Luke 16:18

Luke 16:18 presents a direct and unequivocal teaching from Jesus concerning divorce and remarriage. Following His discourse on the Law and the prophets, and preceding the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, this verse underscores Jesus' high ethical standards and His interpretation of God's original design for marriage, challenging the prevailing practices and interpretations of His day.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' broader teachings on righteousness and the true meaning of the Law, often contrasting His spiritual understanding with the more legalistic interpretations of the Pharisees. While not explicitly framed as a debate with the Pharisees here, its placement immediately after a declaration about the Law's enduring nature (Luke 16:17) highlights how Jesus elevates the standard of moral conduct, particularly regarding the sanctity of marriage. It reflects a core aspect of Jesus' mission to fulfill, not abolish, the Law, by revealing its deeper spiritual intent.

Key Themes

• Sanctity of Marriage: Jesus reaffirms marriage as a sacred, lifelong covenant established by God, not merely a social contract. This teaching aligns with God's original design for marriage in Genesis 2:24, where a man and woman become "one flesh."
• Strictness on Divorce and Remarriage: The verse unequivocally states that remarrying after putting away one's wife constitutes adultery. Similarly, marrying a divorced woman is also deemed adultery. This was a radical teaching in a culture where divorce was relatively easy for men, often based on trivial grounds allowed by some interpretations of Deuteronomy 24:1.
• Adultery Redefined: Jesus expands the definition of adultery beyond the physical act to include the violation of the marital bond through wrongful divorce and remarriage. His emphasis here is on the permanence of the marital union in God's eyes.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "putteth away" is apolyo (ἀπολύω), meaning "to release, send away, dismiss." In the context of marriage, it signifies divorce. The term "adultery" is moicheia (μοιχεία), which refers to sexual unfaithfulness within marriage. Jesus' strong and direct statement uses these terms to convey a clear ethical principle. Unlike the parallel accounts in Matthew, Luke's rendition of this teaching does not include the "except for the cause of fornication" clause (Matthew 5:32, Matthew 19:9). This absence in Luke and Mark (Mark 10:11-12) emphasizes the general principle of marriage's indissolubility, highlighting Jesus' high standard for marital fidelity and commitment.

Practical Application

Luke 16:18 serves as a foundational teaching on the seriousness of marital vows and the sanctity of the marriage institution. For believers today, it calls for:

• Commitment to Fidelity: It underscores the importance of upholding marital vows and resisting anything that would undermine the "one flesh" union.
• Careful Consideration: For those contemplating marriage, it emphasizes the lifelong commitment involved. For those facing marital difficulties, it encourages seeking reconciliation and restoration rather than immediate dissolution.
• Understanding God's Ideal: While acknowledging the complexities and brokenness of a fallen world, this verse reminds us of God's perfect ideal for marriage and calls us to strive towards that standard. It encourages a deeper understanding of God's heart, who declared "I hate divorce" in Malachi 2:16.

Ultimately, this verse is a powerful reminder of the divine institution of marriage and the high regard Jesus holds for the covenant between a husband and wife.