Matthew 5:32

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} I {G1473} say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, That {G3754} whosoever {G3739}{G302} shall put away {G630} his {G846} wife {G1135}, saving {G3924} for the cause {G3056} of fornication {G4202}, causeth {G4160} her {G846} to commit adultery {G3429}: and {G2532} whosoever {G3739}{G1437} shall marry {G1060} her that is divorced {G630} committeth adultery {G3429}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of fornication, makes her an adulteress; and that anyone who marries a divorcee commits adultery.

Berean Standard Bible

But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her. And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

American Standard Version

but I say unto you, that every one that putteth away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, maketh her an adulteress: and whosoever shall marry her when she is put away committeth adultery.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 5:32, Jesus profoundly redefines the Mosaic Law concerning divorce, asserting that dissolving a marriage, except in cases of sexual immorality, compels the divorced wife into adultery upon remarriage, and similarly, anyone marrying a woman thus divorced also commits adultery. This teaching, part of the Sermon on the Mount, underscores the sanctity and indissolubility of the marriage covenant as God originally intended, challenging the prevailing lax interpretations of His day and calling His followers to a higher standard of fidelity and purity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 5:32 is situated within Jesus's monumental [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount Begins"), specifically within a series of "antitheses" (Matthew 5:21-48). In these antitheses, Jesus systematically takes a traditional Old Testament teaching, often prefaced with "Ye have heard that it hath been said," and then contrasts it with His own authoritative interpretation, introduced by "But I say unto you." This particular section (Matthew 5:31-32) immediately follows Jesus's teaching on oaths and precedes His instruction on retaliation. By addressing divorce here, Jesus demonstrates His authority to interpret and fulfill the Law, moving beyond mere external observance to address the heart and intent of God's commands regarding covenant faithfulness. He is not abolishing the Law but deepening its meaning and demanding a righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, as stated in [Matthew 5:20](/matthew/5-20 "Matthew 5:20 - Righteousness Exceeding the Scribes and Pharisees").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Mosaic Law, particularly [Deuteronomy 24:1-4](/deuteronomy/24-1-4 "Deuteronomy 24:1-4 - Law on Divorce"), permitted a man to divorce his wife by giving her a "bill of divorcement" if he found "some uncleanness" in her. By Jesus's time, this phrase had become a subject of intense rabbinic debate. The School of Shammai interpreted "uncleanness" narrowly, often referring to sexual impropriety, while the School of Hillel held a much broader view, allowing divorce for almost any reason, even trivial ones like a wife burning dinner or speaking too loudly. This lax interpretation led to widespread and often unjust divorce practices, particularly disadvantaging women who, once divorced, had limited means of support and faced significant social stigma. Jesus's teaching directly confronts this cultural permissiveness, aiming to restore the sanctity and permanence of marriage to its original, God-ordained design, as seen in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - One Flesh Union").
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in Matthew and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **The Sanctity and Permanence of Marriage**, emphasizing God's original design for a lifelong, covenantal union between one man and one woman, where they become "one flesh." Divorce, therefore, is seen as a tragic rupture of this sacred bond. Secondly, Jesus's repeated phrase, "But I say unto you," highlights His **Divine Authority and Fulfillment of the Law**. He is not merely a commentator on the Law but its ultimate interpreter and embodiment, revealing its true spiritual depth beyond superficial legalism. Thirdly, the **Exception Clause** ("saving for the cause of fornication") introduces a crucial, albeit debated, qualification to the general prohibition against divorce, acknowledging that certain severe breaches of the marital covenant may exist. Finally, the verse clearly articulates the **Grave Consequences of Unlawful Divorce and Remarriage**, declaring that such actions lead to adultery. This highlights the profound spiritual and moral implications for all parties involved, reflecting God's unwavering standard for marital fidelity and justice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **put away (Greek, _apolýō_):** From ἀπό (apo, "from") and λύω (lyō, "to loose"), meaning "to free fully," "release," "dismiss," or "divorce." In this context, it is the standard term for legal divorce, signifying the act of sending one's wife away and dissolving the marriage bond. Jesus uses this term to directly address the practice of issuing a "bill of divorcement" as permitted by the Mosaic Law.
* **fornication (Greek, _porneía_):** This is a crucial term. While often translated as "fornication," _porneía_ is a broader term than _moicheía_ (adultery). It encompasses a wide range of illicit sexual acts, including harlotry, prostitution, incest, and other forms of unlawful sexual immorality. In the context of marriage, many scholars interpret _porneía_ here as sexual unfaithfulness or a union that was inherently illicit from the start (e.g., incestuous marriage, or marriage to someone already married). It refers to a fundamental breach of the "one flesh" union that makes the marriage covenant invalid or fundamentally broken.
* **commit adultery (Greek, _moicháō_):** This verb specifically means "to commit adultery." Jesus uses this term to define the spiritual and moral state of those who remarry after an unbiblical divorce. It underscores the idea that, in God's eyes, the original marriage bond remains intact despite a legal divorce, and therefore, entering a new union constitutes a violation of that enduring covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication,"**: Jesus introduces His authoritative teaching, directly challenging the prevailing interpretations of divorce. He declares that any man who divorces his wife, with one specific exception, is initiating an action with severe spiritual consequences. The critical "saving for the cause of fornication" (παρεκτὸς λόγου πορνείας, _parektos logou porneias_) provides the sole biblically permissible ground for divorce according to Jesus. This exception acknowledges that sexual immorality fundamentally violates the covenant of marriage, potentially rendering it broken in God's eyes.
* **"causeth her to commit adultery:"**: This clause assigns direct responsibility to the husband who initiates an unbiblical divorce. By unjustly putting his wife away, he places her in a position where, if she subsequently remarries (which was often her only option for survival in that society), her new union is considered adultery by God. This highlights the profound injustice and spiritual harm inflicted upon the innocent party by an unrighteous divorce.
* **"and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery."**: This final clause extends the condemnation to anyone who marries a woman who has been divorced on unbiblical grounds. It reinforces the principle that the original marriage, if not dissolved for the legitimate cause of _porneía_, remains valid in God's sight. Therefore, entering into a new marital union with someone still considered bound by their previous covenant constitutes adultery, emphasizing the sanctity and enduring nature of the marital bond.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs **Antithesis** as the primary literary device in this verse, contrasting the popular, often lax, understanding of divorce derived from the Mosaic Law with His own stricter, divinely authoritative interpretation. The phrase "But I say unto you" directly sets up this contrast, asserting Jesus's unique authority to reveal the deeper spiritual intent of God's commands. Furthermore, the passage uses **Legal Language** with precise terms like "put away" (_apolýō_), "fornication" (_porneía_), and "adultery" (_moicháō_), framing the discussion in terms of covenant obligations and their violation. The structure of the verse also demonstrates a form of **Parallelism** in its two main pronouncements: the first concerning the man who divorces and causes adultery, and the second concerning the man who marries a divorced woman and commits adultery. This parallelism emphasizes the dual responsibility and the widespread implications of unbiblical divorce.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 5:32 is foundational for understanding the Christian ethic of marriage, asserting its divine origin and sacred nature as a covenant intended for life. Jesus's teaching elevates marriage beyond a mere legal contract to a spiritual union that reflects God's faithfulness and unity. The "exception clause" for _porneía_ acknowledges that severe sexual unfaithfulness fundamentally breaches the "one flesh" union, but it does not mandate divorce, rather it permits it as a tragic consequence of sin. Ultimately, this verse calls believers to a higher standard of purity, fidelity, and commitment within marriage, reflecting God's own character and His desire for wholeness and integrity in human relationships.

