What does Matthew 5:32 mean?

Matthew 5:32, from the King James Version of the Bible, states: "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."

This verse is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where He is addressing the crowd and His disciples, teaching them about the principles of the Kingdom of God. In this particular verse, Jesus is discussing the sanctity of marriage and the serious implications of divorce. The verse begins with the phrase "But I say unto you," indicating that Jesus is introducing a new perspective on the issue of divorce, as contrasted with the perspectives of the teachers of the law and Pharisees at that time.

The verse begins by addressing the act of "putting away" a wife, which refers to divorce. In Jewish society at that time, divorce was a common and easily accessible practice, often conducted for trivial reasons. However, Jesus establishes a higher standard for marriage and divorce. He states that divorce is only permissible in cases of "fornication," which refers to sexual immorality or adultery. In other words, Jesus is emphasizing the importance of marital faithfulness and the sacredness of the marriage covenant.

Furthermore, Jesus warns that the one who divorces his wife for reasons other than sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery if she remarries. This underscores the lifelong commitment and mutual responsibility that comes with marriage, as well as the devastating consequences of divorce. Additionally, Jesus teaches that anyone who marries a divorced person also commits adultery, highlighting the seriousness of entering into a marriage with someone who has been unlawfully divorced.

The context in which Jesus delivers this teaching is significant. During His time, the cultural and religious norms allowed for divorce under various circumstances. Men held the power to divorce their wives, leaving many women in vulnerable and marginalized positions. By setting a higher standard for marriage and divorce, Jesus is advocating for the protection and honor of women, as well as promoting the value of marriage as a union ordained by God.

The themes and principles conveyed in this verse have several important implications. Firstly, it emphasizes the sanctity and permanence of marriage as designed by God. Marriage is not to be treated lightly or dissolved for insignificant reasons, but rather regarded as a solemn covenant intended for lifelong commitment and fidelity. This reflects the biblical principle of the unity and indissolubility of marriage, as seen in the creation account in Genesis and reaffirmed by Jesus in the New Testament.

Furthermore, Jesus' teaching on divorce and remarriage underscores the importance of personal integrity, faithfulness, and accountability within the marital relationship. It challenges individuals to uphold their marital vows, to prioritize the well-being of their spouse, and to resist the temptation to abandon the marriage covenant. Moreover, this verse emphasizes the ethical and moral implications of divorce and remarriage, highlighting the profound impact of these actions on individuals and their relationships.

Symbolically, this verse serves as a reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness and commitment to His people. Throughout the Bible, the relationship between God and His people is often depicted as a marriage covenant, with God as the faithful husband and His people as the bride. Just as God remains steadfast and loyal to His covenant with His people, so too are individuals called to emulate this fidelity and commitment within their own marriages.

In conclusion, Matthew 5:32 provides a profound teaching on the sanctity of marriage, the seriousness of divorce, and the ethical implications of remarriage. It challenges individuals to uphold the sacredness and permanence of the marital covenant, to prioritize faithfulness and integrity within their relationships, and to recognize the far-reaching consequences of divorce and remarriage. This verse offers timeless principles that continue to hold relevance and significance in contemporary society, emphasizing the enduring importance of marital commitment, mutual respect, and the preservation of the marriage covenant.

Artwork for Matthew 5:32

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."

"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." - Matthew 5:32

Matthew 8:32

Matthew 8:32

Matthew 8:32

Matthew 23:32 - "Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers."

Matthew 14:32 - "And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased."

Matthew 9:32 - "¶ As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil."

Psalm 32 1-5

Psalm 32 1-5

Psalm 32 1-5

Matthew 26:32 - "But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee."

Matthew 22:32 - "I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living."

Matthew 27:32 - "And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross."

Luke 5:32 - "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Matthew 5:5 - "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."

Ephesians 5:32 - "This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church."

Matthew 5:44

Matthew 5:44

Matthew 20:32 - "And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, What will ye that I shall do unto you?"

Matthew 5

Matthew 5

Matthew 5:44

Matthew 5:44

"Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers." - Matthew 23:32

"And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased." - Matthew 14:32

Matthew 5

Matthew 6:32 - "(For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things."

Mark 5:32 - "And he looked round about to see her that had done this thing."

Matthew 10:32 - "Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven."