Matthew 19:9

KJV

And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except [it be] for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213},{G3754} Whosoever {G3739}{G302} shall put away {G630} his {G846} wife {G1135}, except {G1508} it be for {G1909} fornication {G4202}, and {G2532} shall marry {G1060} another {G243}, committeth adultery {G3429}: and {G2532} whoso marrieth {G1060} her which {G3588} is put away {G630} doth commit adultery {G3429}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now what I say to you is that whoever divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery!"

Berean Standard Bible

Now I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman, commits adultery.”

American Standard Version

And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and he that marrieth her when she is put away committeth adultery.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 19:9 presents Jesus' definitive teaching on marriage, divorce, and remarriage, delivered in response to a Pharisaic challenge. This verse clarifies that while God's original design for marriage is a lifelong, indissoluble union, an exception exists for "fornication" (sexual immorality). Jesus declares that divorcing one's spouse for any other reason and remarrying constitutes adultery, as does marrying a person who has been put away unlawfully. This statement underscores the sanctity and permanence of the marriage covenant as ordained by God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jesus' statement in [Matthew 19:9](/matthew/19-9 "Matthew 19:9 - Jesus' Teaching on Divorce") is part of a larger discourse on marriage and divorce initiated by a challenging question from the Pharisees in [Matthew 19:3](/matthew/19-3 "Matthew 19:3 - The Pharisees Test Jesus"). They ask if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife "for every cause," reflecting a contemporary rabbinic debate between the stricter School of Shammai and the more lenient School of Hillel. Before addressing their specific question, Jesus redirects their attention to God's original creation design for marriage found in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") and [Genesis 2](/genesis/2 "Genesis 2 - The Creation of Man and Woman"), emphasizing the "one flesh" union ([Matthew 19:4-6](/matthew/19-4-6 "Matthew 19:4-6 - God's Design for Marriage")). He then explains that Moses' allowance for a certificate of divorce ([Deuteronomy 24:1](/deuteronomy/24-1 "Deuteronomy 24:1 - Mosaic Law on Divorce")) was a concession to human "hardness of heart," not God's ideal ([Matthew 19:7-8](/matthew/19-7-8 "Matthew 19:7-8 - Moses' Concession for Hardness of Heart")). Verse 9 then serves as Jesus' re-establishment of the divine standard, providing His specific qualification to the general prohibition against divorce and remarriage.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Jewish society, particularly among the Pharisees, was deeply divided on the grounds for divorce. The School of Shammai interpreted [Deuteronomy 24:1](/deuteronomy/24-1 "Deuteronomy 24:1 - Mosaic Law on Divorce") strictly, permitting divorce only for "indecency" (sexual immorality). In contrast, the School of Hillel interpreted "indecency" very broadly, allowing divorce for trivial matters, such as a wife burning a meal or even finding a more attractive woman. This lenient view made divorce relatively common. Jesus' teaching directly challenged the prevailing Hillelite interpretation, aligning more closely with the stricter Shammaite view, but grounding His teaching not in rabbinic tradition, but in God's original creation ordinance. His emphasis on the "hardness of hearts" also highlights the moral decline that necessitated Moses' concession, contrasting it with the kingdom ethic He was inaugurating.

* **Key Themes:** The primary theme is the **Sanctity and Permanence of Marriage**, which Jesus upholds as a divine institution, a lifelong covenant between one man and one woman, designed by God to be indissoluble. This teaching directly confronts the casual approach to divorce prevalent in His day. Another crucial theme is **Adultery and Sexual Purity**, as Jesus explicitly links unlawful divorce and remarriage to the sin of adultery, emphasizing the profound violation of the "one flesh" union that occurs outside of God's design. The "exception clause" regarding "fornication" (Greek: *porneia*) introduces the theme of **Legitimate Grounds for Divorce**, indicating that severe sexual immorality can fundamentally break the covenant, though even then, divorce is a tragic consequence of sin rather than God's ideal. This verse also contributes to the broader theme of **Jesus' Authority to Interpret Law**, demonstrating His role as the ultimate interpreter of God's will, even superseding Mosaic allowances to restore the original divine standard.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **apolýō (Greek, _apolýō'_):** This verb means "to free fully," "relieve," "release," "dismiss," or "divorce." In this context, it specifically refers to the legal act of "putting away" or divorcing one's spouse. Jesus uses this term to describe the action that, when done without the specific exception, leads to adultery upon remarriage. It signifies the formal dissolution of the marital bond.
* **porneía (Greek, _porneía'_):** Translated as "fornication," this term is broader than "adultery" (*moicheia*). It encompasses various forms of sexual immorality, including prostitution, premarital sex, incest, and other illicit sexual acts. In the context of the "exception clause," it refers to a grave sexual violation that fundamentally breaks the "one flesh" union, thereby providing the sole legitimate ground for divorce that does not automatically result in the sin of adultery upon remarriage.
* **moicháō (Greek, _moicháō'_):** This verb means "to commit adultery." Jesus uses it twice in this verse to describe the sinful act of remarrying after an unlawful divorce, or marrying someone who has been unlawfully divorced. It highlights the serious nature of violating the marital covenant and God's design for sexual fidelity within marriage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife":** Jesus asserts His divine authority ("I say unto you") to declare a new, or rather, a restored, standard for marriage. The phrase "put away his wife" refers to the act of divorce, which was a common practice in Jewish society, albeit with varying legal and social implications.
* **"except [it be] for fornication":** This is the crucial "exception clause." Jesus specifies that *porneia* (sexual immorality) is the only legitimate ground for divorce that does not lead to the subsequent remarriage being considered adultery. This implies that such a severe breach fundamentally violates the marital covenant.
* **"and shall marry another, committeth adultery":** Without the *porneia* exception, if a man divorces his wife and then marries another woman, he is committing adultery. This emphasizes the permanence of the original marriage bond in God's eyes, even if legally dissolved by human decree.
* **"and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery":** This second part extends the prohibition to anyone who marries a woman who has been unlawfully divorced. It reinforces the idea that the original marriage bond remains valid in God's sight, and entering into a new marriage with someone whose previous marriage is still considered valid by God constitutes adultery.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 19:9 employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Legal Language**, as Jesus functions as a divine interpreter and law-giver, clarifying and intensifying the Mosaic Law concerning marriage and divorce. His pronouncements use precise, declarative statements typical of legal rulings. There is also a clear use of **Contrast**, setting God's original, ideal design for marriage against human "hardness of heart" and the prevailing lax interpretations of divorce. The verse also features **Repetition** of the phrase "committeth adultery," which serves to emphasize the gravity and consequences of violating God's marital standard. This repetition acts as a strong rhetorical device, underscoring the severity of the sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 19:9 is foundational to Christian theology of marriage, establishing it as a sacred, lifelong covenant reflecting the "one flesh" union ordained by God from creation. Jesus' teaching elevates marriage beyond a mere social contract, imbuing it with divine permanence and sanctity. The "exception clause" acknowledges the destructive power of sexual immorality to fundamentally violate this covenant, yet the overall thrust is towards preserving the marriage bond. This passage calls believers to a higher standard of fidelity and commitment, reflecting God's own covenant faithfulness to His people. It also highlights the seriousness of adultery as a sin that not only breaks human vows but also transgresses divine law and the very fabric of God's created order for humanity.

