Matthew 19:9 - I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and he who marries her when she is divorced commits adultery.”
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What does "Matthew 19:9" mean?
Matthew 19:9 is a complex and often debated verse. Here's a breakdown of the common interpretations:
The Verse (Matthew 19:9): "I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and he who marries her when she is divorced commits adultery.”
Core Meaning:
Divorce is generally discouraged: Jesus is re-emphasizing the sanctity and permanence of marriage. He's building on the creation narrative of one man and one woman for life.
Remarriage After Divorce is Generally Considered Adultery: If someone divorces their spouse for reasons other than the permitted exception and then remarries, Jesus says they are committing adultery. Similarly, a person who marries someone who has been divorced for an unbiblical reason also commits adultery. This reinforces the idea that the first marriage covenant is still considered binding in God's eyes.
The Exception Clause: "Except for Sexual Immorality" (Often translated as "fornication" or "marital unfaithfulness"):
This is the crucial and controversial part. The Greek word used here is "porneia," which can have a broader range of meanings than just adultery. Interpretations vary:
Adultery Only: Some argue "porneia" specifically refers to sexual intercourse with someone other than one's spouse (adultery). This interpretation is the most straightforward and suggests that adultery is the only biblically permissible reason for divorce with the possibility of remarriage.
Broader Sexual Immorality: Others understand "porneia" more broadly, encompassing various sexual sins before marriage, such as premarital sex that was concealed and now comes to light after the wedding. In this view, the marriage was built on a false foundation.
Persistent and Unrepentant Sexual Sin: A third view sees "porneia" as referring to ongoing and unrepentant sexual sin within the marriage, even if not technically adultery, such as bestiality, prostitution, or extreme sexual perversion that destroys the marital bond.
Key Interpretational Differences and Considerations:
What constitutes "porneia"? This is the biggest point of disagreement. Is it only adultery, or does it include a wider range of sexual sins?
Remarriage: Does the "exception clause" only apply to the innocent party in the divorce? What about the person who committed the "porneia"? Are they free to remarry if they later repent? Some interpretations suggest that the innocent party is released from the marriage covenant and is free to remarry without committing adultery.
Grace and Forgiveness: Many Christians also emphasize the importance of grace and forgiveness, even in cases of adultery. While the Bible prohibits divorce, it also calls for forgiveness and reconciliation whenever possible. Some believe that repentance and reconciliation should always be pursued before divorce is considered.
Old Testament Context: Some scholars look to Old Testament laws concerning adultery and divorce for context.
Different Denominational Views:
Catholic Church: Generally prohibits divorce. They may grant an annulment, which declares that a valid marriage never existed in the first place, but this is a different concept.
Conservative Protestant Denominations: Tend to take a more literal interpretation of Matthew 19:9, often viewing adultery as the only permissible grounds for divorce and remarriage.
More Liberal Protestant Denominations: May take a broader view of "porneia" and be more accepting of divorce in situations involving abuse, abandonment, or irreconcilable differences.
In summary, Matthew 19:9 is a challenging verse. It highlights the seriousness of marriage vows while acknowledging the devastating impact of sexual sin. The key question is how to interpret the "exception clause," and Christians hold a variety of views on this issue. It is essential to study the verse in its full context, considering different viewpoints, and seeking guidance from trusted spiritual leaders.
Matthew 19:9 - I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and he who marries her when she is divorced commits adultery.”
What does "Matthew 19:9" mean?
Matthew 19:9 is a complex and often debated verse. Here's a breakdown of the common interpretations:
The Verse (Matthew 19:9): "I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and he who marries her when she is divorced commits adultery.”
Core Meaning:
Divorce is generally discouraged: Jesus is re-emphasizing the sanctity and permanence of marriage. He's building on the creation narrative of one man and one woman for life.
Remarriage After Divorce is Generally Considered Adultery: If someone divorces their spouse for reasons other than the permitted exception and then remarries, Jesus says they are committing adultery. Similarly, a person who marries someone who has been divorced for an unbiblical reason also commits adultery. This reinforces the idea that the first marriage covenant is still considered binding in God's eyes.
The Exception Clause: "Except for Sexual Immorality" (Often translated as "fornication" or "marital unfaithfulness"):
This is the crucial and controversial part. The Greek word used here is "porneia," which can have a broader range of meanings than just adultery. Interpretations vary:
Adultery Only: Some argue "porneia" specifically refers to sexual intercourse with someone other than one's spouse (adultery). This interpretation is the most straightforward and suggests that adultery is the only biblically permissible reason for divorce with the possibility of remarriage.
Broader Sexual Immorality: Others understand "porneia" more broadly, encompassing various sexual sins before marriage, such as premarital sex that was concealed and now comes to light after the wedding. In this view, the marriage was built on a false foundation.
Persistent and Unrepentant Sexual Sin: A third view sees "porneia" as referring to ongoing and unrepentant sexual sin within the marriage, even if not technically adultery, such as bestiality, prostitution, or extreme sexual perversion that destroys the marital bond.
Key Interpretational Differences and Considerations:
What constitutes "porneia"? This is the biggest point of disagreement. Is it only adultery, or does it include a wider range of sexual sins?
Remarriage: Does the "exception clause" only apply to the innocent party in the divorce? What about the person who committed the "porneia"? Are they free to remarry if they later repent? Some interpretations suggest that the innocent party is released from the marriage covenant and is free to remarry without committing adultery.
Grace and Forgiveness: Many Christians also emphasize the importance of grace and forgiveness, even in cases of adultery. While the Bible prohibits divorce, it also calls for forgiveness and reconciliation whenever possible. Some believe that repentance and reconciliation should always be pursued before divorce is considered.
Old Testament Context: Some scholars look to Old Testament laws concerning adultery and divorce for context.
Different Denominational Views:
Catholic Church: Generally prohibits divorce. They may grant an annulment, which declares that a valid marriage never existed in the first place, but this is a different concept.
Conservative Protestant Denominations: Tend to take a more literal interpretation of Matthew 19:9, often viewing adultery as the only permissible grounds for divorce and remarriage.
More Liberal Protestant Denominations: May take a broader view of "porneia" and be more accepting of divorce in situations involving abuse, abandonment, or irreconcilable differences.
In summary, Matthew 19:9 is a challenging verse. It highlights the seriousness of marriage vows while acknowledging the devastating impact of sexual sin. The key question is how to interpret the "exception clause," and Christians hold a variety of views on this issue. It is essential to study the verse in its full context, considering different viewpoints, and seeking guidance from trusted spiritual leaders.