“It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:”– Matthew 5:31 (KJV)
“You have heard the law that says, A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a written notice of divorce.” – Matthew 5:31 (NLT)
“Remember the Scripture that recommends divorce only in cases of marital unfaithfulness. But I’m saying that anyone who divorces his wife, except for that reason, commits adultery.” – Matthew 5:31 (MSG)
What Does Matthew 5:31 Mean?
This verse appears as part of Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount, where He speaks extensively about the heart of the law and God’s intention behind it. When we read Matthew 5:31, we find that Jesus references a common understanding among the people of His time about the practice of giving a certificate of divorce. This was something that was allowed under the Mosaic Law, as outlined in Deuteronomy 24:1-4. However, Jesus wanted to go deeper than just the surface-level interpretation of the law.
The mention of a “writing of divorcement” indicates that divorce was a legal procedure, where a man could free himself from his marriage by providing evidence of this decision through written documentation. However, as we continue to explore the next verses, we will see that Jesus challenges this norm, highlighting the spiritual implications behind marital commitments. His focus is not just on the legalities but on the sanctity of marriage itself.
Matthew 5:31 Explanation and Commentary
When we think about the significance of words, we see that Jesus is shifting the understanding of what it means to be truly married. By acknowledging the existing practice of divorce in the culture, He opens the door to a much deeper conversation about fidelity, commitment, and love. He emphasizes that marriage is not simply a contract that one can break at will but a covenant before God, meant to reflect His relationship with His people.
Throughout biblical teachings, we see that God has always placed great importance on marriage. As seen in Genesis 2:24, the union of husband and wife is described as two becoming one flesh. This union signifies intimacy, commitment, and a lasting bond. In this light, the question becomes: why has God set such high standards for marriage? Shouldn’t we consider the implications of breaking such a sacred promise?
In our society today, divorce is unfortunately quite common. People often view it as a solution to unhappiness without fully understanding its lasting impact. Jesus invites us to think critically about the reasons we consider divorce. A simple certificate does not erase the emotional scars left behind; it does not account for the pain felt by both partners, nor does it consider the potential effects on children and families.
When we look at the heart of Jesus’s message in Matthew 5:31, we realize that He desires His followers to have a heart of compassion and reflection. Instead of rushing into divorce, we should consider the depths of our commitment. This verse reminds us to approach relationships thoughtfully, valuing love, grace, and the commitment made before God. It’s a call for us to reflect on the true purpose of marriage.
Context of Matthew 5:31
As we explore Matthew 5:31 further, it’s essential to take a step back and view it within the broader context of Matthew Chapters 5 to 7, commonly known as the Sermon on the Mount. In this sermon, Jesus addresses various topics including anger, lust, oaths, and the treatment of enemies. Each time, He pushes against the strict, legalistic interpretations that held sway in that era, offering instead a heart-centered approach to God’s law.
In the verses leading up to Matthew 5:31, Jesus talks about the issues of anger and lust. Both of these sentiments often lead to destructive behaviors, including adultery and ultimately, divorce. By framing these topics alongside divorce, Jesus highlights the attitudes of the heart that often precede the breakdown of a marriage. He calls us to evaluate not only our actions but the intentions behind them.
Looking forward, Matthew 5:32 continues to clarify the identity of true marital fidelity. Jesus challenges the listeners to understand that the heart of the matter relates to the holiness of the marriage bed, which is to be honored and cherished. This idea captures the essence of commitment, reflecting the love and loyalty that God has for us.
In the society Jesus spoke in, the implications of divorce were different for men and women. Men held most of the power and could easily initiate divorce, while women were often left vulnerable. This imbalance further underscores the need for Jesus’s teachings. He points out the serious implications and concerns surrounding the casual treatment of relationships, calling for a return to the godly values inherent in marriage.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Matthew 5:31
In this verse, Jesus begins with “It hath been said,” a phrase that signals His acknowledgment of traditional teachings while simultaneously hinting at His discontent. The structure of this teaching invites us to reflect on our understanding of God’s heart concerning marriage. Here, He emphasizes the distinction between Old Testament law and the deeper meaning He wants us to grasp.
Next, Jesus speaks directly about the act of divorce and the necessity of a written notice; this reflects His deep awareness of not just the action itself but the legal ramifications tied to it. He does not invalidate the practice but seeks instead to illuminate its limitations. When He says that giving a “writing of divorcement” allows for separation, He is illuminating the harsh realities that many people face in relationships.
Following this verse, we see Jesus deepen His teaching, unveiling the true seriousness of unfaithfulness. By indicating that divorce outside the realm of infidelity leads to adultery, He expands the definition of marital fidelity. This teaching is a stand against the casual nature of relationships and a reminder of the covenant aspect woven into the fabric of marriage.
Ultimately, when we break down the components of Matthew 5:31 and reflect on them, we see how they push us toward deeper understanding and commitment. Each element serves to ground us in the reality of our relationships and serves as an encouragement for us to guard them fiercely and tenderly, understanding that marriage was woven into the very creation of God’s design.
Lessons to Learn From Matthew 5:31
As we reflect on the teachings found in Matthew 5:31, several key lessons begin to emerge. The core lesson is the sanctity of marriage; it’s a divine institution meant to reflect God’s love. We are called to honor and cherish our marriages, understanding this commitment is much more than just a legal arrangement.
We also learn the importance of communication. Often, there are growing pains within relationships that can occur over time. Jesus prompts us to address these issues rather than allowing them to fester. Healthy dialogue can preserve relationships and is key to rebuilding trust when challenges arise.
Additionally, we should embrace grace. It’s essential to recognize that both partners will make mistakes; we must extend compassion and the willingness to forgive one another. In Colossians 3:13, we see encouragement to bear with one another and forgive as the Lord has forgiven us. That’s powerful! We can choose to see disagreements as opportunities for growth rather than mandates for separation.
Another essential lesson is humility. We should approach our relationships with a posture of humility, recognizing that no one is perfect. Just as we seek grace and understanding from our partners, we must also be willing to extend the same grace back. This opens doors to healing and connection that might otherwise remain shut.
Finally, this passage serves as a poignant reminder that we should seek counsel during challenging times. Forming a support system, whether it is family, friends, or a pastor, can provide us with the hope and guidance we need for our relationships. Our marriages deserve nurturing and assistance, and it’s important to encourage one another along the way.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Matthew 5:31 resonates deeply in the conversations we have about marriage. The message Jesus shares prompts us to reevaluate our approach and create a culture that values commitment, love, and respect. As followers of Christ, we must actively engage in fostering strong, supportive relationships that align with biblical principles.
This passage is an opportunity to reflect upon our personal experiences and ask ourselves critical questions about our marital commitments. Whether we are married, engaged, or in a committed relationship, we can adopt these teachings to ensure we approach our unions with reverence.
Let us continue exploring more topics related to scripture and faith. If you are interested, consider exploring resources about God’s plan for our lives in Genesis or understanding Jesus’s teachings in Matthew Chapter 11. Together, we can grow in our understanding and relationship with God.
For further reading, check out Matthew 11 or consider stories from Genesis 17 about God’s promises and the unfolding of faith. Each of these narratives enriches our journey as we follow His wisdom daily.