* [Matthew 19:9](/matthew/19-9 "Matthew 19:9 - Jesus's Teaching on Divorce and Remarriage")
* [Mark 10:11-12](/mark/10-11-12 "Mark 10:11-12 - Divorce and Adultery")
* [1 Corinthians 7:10-15](/1_corinthians/7-10-15 "1 Corinthians 7:10-15 - Paul's Instruction on Marriage and Divorce")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 5:32 profoundly challenges contemporary attitudes toward marriage and divorce, calling believers to a radical commitment to God's design. It impresses upon us the solemnity of marriage vows, reminding us that marriage is not a temporary arrangement but a sacred covenant intended for a lifetime. This verse urges us to pursue reconciliation, forgiveness, and restoration within our marriages, even in the face of difficulties, rather than resorting to divorce as a convenient escape. While acknowledging the painful reality of sexual infidelity as a legitimate ground for divorce, it does not compel it, always leaving room for grace and the possibility of healing. For those facing marital struggles, this teaching underscores the importance of seeking wise, biblical counsel and earnestly praying for God's guidance to navigate complex situations in a way that honors Him and upholds the sanctity of the marital bond. It also serves as a powerful reminder of the dignity and protection due to all parties in a marriage, particularly the one who might be unjustly put away.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus's teaching on divorce in Matthew 5:32 challenge or affirm your current understanding of marriage as a covenant?**
* **In what ways can believers actively work to uphold the sanctity and permanence of marriage within their own lives and communities?**
* **Considering the "exception clause," how should the church balance grace and truth when ministering to those impacted by marital infidelity or divorce?**

