What does Matthew 19:9 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 19:9 deals directly with the issue of divorce and remarriage.

In this verse, Jesus sets specific conditions under which divorce may be considered permissible without the subsequent remarriages being deemed adulterous.

The condition allowed by Jesus is in the case of fornication, otherwise translated as "sexual immorality," which could be understood as any sexual relations outside of the marriage bond.

The verse suggests that marrying another person after divorcing for reasons other than fornication is equivalent to committing adultery. Similarly, marrying a person who has been divorced on grounds other than sexual immorality also constitutes adultery.

Historical Context

This verse is part of a larger discourse in the Gospel of Matthew where the Pharisees are testing Jesus on the issue of divorce.

The historical context for this falls within 1st-century Jewish society, where there were differing schools of thought regarding the reasons for which a man could divorce his wife.

The House of Hillel, for example, allowed for a relatively broad interpretation that could include trivial reasons such as spoiling a dish, whereas the House of Shammai permitted divorce only on the grounds of a serious fault, like sexual immorality.

Jesus' teaching in this passage aligns more closely with the stricter interpretation of the House of Shammai.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints interpret this verse in varied ways. Traditional conservative Christian views hold that marriage is a lifelong covenant, and divorce, followed by remarriage, is permissible only in cases of sexual immorality.

Some theologians argue that this exception clause ("except for fornication") acknowledges practical reality while seeking to preserve the sanctity of marriage.

Other Christian groups might emphasize the grace and forgiveness aspects of the gospel, arguing that while the verse sets an ideal standard, there is forgiveness and a new start possible for those who have failed to live up to this ideal.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this teaching can influence the decisions of Christians contemplating divorce.

It may inspire couples to work through marital difficulties and seek reconciliation instead of pursuing divorce for reasons other than infidelity.

For those who have experienced divorce, the teaching might encourage careful self-examination of the reasons for their divorce and how they approach future relationships.

Cross-References

• Matthew 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."
• Mark 10:11-12 - "And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.

And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery."

• Luke 16:18 - "Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery."
• 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 - "And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife."

Language Study

The key terms in the original language of this verse are "fornication," which is translated from the Greek word "πορνεία" (porneia), and "committeth adultery," from the Greek "μοιχάω" (moichaō).

"Porneia" encompassed various forms of sexual immorality and was broader than just infidelity within a marriage.

"Moichaō" specifically refers to adultery, indicating sexual relations with someone who is married to another person.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In a broader religious context, many ancient cultures and religions had rules regarding marriage, divorce, and adultery. The Jewish law was explicit about adultery being wrong, but rules on divorce varied.

In contrast, some ancient pagan cultures, like the Greeks and Romans, had more permissive attitudes towards marriage and divorce.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not directly intersect with scientific understandings, modern psychological and social science can offer insights into the impacts of adultery and divorce on individuals and society.

For example, psychological studies often point to the significant emotional distress and societal costs that come with marital infidelity and the subsequent breakdown of family structures.

Commentaries

Commentaries by biblical scholars generally note the gravity with which Jesus treats the subject of marriage and divorce.

Some scholars emphasize that Jesus' teaching reflects a high view of marital commitment and the importance of fidelity.

Others speculate that Jesus' words undercut prevailing cultural norms to protect the vulnerable (often women in 1st-century Jewish culture) from capricious divorce.

Contextually, Jesus is seen as reinforcing the permanence of the marriage bond, elevating the cause of fidelity above cultural and legal practices of his time.