Matthew 5:32

Berean Standard Bible

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.

King James Bible

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.

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Matthew 5:32, a continuation of Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, builds upon the brief reference to divorce in the preceding verse and delivers a striking and challenging statement: “But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” This verse, delivered in the context of Jesus’ broader discourse on righteousness, is not merely a legal pronouncement but a profound call to reorient human relationships around God’s original design for marriage. To fully grasp its significance, we must consider its historical, cultural, and theological dimensions, as well as its implications for both the first-century audience and believers today. Jesus’ words here are not a cold regulation but a radical invitation to embody a kingdom ethic that reflects the heart of God’s covenantal love.

The verse begins with Jesus’ characteristic “But I tell you,” a phrase that signals a shift from the common interpretations of the Mosaic Law to a deeper, more demanding standard. In the previous verse, Matthew 5:31, Jesus references the Deuteronomic provision (Deuteronomy 24:1-4) that allowed a man to divorce his wife by giving her a certificate of divorce. This certificate was a legal formality, designed to provide some protection for the woman by clarifying her status and allowing her to remarry. However, in the cultural context of first-century Judaism, divorce had become a contentious issue, with differing interpretations among the religious leaders. The school of Hillel permitted divorce for nearly any reason, from trivial matters like a wife’s poor cooking to a husband’s dissatisfaction, while the school of Shammai restricted it to serious offenses, such as adultery. Into this debate, Jesus steps not to align with one side but to transcend the argument, pointing to the divine intention behind marriage itself.

The phrase “except for sexual immorality” is central to understanding Jesus’ teaching here. The Greek term used, *porneia*, encompasses a range of sexual sins, most notably adultery, but potentially broader forms of sexual misconduct. By including this exception, Jesus acknowledges that certain breaches of the marriage covenant—specifically those that violate the exclusive bond of fidelity—can justify divorce. However, the exception is not the focus of His teaching; rather, it serves to highlight the gravity of divorce in all other cases. Jesus’ primary concern is the casual approach to divorce that had taken root, where men could dismiss their wives for flimsy reasons, often leaving them vulnerable to social and economic hardship. By stating that such a divorce “makes her the victim of adultery,” Jesus underscores the harm inflicted upon the woman, who, in that patriarchal society, might be forced into remarriage or destitution to survive. The phrase suggests that the husband’s unjustified divorce places her in a position where her subsequent relationships are tainted by the stigma of adultery, a consequence he bears responsibility for.

The latter part of the verse, “and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery,” further intensifies Jesus’ teaching. This statement would have shocked His audience, as remarriage after a legally issued divorce was generally accepted in Jewish society. Jesus is not merely tightening the rules but reframing marriage as a sacred, lifelong covenant that cannot be dissolved without profound spiritual implications. To marry a woman who has been unjustly divorced is to participate in the violation of that covenant, perpetuating the sin initiated by the original act of divorce. This perspective roots marriage in God’s creative design, as seen in Genesis 2:24, where a man and woman become “one flesh,” a union meant to endure. Jesus’ teaching here echoes His later words in Matthew 19:6, “What God has joined together, let no one separate,” emphasizing that marriage is not a human construct subject to whim but a divine institution reflecting God’s faithfulness.

Theologically, this verse situates marriage within the broader narrative of God’s covenant with humanity. Just as God remains steadfastly committed to His people, despite their unfaithfulness, so too are spouses called to reflect that fidelity in their relationships. The exception clause for sexual immorality acknowledges the reality of human sinfulness, where betrayal can fracture the covenant beyond repair, but the thrust of Jesus’ teaching is to elevate the standard of righteousness. This is consistent with the Sermon on the Mount’s overarching theme: the kingdom of God demands a heart transformed by love, not merely external compliance with the Law. By linking divorce to adultery, Jesus reveals that the act of dissolving a marriage unjustly is not a neutral legal maneuver but a moral failure with far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the individuals involved but the community and its witness to God’s kingdom.