* [Matthew 5:32](/matthew/5-32 "Matthew 5:32 - Jesus' Teaching on Divorce in the Sermon on the Mount")
* [Mark 10:11-12](/mark/10-11-12 "Mark 10:11-12 - Jesus' Teaching on Divorce (Mark's Account)")
* [1 Corinthians 7:10-16](/1_corinthians/7-10-16 "1 Corinthians 7:10-16 - Paul's Instructions on Marriage and Divorce")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 19:9 challenges us to view marriage not as a temporary arrangement but as a covenant established by God, intended for life. For those contemplating marriage, it serves as a solemn call to enter this union with deep commitment, understanding its sacred nature and the seriousness of the vows exchanged. For those already married, it underscores the profound importance of sexual fidelity and the diligent pursuit of a "one flesh" unity, striving to honor God within the marital bond. While the "exception clause" acknowledges the tragic reality of severe sexual brokenness, the overarching message of Jesus is one of permanence and reconciliation, urging believers to exhaust all avenues of forgiveness, grace, and restoration before considering divorce. This passage also reminds us that God's standards are higher than human conventions, calling us to live in a way that reflects His perfect will for our relationships.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' emphasis on God's original design for marriage in Genesis challenge our modern cultural views on marriage and divorce?**
* **In what ways can a couple actively cultivate the "one flesh" union that Jesus speaks of, beyond just physical intimacy?**
* **Given the seriousness with which Jesus treats divorce and remarriage, what steps can individuals and churches take to support struggling marriages and promote marital fidelity?**

### FAQ

**What is the meaning of "fornication" (porneia) in this verse, and how does it relate to adultery?**

Answer: The Greek word *porneia* (fornication) is a broader term than *moicheia* (adultery). While *moicheia* specifically refers to sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than their spouse, *porneia* encompasses a wider range of illicit sexual acts, including prostitution, premarital sex, incest, and other forms of gross sexual immorality. In the context of [Matthew 19:9](/matthew/19-9 "Matthew 19:9 - Jesus' Teaching on Divorce"), interpretations vary. Some scholars believe it refers to premarital unchastity discovered after marriage (e.g., if a bride was not a virgin as assumed, invalidating the marriage from the start) or to unlawful marriages (e.g., incestuous unions). A more common and widely accepted view understands *porneia* here as encompassing any severe sexual infidelity or gross immorality within the marriage that fundamentally violates the "one flesh" covenant, making the marriage bond effectively broken. This is the sole explicit ground Jesus gives for divorce that does not result in the subsequent remarriage being considered adultery.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Jesus' teaching on marriage in [Matthew 19:9](/matthew/19-9 "Matthew 19:9 - Jesus' Teaching on Divorce") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ Himself and His relationship with the Church. Just as marriage is presented as an indissoluble covenant, so too is the covenant between Christ and His bride, the Church, characterized by unwavering faithfulness and permanence. Christ, the perfect Bridegroom, demonstrates ultimate fidelity, loving the Church and giving Himself up for her ([Ephesians 5:25](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25 - Christ's Love for the Church")). His commitment is not contingent on our perfection but on His own righteous character and covenant promise ([2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God's Faithfulness")). The "one flesh" union in marriage foreshadows the spiritual union believers have with Christ, where we are "members of his body" ([Ephesians 5:30](/ephesians/5-30 "Ephesians 5:30 - We Are Members of His Body")). The severity with which Jesus addresses adultery in marriage reflects the abhorrence of spiritual adultery, where God's people turn away from Him to idolatry or unfaithfulness ([Hosea 1:2](/hosea/1-2 "Hosea 1:2 - Hosea's Marriage as a Picture of Israel's Unfaithfulness")). Ultimately, Jesus' teaching on marriage calls us to reflect the steadfast love and covenant faithfulness of God, which is perfectly embodied in His redemptive work and His eternal commitment to His people, culminating in the marriage supper of the Lamb ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 5:32

But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

Luke 16:18

Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from [her] husband committeth adultery.

1 Corinthians 7:39

¶ The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

1 Corinthians 7:10

¶ And unto the married I command, [yet] not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from [her] husband:

1 Corinthians 7:13

And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

Mark 10:11

And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.

Mark 10:12

And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.