New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 5:32

The Sermon on the Mount

But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her. And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. Matthew 5:32 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 5:32, in plain English

Jesus says that divorcing your wife, except for unfaithfulness, is essentially causing adultery. Marriage is more serious and more sacred than the culture was treating it.

Why it's here

In a society where men could divorce women for almost any reason, Jesus stands up for the permanence and sanctity of marriage, and for the protection of women.

Who's speaking

Jesus teaches about the seriousness of marriage.

Where it sits in the story

Marriage matters deeply to God. Jesus calls His followers to treat it with the weight and commitment it deserves.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Jesus restricts legitimate divorce to cases of porneia (sexual immorality/unfaithfulness), making divorce for other reasons an act that 'brings adultery upon' (moicheuthenai) the divorced woman, who would presumably remarry to survive economically.

Language and setting

The 'exception clause' (parektos logou porneias) is unique to Matthew and has generated extensive scholarly debate about its precise scope and meaning.

Voice

Jesus, teaching on divorce.

Significance

Jesus elevates marriage from a contract that can be easily dissolved to a covenant that reflects God's faithfulness.

In context

Matthew 5:30–34

30And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to depart into hell.

31It has also been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’

32But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her. And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

33Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’

34But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne;

Read all of Matthew 5 — Jesus turns the world's values upside down. The blessed aren't the powerful — they're the poor in spirit, the grieving, the meek.

Understand every verse, not just this one

This page covers one. BibleKey does all 31,102 — tap any verse for its meaning, any word for its Hebrew or Greek root, and keep reading without leaving the chapter.

Get BibleKey

Understand every verse.

Not just the famous ones. BibleKey is free on iPhone and iPad.

Download on the App Store

Free on iPhone & iPad