What does Matthew 5:31 mean?

Explanation

The verse Matthew 5:31, "It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement," refers to the teachings of Jewish law at the time of Jesus regarding divorce.

This verse reflects the Mosaic Law that allowed a man to divorce his wife by giving her a certificate of divorce, legally freeing her to remarry.

However, Jesus is citing this not to reaffirm the practice but to challenge it and discuss the true intentions behind marriage and the permanence expected of it.

Historical Context

During Jesus' time, the Jewish society was operating under the Mosaic Law, which is described in books like Deuteronomy.

The specific law Jesus refers to here can be found in Deuteronomy 24:1-4, which outlines the process of divorce.

There were various interpretations among Jewish teachers on what constituted legitimate grounds for divorce.

The discussion of divorce in Matthew 5:31 occurs within the context of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches about the righteousness that surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives offer a variety of interpretations of this verse.

Conservative theologians might emphasize the sanctity of marriage and the high threshold for what warrants divorce.

Liberal theologians might focus on the protection this law provided for women in a society where they could be easily discarded.

There is also a theological discussion on the relationship between the law given through Moses and the higher moral standards Jesus was introducing.

Practical Applications

Today, this verse can be applied by emphasizing the value and commitment of marriage. It serves as a reminder that marriage is not to be taken lightly and that the reasons for divorce should be weighed carefully, considering the dignity of all involved.

It suggests that individuals should enter into marriage with a sense of permanence, rather than viewing it as a relationship that can be easily dissolved.

Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 24:1-4: "When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house."
• Matthew 19:3-9: Discussion of spouses and the circumstances in which divorce is permissible.
• Malachi 2:16: "For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away..."

Language Study

In the original Greek, the phrase "let him give her a writing of divorcement" is “ἀπολύων δώσει αὐτῇ βιβλίον ἀποστασίου.” The key terms are:

• ἀπολύων (apoluo): typically means to "release" or "set free."
• δώσει (dosei): a form of δίδωμι (didomi), which means "to give."
• βιβλίον (biblion): refers to a "scroll," "book," or in this context, a "certificate."
• ἀποστασίου (apostasion): means "divorcement," or "separation."

The language emphasizes the formal act of releasing one's spouse through a written document.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the ancient world, the practice of divorce was not unique to Jewish culture. In many societies, marriage contracts could be dissolved, though women often had fewer rights in such proceedings.

In contrast, the Jewish law sought to regulate divorce to some extent, ensuring there was a formal process that acknowledged the woman's rights. This was different from some other ancient cultures where men could repudiate their wives without any legal process.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychology and sociology have explored the impacts of divorce on individuals and society.

While this scripture doesn't intersect directly with "hard science," it does prompt considerations about the social sciences of relationships, marriage stability, and the well-being of family members following divorce.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have various interpretations of Matthew 5:31.

Some argue that Jesus is upholding the seriousness of marriage vows and advocating for a reduced emphasis on legal grounds for divorce. Others believe Jesus is critiquing the ease of divorce in his time, pointing out that it was often unjust to women.

Commentators like William Barclay note that this teaching of Jesus seemed revolutionary, it challenged the status quo and urged a return to the original intentions of marriage as a lifelong bond.