Matthew 5:32

Matthew 5:32 is a pivotal verse from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where He addresses the sanctity of marriage and the serious implications of divorce and remarriage. Here, Jesus clarifies and intensifies the traditional understanding of the Mosaic Law concerning divorce, emphasizing God's original design for the marriage covenant.

Context

This verse is part of a series of "antitheses" in Matthew 5, where Jesus contrasts an Old Testament teaching ("Ye have heard that it hath been said...") with His own authoritative interpretation ("But I say unto you..."). In this particular section (Matthew 5:31-32), Jesus challenges the prevailing, often lax, divorce practices of His day, which were based on interpretations of Deuteronomy 24:1-4. The Pharisees, in particular, debated the acceptable grounds for divorce, with some allowing it for almost any reason. Jesus aims to restore the dignity and permanence of marriage as intended by God.

Key Themes

• The Sanctity of Marriage: Jesus upholds marriage as a sacred, lifelong bond, reflecting God's original design for a man and woman to become "one flesh".
• Jesus' Authority: His "But I say unto you" demonstrates His divine authority to interpret and fulfill the Law, moving beyond mere legalism to address the heart and intent of God's commands.
• The Exception Clause: The phrase "saving for the cause of fornication" introduces a crucial exception to the prohibition against divorce. This exception is key to understanding the only permissible ground for divorce according to Jesus.
• Consequences of Unlawful Divorce: Jesus states that an unbiblical divorce "causeth her to commit adultery" if she remarries, and "whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery." This highlights the grave spiritual implications of breaking the marriage covenant without biblical grounds.

Linguistic Insights

• "Put away" (Greek: apolyo): This term literally means "to send away" or "to release," and it is the standard Greek word for divorce in this context.
• "Fornication" (Greek: porneia): This is a critical term. While "fornication" can refer to pre-marital sexual relations, in the context of marriage, porneia is a broader term than moicheia (adultery). It encompasses various forms of unlawful sexual immorality, including incest, prostitution, or any illicit sexual union that violates the sanctity of the marriage bond. Many scholars interpret it here as sexual unfaithfulness within marriage, which breaks the "one flesh" union.
• "Causeth her to commit adultery": This emphasizes the husband's responsibility in the divorce action. If he divorces his wife without the biblical grounds of porneia, he is held accountable for pushing her into a situation where, if she remarries, it is considered adultery in God's eyes.

Related Scriptures

Jesus reiterates and expands on this teaching in other passages:

• Matthew 19:9: A parallel passage where Jesus again includes the exception clause concerning porneia.
• Mark 10:11-12 and Luke 16:18: These parallel accounts of Jesus' teaching on divorce do not explicitly mention the exception clause, perhaps emphasizing the general principle of marriage's indissolubility.
• 1 Corinthians 7:15: The Apostle Paul provides further guidance on marital separation, particularly in cases of desertion by an unbelieving spouse, often referred to as the "Pauline privilege."
• Malachi 2:16: "For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away..." This Old Testament verse underscores God's deep disapproval of divorce.

Practical Application

Matthew 5:32 calls believers to a high standard regarding marriage:

• Commitment to Vows: It underscores the seriousness of marriage vows and the lifelong commitment they entail. Marriage is not to be entered into lightly or dissolved casually.
• Preservation of Marriage: Christians are called to strive for the preservation of their marriages, seeking reconciliation and forgiveness rather than quick separation.
• Understanding the Exception: While the verse provides an exception for sexual immorality, it does not mandate divorce even in such cases. Forgiveness and restoration are always the ideal, but the exception acknowledges the severe breach of the covenant that porneia represents.
• Seeking Counsel: For those facing marital difficulties, the verse encourages seeking wise, biblical counsel from church leaders or trusted mentors to navigate complex situations in a way that honors God.
• Dignity of All Parties: Jesus' teaching protects the dignity of the spouse who is put away unjustly, highlighting the severe consequences for the one who initiates an unbiblical divorce.

This verse serves as a foundational teaching on God's enduring view of marriage as a sacred institution, intended for life, with divorce permitted only under specific, grave circumstances.