In the first-century context, this teaching would have been radical for its emphasis on protecting the vulnerable. Women in that era had limited rights and were often dependent on men for economic security. A divorced woman, especially one dismissed without just cause, faced social stigma and financial ruin. Jesus’ words challenge the male-dominated power structures that enabled such practices, calling men to account for the harm caused by their decisions. This aligns with His broader concern for justice and mercy, seen throughout the Sermon on the Mount, where the poor, the meek, and the marginalized are lifted up as objects of God’s care. By framing divorce as a matter of righteousness, Jesus shifts the focus from legal permissibility to moral responsibility, urging His followers to consider the human cost of their actions.

For modern readers, Matthew 5:32 poses both challenges and opportunities. In a world where divorce is common and often framed as a path to personal freedom, Jesus’ teaching invites us to reconsider the sacredness of commitment. While contemporary societies offer greater legal protections for women and more equitable frameworks for marriage and divorce, the underlying principles of Jesus’ words remain relevant. Marriage, in the Christian worldview, is a covenant that reflects God’s love, requiring mutual sacrifice, forgiveness, and perseverance. Yet, the exception clause reminds us that grace exists within God’s justice—there are circumstances where divorce may be a necessary response to profound betrayal. The challenge lies in discerning when such a step is justified and when it is a failure to embody the patience and love of Christ.

This verse also speaks to the broader call to live as kingdom people in all relationships. Whether married, single, or divorced, believers are invited to reflect God’s covenantal love in their interactions, prioritizing the well-being of others over personal convenience. For those who have experienced divorce, Jesus’ teaching is not a condemnation but a call to healing and restoration. The gospel assures us that God’s grace covers our failures, and His redemptive power can weave even broken stories into His greater narrative of renewal. For the Church, this passage is a summons to be a community of grace, supporting marriages, comforting those who suffer, and modeling a love that points to the faithfulness of God.

Ultimately, Matthew 5:32 is a call to align our hearts with the heart of God, to see marriage not as a disposable institution but as a sacred reflection of His enduring commitment. It challenges us to live with integrity, to love sacrificially, and to trust that God’s Spirit empowers us to embody the righteousness of His kingdom. In doing so, we become witnesses to a world in need of hope, proclaiming through our lives the beauty of a God who never lets go.

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Grace and peace to you, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who has redeemed us by His precious blood, called us into the fellowship of His everlasting covenant, and sealed us with His Spirit for the day of redemption. I write to you, not as one who stands above you, but as a fellow servant, a co-laborer in the vineyard of our Lord, compelled by the Spirit to reflect deeply on the words of our Savior in Matthew 5:32, where He declares with divine authority, “But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” These are not mere words to be skimmed over, but a piercing call to embody a righteousness that surpasses the externals of the Law, a summons to align our hearts and lives with the eternal purposes of God. Let us, therefore, approach this teaching with reverence, humility, and a longing to be shaped by the Spirit, that our relationships may shine as a testimony to the covenantal love of our God, who never forsakes His own.

In the days when Jesus walked among us, the Law of Moses permitted a man to divorce his wife by issuing a certificate of divorce, a provision rooted in the realities of human brokenness, a guardrail for a world where sin had marred the beauty of God’s design. This certificate, drawn from Deuteronomy, was a mercy in its time, offering some protection to women in a patriarchal society where they could be cast aside with little recourse. Yet, our Lord, the One who came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, does not simply affirm this concession. With His words, “But I tell you,” He lifts the veil on God’s heart, revealing that marriage is no mere contract to be dissolved at whim but a sacred covenant, a living parable of the unity between Christ and His Church. When He speaks of divorce leading to adultery, except in cases of sexual immorality, He acknowledges the deep wounds that sin can inflict, where betrayal fractures what was meant to endure. Yet His focus is not on the exception but on the divine ideal—a union that reflects the steadfast love of God, who binds Himself to us despite our waywardness.

