Short Answer
Overview
Matthew 5:31‑32 records Jesus’ instruction on divorce during the Sermon on the Mount. Quoting the Mosaic law, he says, “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’” He then adds, “But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her a victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” The passage emphasizes the permanence of marriage and limits permissible divorce to cases of sexual immorality.
History / Background
The verses reflect first‑century Jewish legal traditions. Deuteronomy 24:1‑4 allowed a man to issue a “certificate of divorce” (“get”) under certain circumstances. Rabbinic interpretation in the Mishnah and Talmud expanded the grounds for divorce, but the precise criteria remained debated. Jesus addresses a Jewish audience familiar with these laws, presenting a higher ethical standard that underscores the covenantal nature of marriage.
Importance and Impact
Matthew 5:31‑32 has profoundly influenced Christian doctrine on marriage and divorce. It forms the basis for the Catholic Church’s teaching that marriage is indissoluble except in cases of annulment, while many Protestant traditions adopt the “sexual immorality” exception. The passage also informs contemporary discussions on marital counseling, family law, and moral theology.
Why It Matters
For modern believers, the verses provide guidance on the sanctity of marriage and the ethical limits of divorce. They encourage couples to pursue reconciliation and shape church policies that affect pastoral care, legal proceedings, and personal decision‑making regarding marital breakdown.
Common Misconceptions
Jesus completely abolished divorce.
He allowed divorce in the case of sexual immorality, presenting a stricter standard than the Mosaic law but not an absolute prohibition.
The passage only applies to first‑century Jewish culture.
While rooted in its historical context, the ethical principles are interpreted by many Christian traditions as timeless teachings on marital fidelity.
FAQ
What does the phrase “certificate of divorce” refer to?
In Jewish law, the “certificate of divorce” (Greek: apokrisis) was a formal document that a husband gave to his wife to legally dissolve the marriage, allowing her to remarry.
Why does Jesus add the exception for sexual immorality?
Jesus introduces the exception to acknowledge that marital unfaithfulness fundamentally breaches the marriage covenant, thereby providing a limited ground for divorce while maintaining a higher ideal of marital permanence.
How have different Christian denominations applied this passage?
The Catholic Church generally teaches that marriage is indissoluble, allowing annulments only under specific conditions. Many Protestant churches accept divorce on the basis of sexual immorality and permit remarriage, while others adopt stricter or more lenient interpretations.
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