Matthew 19:9

Commentary on Matthew 19:9 (KJV)

Matthew 19:9 captures a pivotal moment where Jesus delivers a clear and challenging teaching on the sanctity of marriage, divorce, and remarriage. This verse, particularly its "exception clause," has been the subject of extensive theological discussion throughout history, shaping Christian understanding of marital fidelity and the permanence of the marriage bond.

Context

This statement from Jesus comes in response to a question from the Pharisees, who sought to test Him regarding the lawfulness of divorce "for every cause" (Matthew 19:3). Their question reflected a contemporary debate between two rabbinical schools of thought: the strict School of Shammai, which permitted divorce only for sexual immorality, and the more lenient School of Hillel, which allowed divorce for almost any reason.

Before uttering verse 9, Jesus first directs His listeners back to God's original design for marriage in creation, where a man and woman become "one flesh." He explains that Moses' allowance for a "bill of divorcement" (Deuteronomy 24:1) was due to the "hardness of your hearts," not God's original intention. Thus, Matthew 19:9 presents Jesus' re-establishment of God's ideal for marriage, emphasizing its indissoluble nature.

Key Themes

• Sanctity of Marriage: Jesus upholds marriage as a sacred, lifelong covenant instituted by God, intended to be permanent and unbroken.
• Divorce and Adultery: The verse directly links unauthorized divorce followed by remarriage to the sin of adultery, underscoring the seriousness of breaking the marital bond.
• The "Exception Clause": The phrase "except for fornication" (Greek: porneia) is central. It indicates the only ground Jesus explicitly gives for divorce that does not result in adultery upon remarriage. This suggests that severe sexual immorality fundamentally violates the "one flesh" union.

Linguistic Insights

The crucial word in this verse is "fornication," translated from the Greek word porneia (πορνεία). It is important to distinguish porneia from moicheia (μοιχεία), which specifically means adultery. While moicheia refers to sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than their spouse, porneia is a broader term encompassing various forms of sexual immorality.

Interpretations of porneia in this context vary:

• Some scholars believe it refers specifically to premarital unchastity discovered after marriage (e.g., if a bride was not a virgin as assumed), or to unlawful marriages (e.g., incestuous unions, which would be invalid from the start).
• A more common view understands porneia here as encompassing all forms of gross sexual immorality or infidelity within the marriage, which fundamentally breaks the "one flesh" covenant.

Regardless of the precise scope, Jesus' teaching highlights that the bond of marriage is so profound that only a severe violation of its sexual fidelity can be considered grounds for its dissolution without the parties being guilty of adultery upon remarriage.

Related Scriptures

• Jesus provides a similar teaching on divorce in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:32), where He also includes the "fornication" exception.
• The parallel account in Mark 10:11-12 does not explicitly include the "fornication" clause, which leads some to emphasize the absolute nature of Jesus' teaching against divorce, while others see Matthew's account as providing the specific exception.
• The Apostle Paul offers further guidance on marriage, divorce, and separation in 1 Corinthians 7, including the "desertion" clause.

Practical Application

Matthew 19:9 serves as a profound reminder of the high value God places on marriage. For believers today, it encourages:

1. Serious Commitment: Marriage should be entered into with the understanding that it is a lifelong covenant before God, not a temporary contract.
2. Fidelity: The verse powerfully underscores the importance of sexual purity and faithfulness within marriage.
3. Forgiveness and Reconciliation: While the "exception clause" exists, the broader biblical emphasis is on forgiveness, reconciliation, and preserving the marriage bond whenever possible. Divorce, even with biblical grounds, is a tragic consequence of sin, not God's ideal.
4. Seeking God's Wisdom: For those facing marital difficulties, this verse calls for careful prayer, seeking wise counsel, and understanding God's heart for marriage.