesus’ teaching underscores the seriousness of breaking the marital bond and warns against the casual attitude toward divorce that was prevalent in some circles at the time.
- The Consequences of Unjustified Divorce and Remarriage
Jesus goes on to say that anyone who divorces their spouse (except for reasons of sexual immorality) and marries another commits adultery. This statement radically elevates the standard of marital fidelity. It implies that divorce, when not based on the grounds of sexual immorality, does not dissolve the marital bond in God’s eyes. Therefore, entering into a new marriage while the first spouse is still alive is considered adulterous.
This teaching challenges the cultural norms of Jesus' day and serves as a powerful reminder of the seriousness with which God views marriage. It also reflects the high standard of personal holiness and commitment that Jesus calls His followers to embody. The mention that "he who marries her when she is divorced commits adultery" further reinforces the idea that the marital bond remains intact despite the legal act of divorce unless it was broken by sexual immorality.
The Broader Implications for Believers
Jesus’ teaching on divorce in Matthew 19:9 is challenging and counter-cultural, both in His time and in ours. It calls believers to a high standard of faithfulness in marriage and reflects the seriousness with which God views the marriage covenant. For modern believers, this passage encourages a deep commitment to the vows made in marriage, urging us to pursue reconciliation, forgiveness, and sacrificial love.
Marriage as a Reflection of God’s Covenant: In Ephesians 5:25-32, Paul describes marriage as a reflection of the relationship between Christ and the Church. Just as Christ is faithful to His Church, so too should spouses be faithful to each other. This analogy elevates the importance of marriage and highlights its spiritual significance.
Pursuing Reconciliation: While Jesus permits divorce in cases of sexual immorality, His broader teaching on forgiveness and reconciliation (Matthew 18:21-22) encourages believers to seek restoration whenever possible. This might involve counseling, prayer, and a commitment to working through difficulties together.
Grace and Compassion: For those who have experienced divorce, especially under circumstances not covered by the exception Jesus mentions, there is still grace. The message of the Gospel is one of redemption and forgiveness. The Church is called to be a place of healing and support for those who have suffered the pain of a broken marriage.
Cross-References:
Matthew 5:31-32: "It was also said, ‘Whoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorce,’ but I tell you that whoever puts away his wife, except for the cause of sexual immorality, makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries her when she is put away commits adultery." This earlier teaching in the Sermon on the Mount reiterates the same principles and emphasizes the gravity of divorce and remarriage.
1 Corinthians 7:10-11: "But to the married I command—not I, but the Lord—that the wife not leave her husband (but if she departs, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband not leave his wife." Paul echoes Jesus' teaching by urging married couples to remain together and pursue reconciliation rather than divorce.
Malachi 2:16: "For I hate divorce, says Yahweh, the God of Israel." This Old Testament passage expresses God's disdain for divorce, aligning with the New Testament's emphasis on the sanctity of marriage.
Conclusion: Matthew 19:9 offers a profound and challenging teaching on the nature of marriage, divorce, and remarriage. Jesus emphasizes the sanctity of the marital bond, allowing for divorce only in cases of sexual immorality. He underscores the serious consequences of unjustified divorce and remarriage, framing these actions as acts of adultery. For believers, this passage calls for a deep commitment to marital faithfulness and encourages the pursuit of reconciliation whenever possible. It also serves as a reminder of the grace and compassion that God extends to all, including those who have experienced the pain of divorce.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible