Keraia
Matthew 5

Matthew 5:31

Divorce · Matthew 5:31–32
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Translations

Modern
It has also been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’
Traditional
It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
Literal
And it was said, ‘Whoever may send away his wife, let him give to her a certificate of divorce.’
Latin
Dictum est autem: Quicumque dimiserit uxorem suam, det ei libellum repudii.

Original

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

Notes

Matthew 5:31

A certificate of divorce is a document that makes a divorce legal. Evidence shows this document allowed remarriage. “The essential formula in the notice of divorce is, ‘Lo, you are free to marry any man.’ … The essential formula in a writ of emancipation is, ‘Lo, you are a freedwoman: lo, you belong to yourself’” (Mishnah Gittin 9:3).

Matthew 5:31–32

Jesus challenges how people misuse the Old Testament rules about divorce (see Deuteronomy 24:1–4; compare Matthew 19:3–9). Only following the rules does not make divorce right. Jesus permits divorce only for sexual infidelity and bans casual divorce (see also 1 Corinthians 7:10–11).

Matthew 5:21–47

You have heard … But I tell you: Jesus contrasts his teachings to six misunderstandings of the law. Each example shows the surpassing righteousness of Jesus. Jesus reveals God's will, which contrasts with human traditions.

Theme notes and profiles

Moses Biblical Law Faith and Good Deeds

Events

Parallels

Deuteronomy 24:1–5 Luke 16:18

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law Certificate of Divorce Discipline Divorce First Letter to the Corinthians Gospel of Matthew Heal, Healing Jesus Christ Jesus Christ, Teachings of Marriage, Marriage Customs Moses Reward Sea of Galilee

Topics

Commandments: Precepts of Jesus--Explicitly Stated, or Implied in Didactic Discourse Divorce: General Scriptures Concerning Divorce: Sought on Slight Grounds Divorcing An Unbeliever Grounds for Divorce Instruction in Religion Judaism: The Religion of the Jews: To Make Room for the Gospel Law: Temporary Marriage: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Quotations and Allusions in the New Testament From, and To, the Old Testament Religion: True Remarriage