### FAQ
**Does Jesus's teaching in Matthew 5:32 mean divorce is never permissible, or is there an exception?**

Answer: Jesus's teaching in [Matthew 5:32](/matthew/5-32 "Matthew 5:32 - Jesus's Teaching on Divorce") explicitly includes an exception: "saving for the cause of fornication." This phrase, from the Greek word _porneía_, refers to sexual immorality. While Jesus generally prohibits divorce and remarriage as leading to adultery, this exception indicates that a marriage covenant can be legitimately broken in cases of severe sexual unfaithfulness. It's important to note that while this provides a permissible ground for divorce, it does not *mandate* divorce; forgiveness and reconciliation are always the ideal, but the exception acknowledges the profound breach of the "one flesh" union that _porneía_ represents. Other passages like [1 Corinthians 7:15](/1_corinthians/7-15 "1 Corinthians 7:15 - The Pauline Privilege") also offer a "Pauline privilege" for desertion by an unbelieving spouse.

**What is the difference between "fornication" (_porneía_) and "adultery" (_moicheía_) in this context?**

Answer: In Matthew 5:32, the distinction between _porneía_ (fornication) and _moicheía_ (adultery) is crucial. _Porneía_ is the broader term, encompassing various forms of illicit sexual activity, including prostitution, incest, and potentially any sexual union that violates God's design for marriage, or even a marriage that was unlawful from its inception (e.g., an incestuous union). It is this _porneía_ that Jesus cites as the *exception* for permissible divorce. _Moicheía_, or adultery, specifically refers to sexual unfaithfulness *within* a valid marriage. Jesus states that if a divorce occurs for reasons *other than* _porneía_, and the divorced parties remarry, that subsequent marriage constitutes _moicheía_ (adultery) because, in God's eyes, the original marriage covenant was not legitimately dissolved.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 5:32, like all of Jesus's teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, points to Christ in several profound ways. Firstly, it reveals the **perfect standard of God's Law**, which humanity, in its fallen state, consistently fails to meet. Jesus's uncompromising demand for marital fidelity and the purity of heart (not just outward action) exposes the inadequacy of human righteousness and the pervasive nature of sin, thus highlighting our desperate need for a Savior. Secondly, Christ Himself **embodies and fulfills this Law** perfectly. He lived a life of absolute purity and fidelity, demonstrating the very standard He proclaimed. Thirdly, through His atoning work on the cross, Jesus provides the **grace and power for transformation** that enables believers to strive for this high standard. While we still fall short, the Holy Spirit empowers us to pursue holiness in our relationships, including marriage, reflecting the covenant faithfulness of God Himself, as seen in Christ's unwavering commitment to His Church, His bride ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church as Bride and Groom")). Finally, Jesus's teaching on divorce ultimately points to the **redemptive power of the Gospel** even in brokenness. While divorce is a tragic consequence of sin, the grace of Christ offers healing, forgiveness, and new beginnings for all who turn to Him, reminding us that His mercies are new every morning ([Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - God's Steadfast Love")).

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

Romans 7:3

So then if, while [her] husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.

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 7:10

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

1 Corinthians 7:11

But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to [her] husband: and let not the husband put away [his] wife.

Matthew 19:8

He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.

Matthew 19:9

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.

1 Corinthians 7:4

The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.