Consider, dear friends, the weight of Jesus’ words in their context. In the first century, the question of divorce was a battleground among the religious leaders. Some, following the school of Hillel, permitted a man to divorce his wife for the slightest offense—a poorly cooked meal, a fleeting displeasure—while others, aligned with Shammai, restricted divorce to grave matters like adultery. Into this debate, Jesus does not take sides but transcends the argument, pointing to the Genesis vision of marriage, where a man and woman become one flesh, joined by God in a bond meant to endure. To divorce unjustly, He teaches, is to make the wife a victim of adultery, placing her in a position of vulnerability where her subsequent choices—often driven by necessity in that ancient world—carry the stigma of sin. And to marry such a woman, Jesus adds, is to participate in the violation of that original covenant. These are not words of condemnation but of revelation, exposing the ripple effects of our choices and calling us to a higher standard of love and responsibility.

Beloved, we live in an age that often scorns the permanence of commitment, where the wisdom of the world champions individual freedom over sacrificial love, urging us to discard relationships when they no longer serve our desires. The words of Jesus cut through this fleeting mindset like a double-edged sword, challenging us to see marriage as a sacred trust, a reflection of God’s unbreakable covenant with His people. Just as our Lord has pledged Himself to us, never abandoning us despite our failures, so too are we called to mirror that fidelity in our marriages. This is not a call to legalism, for Jesus Himself acknowledges the reality of sexual immorality as a breach that may justify divorce. But even here, His teaching is not an invitation to haste but a plea for discernment, for decisions made in the fear of God, with hearts attuned to His mercy and justice.

To those among you who are married, I beseech you, by the mercies of God, to guard your hearts and your vows with all diligence. Marriage is not a path of ease but a crucible for sanctification, where you are called to die to self, to love as Christ loves, and to bear with one another in patience and grace. When conflicts arise, as they surely will, do not lean on your own understanding but seek the wisdom of the Spirit. Turn to prayer, seek wise counsel from the body of Christ, and surround yourselves with a community that will uphold you in love. Let your home be a sanctuary where forgiveness flows freely, where words build up rather than tear down, and where your commitment to one another shines as a beacon of God’s faithfulness in a world that so desperately needs it. Remember that your marriage is not merely a private bond but a public witness, a living testimony to the gospel that proclaims Christ’s love for His Bride.

To those who are single, know that your calling is no less holy, for you too are part of the Church, the Bride of Christ, invited to live out covenantal love in your relationships with others. Your life is a canvas for God’s grace, whether through friendships, service, or devotion to the kingdom. Let your love for others reflect the same self-giving spirit that Christ calls us to in marriage, for all of us, married or not, are bound together in the family of God, called to love one another as He has loved us. Seek to build up the body of Christ, to support those who are married, and to walk alongside those who bear the wounds of broken relationships, for in this you fulfill the law of Christ.

And to those who have known the pain of divorce, whether by your own choice or the actions of another, hear this: the gospel is greater than your past. Our Savior, who bore our sins and carried our sorrows, does not stand over you in judgment but kneels beside you in compassion. His grace is sufficient, His mercy unending, and His power able to redeem even the deepest wounds. Do not hide from His presence or from the fellowship of His people, for in the Church you find a family that will embrace you, pray for you, and walk with you toward healing. Let the love of Christ define you, not your failures, and let His Spirit guide you into a future where your life glorifies His name. For those who have remarried, trust in God’s ability to weave your story into His redemptive purposes, and seek to honor Him in the new covenant you have made, living with integrity and love.

Beloved, the world watches us, and in our marriages, our friendships, our very lives, we are called to be salt and light. The teaching of Jesus in this verse is not a yoke to crush us but a vision to inspire us—a vision of relationships that mirror the eternal love of God, who never lets us go. Let us, therefore, press on toward this high calling, not in our own strength but in the power of the Spirit, who equips us to love beyond our capacity. May our homes be havens of grace, our commitments a reflection of God’s covenant, and our lives a living doxology to the One who is faithful forever. Let us be a people who honor the sacredness of marriage, who protect the vulnerable, and who embody the reconciling love of Christ, that the world may see and know the God who makes all things new.

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.

