Concerning Divorce

October 24, 2025

Theological Summary

Key insights and takeaways from the text.

Matthew 5:31-32 presents Jesus' radical reinterpretation of the Mosaic law concerning divorce, elevating the sanctity of marriage far beyond the permissible practices of his time. While Moses allowed a certificate of divorce, Jesus restricts this, declaring that divorce is only permissible in cases of "sexual immorality" (porneia). He asserts that any divorce outside this narrow exception causes the divorced woman to become a victim of adultery, and anyone who marries her commits adultery, thus emphasizing the lifelong covenantal nature of marriage established by God. For Christians today, this teaching underscores the profound importance and permanence of the marriage bond. It challenges a casual approach to divorce, calling believers to a higher standard of commitment, fidelity, and perseverance in their marital relationships, mirroring Christ's faithfulness to the Church. This passage compels us to uphold God's original design for marriage as a sacred union, meant to endure, and to approach marital difficulties with a spirit of reconciliation and a deep respect for the covenant. Therefore, this scripture serves as a foundational text for Christian ethics on marriage and divorce, reminding us of the spiritual gravity of such decisions. While it acknowledges a specific, limited ground for divorce, its primary thrust is to safeguard the marital covenant, encouraging Christians to prioritize fidelity, seek restoration, and understand the serious implications of dissolving a union that God intends to be lifelong. It calls the church to both uphold God's high standard for marriage and minister with grace and truth to those navigating the complexities of divorce in a fallen world.

Scripture

Matthew 5:31-32

Old Testament Connections

Deuteronomy 24:1-4 (NIV)
"If a man marries a woman and she does not please him because he finds something indecent about her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house, and if after she leaves his house she goes and becomes the wife of another man, and her second husband dislikes her and writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house, or if her second husband dies, then her first husband, who divorced her, is not allowed to marry her again after she has been defiled. That would be detestable in the eyes of the Lord. Do not bring sin upon the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance."

Deuteronomy 24:1-4 provides the Mosaic legal context for divorce and the practice of issuing a certificate, which Jesus directly addresses in Matthew 5:31-32. Jesus reinterprets this Mosaic allowance, asserting a stricter standard for divorce (except for sexual immorality) to uphold the sanctity of marriage and condemn its sinful implications.

Malachi 2:16 (NIV)
"“The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect,” says the Lord Almighty.So be on your guard; do not be unfaithful."

Malachi 2:16 establishes God's profound aversion to divorce, condemning it as an act of violence and unfaithfulness against one's spouse. Jesus in Matthew 5:31-32 reinforces this divine sentiment by severely restricting the grounds for divorce, thus restoring the sanctity of marriage and aligning with God's original intention as foreshadowed in Malachi.

A Moment of Prayer

A prayer inspired by today's topic.

Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, acknowledging the pain and brokenness that divorce brings into lives and families. We pray for Your comfort and healing for all affected, both those who have experienced it and those contemplating such difficult decisions. Guide us, Lord, with Your wisdom and compassion, to uphold the sanctity of marriage while extending grace and understanding to those who walk through these challenging paths. May Your love be a beacon of hope, leading us toward reconciliation where possible, and peace in all circumstances. Amen.

Historical Context

The world behind the Word.

The Gospel of Matthew, from which Matthew 5:31-32 is drawn, is traditionally attributed to Matthew, one of Jesus's twelve disciples, a former tax collector. While scholarly consensus often leans towards anonymous authorship from within a Jewish Christian community, the text's deep engagement with Jewish law and prophecy strongly suggests a Jewish Christian audience, likely living in a region with a significant Jewish diaspora, such as Syria (with Antioch being a strong candidate). The Gospel is generally dated to the period between 80 and 90 CE, after the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 70 CE, an event that subtly influences parts of the narrative. This timing places the writing in a period where the early Christian community was actively defining its identity, distinguishing itself from mainstream Judaism, and grappling with the practical implications of Jesus's teachings for daily life, particularly concerning adherence to Mosaic Law. The geographical setting for the events described in the Sermon on the Mount is Galilee, a predominantly Jewish region under Roman rule, but the Gospel's composition likely occurred in a larger urban center in the Roman East.