“And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.”– Matthew 19:9 (KJV)
“And I tell you this, whoever divorces his wife and marries someone else except for sexual immorality commits adultery.”– Matthew 19:9 (NLT)
“And I say to you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.”– Matthew 19:9 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 19:9 Mean?
Matthew 19:9 is a significant verse in the Bible that touches on the topics of marriage, divorce, and fidelity. To put it simply, this verse tells us about the circumstances under which a divorce is permitted according to Jesus’ teachings. In this passage, Jesus emphasizes that divorcing one’s spouse without a valid reason—specifically, sexual immorality—leads to committing adultery if one remarries. This emphasis on fidelity highlights the sacred commitment of marriage and serves as a reminder for us of the seriousness of such vows.
When we think about the meaning of this verse, it is important for us to recognize how culture has shaped our thoughts on marriage. Many people today may view marriage as a temporary state that can be easily dissolved if things get tough. However, here, Jesus offers a different perspective. He speaks to us about the sanctity and permanence of marriage, guiding us to treat it with the honor it deserves. His words encourage us to be faithful, supportive partners and to continuously work on our relationships rather than seeing them as disposable.
Matthew 19:9 Explanation and Commentary
This verse is part of a larger discussion that Jesus has with the Pharisees regarding divorce. The Pharisees approached Jesus to test him, asking if it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason. Jesus responded by drawing their attention back to the original purpose of marriage, referencing the creation account in Genesis. Jesus reminds us that marriage was designed to be a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman, reflecting the bond that God created at the beginning of time.
In discussing divorce, Jesus points out that Moses permitted divorce due to the hardness of people’s hearts. However, He clarifies that this was not God’s original intention. It is important for us to understand that while Moses allowed divorce due to sin, God still desires unity and love within the marriage relationship. This passage reminds us that we are called to strive for reconciliation rather than taking the easier path of separation.
Moreover, the mention of sexual immorality as a specific reason for divorce reflects the seriousness of fidelity within a marriage. Jesus does not take this matter lightly. For us, He calls us to consider the weight of our actions and the effects they can have on our spouses and families. Adultery is a breach of trust that threatens the very foundation of a marriage, and it is treated with gravity. We ought to recognize that our commitments mean something, and we need to make conscious choices that honor those vows.
This has real implications for our lives. As we consider our relationships, we are invited to embrace vulnerability and openness; to offer forgiveness and to resolve conflicts effectively. Just as God demonstrates His faithfulness to us, we are called to reflect that in our marriages. It takes effort and intention to nurture a marriage, and we should be aware that temptations may arise. However, with God’s help, we can overcome challenges and build stronger connections with our spouses.
Context of Matthew 19:9
To better understand Matthew 19:9, we need to look at the context surrounding this passage. In the previous verses, the Pharisees asked Jesus about the legality of divorce. They were seeking to trap him into saying something that could be used against him, considering how divided opinions were on the issue of divorce during that time. By responding with a reminder of God’s design for marriage, Jesus challenges the cultural norms, directing attention away from legalistic practices towards a deeper, spiritual understanding of marriage.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus often confronts societal norms and values with a radical call to inner transformation. In this particular instance, He highlights that marriage is a gift from God, not merely a legal contract that can be easily dissolved. No matter how society may view marriage or divorce, the divine perspective remains constant: marriage is sacred and meant to be cherished.
In the surrounding chapters, Jesus continually emphasizes love, mercy, and righteousness. This approach helps us see that Christianity focuses on the heart’s intentions and not just the outward adherence to rules and regulations. Our hearts matter deeply, and so, examining our relationships against this backdrop becomes essential. Jesus invites us to reflect on our intentions when we enter into a marriage and encourages us to act with love and fidelity.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 19:9
As we pause to reflect on this verse, starting with the phrase “I say unto you,” we see that Jesus speaks with authority. These words signify that He is not merely sharing an opinion; He is declaring a truth that comes from His vantage as the Son of God. His authority is significant and establishes a foundation for understanding the following principles He shares.
The next important part is the reference to divorce itself. Jesus acknowledges that divorce does happen but emphasizes that it should not be taken lightly. In many cases today, divorce is seen as a normal part of life, but we should consider the burden it carries and the impact it has on families and communities. Recognizing this importance can help us assess the value of working through difficult times rather than seeking separation.
When Jesus mentions “except for fornication,” He draws our attention to one specific circumstance that God allows for divorce. This clause indicates serious betrayal in a relationship, which jeopardizes the world of trust and love that marriage is built upon. It reminds us that sexual fidelity is crucial in the context of marriage and that infidelity can lead to immense pain.
Lastly, the conclusion of this passage underscores the consequences for remarrying after an unfaithful separation. The term “committeth adultery” conveys that entering into another relationship without resolving the previous one can lead us down a path that strays from God’s plan. We are invited to approach relationships with commitment and honor, valuing the depth of our promises.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 19:9
What can we learn from Matthew 19:9? One clear takeaway is the sanctity and importance of marriage. We must not enter into this commitment lightly. Jesus’ words challenge us to understand that marriages are a covenant between partners and God. As partners in this relationship, we need to cultivate love, respect, and understanding.
Another lesson we can glean is the call to communication and honesty in our relationships. When difficulties arise, we are encouraged to seek resolution instead of considering divorce as a quick fix. Open conversations can lead to reconciliation and healing, reminding us that we have a responsibility to invest in our marriages. Remembering the joys and beautiful moments we shared can help us rediscover the love we once valued.
Lastly, Jesus’ teaching emphasizes the need for accountability. It is essential to be mindful of our actions and how they impact our partners. In times of temptation, leaning on community, friends, and God’s word can provide us with the strength we need to remain faithful. We are reminded that honesty and love serve as a foundation for any marriage.
Final Thoughts
Matthew 19:9 serves as an enlightening reminder of the significance of marriage in God’s eyes. We are called to honor our commitments, strive for understanding, and show love and grace amidst life’s challenges. It invites each of us to reflect on our relationships and to cultivate an atmosphere of support, kindness, and fidelity.
As we contemplate this verse, let’s not shy away from the work it takes to maintain our relationships. Rather than seeing marriage as just a contract, we should view it as a sacred bond that requires our dedication. It may be beneficial to explore teachings on love and forgiveness found in the Bible, such as in passages related to Genesis or other books where themes of commitment are discussed. We encourage you to engage with these resources, as they can help deepen our understanding of God’s intentions for our relationships. For further exploration, consider digging into related topics at Matthew 11 and discover insights that complement this teaching.