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O God of boundless mercy, Father of all creation, Son who has redeemed us through Your cross, and Spirit who binds us in the fellowship of Your eternal love, we come before Your throne with hearts laid bare, seeking Your grace to live as those transformed by Your truth and called to reflect Your covenantal faithfulness. You are the God who spoke the world into being, who formed humanity in Your image, and who ordained marriage as a sacred sign of Your unbreakable bond with Your people. As we meditate on the words of Your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, who declared, “But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery,” we stand in awe of Your call to a righteousness that pierces the heart, a righteousness that mirrors Your steadfast love. We lift our voices to You, O Lord, not in our own strength but in the confidence of Your Spirit, asking that You mold us into a people who honor Your design for relationships and proclaim Your faithfulness in all we do.

Forgive us, O God, for the ways we have wandered from Your vision for love and commitment. In a world that so often treats marriage as a fleeting contract, we confess that we have been swayed by the voices of convenience, prioritizing our own desires over the self-giving love to which You call us. Your Son’s words reveal the sacredness of the marital bond, a union that reflects the mystery of Christ’s love for His Church, yet we have, at times, treated this gift with carelessness, allowing hardness of heart to fracture what You have joined. We have failed to see the harm caused by broken vows, the pain inflicted on those left vulnerable, and the ways our choices ripple through families and communities. Cleanse us, we pray, from selfish ambitions, from impatience that blinds us to Your grace, and from the pride that keeps us from seeking reconciliation. Renew in us a spirit of humility and love, that we may embody the fidelity of Your covenant in our relationships.

We pray for those among us who are married, O Lord, that You would fortify their unions with the strength of Your Spirit. Where there is discord, bring peace; where there is misunderstanding, grant clarity; where there is weariness, pour out Your sustaining grace. May their marriages be living testimonies to Your faithfulness, places where forgiveness flows like a river, where patience is a daily offering, and where love is a flame kindled by Your presence. Guard them against the temptations that seek to unravel what You have woven together, and surround them with a community of believers who will pray, encourage, and walk alongside them. Let their homes be havens of Your grace, where children, friends, and strangers alike encounter the love of Christ through their commitment to one another. For those facing trials in their marriages, give them courage to seek Your wisdom, to lean on Your strength, and to trust in Your power to renew what seems broken.

For those who are single, O Holy One, we ask that You fill their lives with the richness of Your purpose. May they know that their calling is no less sacred, for they too are part of Your Church, the Bride of Christ, invited to reflect Your covenantal love in their friendships, their service, and their devotion to Your kingdom. Grant them joy in their journey, strength in their solitude, and a deep sense of belonging within the family of God. Let their lives be a witness to Your sufficiency, showing the world that true fulfillment is found in You alone. Teach us all, married and single, to see our relationships as opportunities to embody Your love, to practice the self-sacrifice of the cross, and to pursue the flourishing of those around us, knowing that every act of love is a participation in Your eternal plan.

We lift up those who have known the pain of divorce, O God of compassion, whether by their own choices or the actions of another. You, who are near to the brokenhearted, see their wounds and know their sorrows. Wrap them in Your healing embrace, restore their hope, and guide them into paths of peace. Let them hear the gospel anew, that Your grace is greater than their past, that Your mercy covers their failures, and that Your love defines them more than any broken vow. For those who have remarried, we pray that You would bless their new covenants, granting them wisdom to build relationships that honor You. May Your Church be a refuge for all who carry the scars of brokenness, a place where grace abounds, where no one is cast aside, and where the redemptive power of Your Spirit is made manifest.

O Lord, we pray for a world that groans under the weight of fractured relationships and fleeting commitments. Where marriages are strained by the pressures of this age, where families are torn by conflict, where the vulnerable are left without advocate, we ask for Your kingdom to break through. Use Your Church as a beacon of hope, a community that models the beauty of covenantal love, that upholds the sanctity of marriage, and that extends compassion to those in need. May our lives testify to the truth that You are a God who keeps His promises, who never abandons His people, and who is making all things new. Transform our hearts, that we may not cling to the concessions of a fallen world but aspire to the righteousness of Your kingdom, where love is perfected, and unity is restored.

We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Bridegroom, who loved us to the end, who bore our sins in His body, and who intercedes for us at Your right hand. By Your Spirit, empower us to walk in the way of the cross, to love with the fervor of Your heart, and to live as those who belong to Your eternal covenant. To You, O God, be all glory, honor, and praise, now and forevermore. Amen.