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Book of Matthew - Chapter 5 - Verse 32

5:32
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.

Meaning

When examining the verse "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," it is essential to understand the context in which it was spoken by Jesus. In this verse from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is teaching about the sanctity of marriage and the severity of divorce. He emphasizes that divorce should only be considered in cases of sexual immorality, and that remarriage after divorce is considered adultery. By making this statement, Jesus is urging his followers to prioritize the commitment and fidelity within marriage, and to be cautious about entering into marriage lightly. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring the marriage covenant and the consequences of breaking it.

Theological Overview

In this verse from Matthew 5:32, Jesus is addressing the issue of divorce. The theological interpretation of this verse is that marriage is a sacred covenant between a man and a woman, and should not be easily broken. Jesus emphasizes the seriousness of divorce by stating that anyone who divorces their spouse, except for reasons of sexual immorality, causes them to commit adultery if they remarry. This indicates that divorce should only be considered in cases of unfaithfulness, as breaking the marriage covenant otherwise leads to sin. The word studies in this verse are particularly important in understanding the context and implications of Jesus' teaching. The word "fornication" in this verse comes from the Greek word "porneia," which refers to any form of sexual immorality. This broad definition includes adultery, incest, homosexuality, and other sexual sins. By clarifying the reasons for divorce and remarriage, Jesus is affirming the sanctity of marriage and the importance of honoring our commitments.

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