Matthew 5:31

  1. Home
  2. KJV Bible
  3. Matthew 5
  4. Matthew 5:31

Old Testament

Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

New Testament

Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation

Chapter

Matthew 1 Matthew 2 Matthew 3 Matthew 4 Matthew 5 Matthew 6 Matthew 7 Matthew 8 Matthew 9 Matthew 10 Matthew 11 Matthew 12 Matthew 13 Matthew 14 Matthew 15 Matthew 16 Matthew 17 Matthew 18 Matthew 19 Matthew 20 Matthew 21 Matthew 22 Matthew 23 Matthew 24 Matthew 25 Matthew 26 Matthew 27 Matthew 28

Verse

Matthew 5:1 Matthew 5:2 Matthew 5:3 Matthew 5:4 Matthew 5:5 Matthew 5:6 Matthew 5:7 Matthew 5:8 Matthew 5:9 Matthew 5:10 Matthew 5:11 Matthew 5:12 Matthew 5:13 Matthew 5:14 Matthew 5:15 Matthew 5:16 Matthew 5:17 Matthew 5:18 Matthew 5:19 Matthew 5:20 Matthew 5:21 Matthew 5:22 Matthew 5:23 Matthew 5:24 Matthew 5:25 Matthew 5:26 Matthew 5:27 Matthew 5:28 Matthew 5:29 Matthew 5:30 Matthew 5:31 Matthew 5:32 Matthew 5:33 Matthew 5:34 Matthew 5:35 Matthew 5:36 Matthew 5:37 Matthew 5:38 Matthew 5:39 Matthew 5:40 Matthew 5:41 Matthew 5:42 Matthew 5:43 Matthew 5:44 Matthew 5:45 Matthew 5:46 Matthew 5:47 Matthew 5:48

Matthew 5:31 KJV

It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:

Previous Verse
« Matthew 5:30
Next Verse
Matthew 5:32 »

Matthew 5:31 Bible Commentary

Matthew 5:31 Commentary

Bible Verse: "It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement."

Introduction

This verse from the Sermon on the Mount presents Jesus' teaching on divorce with a significant shift from the Mosaic law. In examining Matthew 5:31, we delve into various commentaries to derive deeper theological and practical insights. The discourse initiates a critical reflection on the nature of marital relations, the sanctity of vows, and the implications of divorce.

Historical Context

According to the teachings of the Jewish tradition, written documents were necessary for formalizing divorce as outlined in Deuteronomy 24:1-4. In his Sermon on the Mount, however, Jesus challenges the permissiveness of this practice, emphasizing the sacredness of marriage and urging a return to God’s original design.

Matthew Henry's Commentary

  • Divorce Regulations: Henry observes that the provision for divorce through a written document was allowed under Moses' law not as an endorsement of divorce, but to regulate a broken practice among the people. It was a concession to human hardness of heart.
  • The Heart of the Matter: He emphasizes the spiritual and moral foundations of marriage, noting that God intended for marriages to be permanent unions. The necessity of a written divorce, while legally binding, was not indicative of divine approval for the dissolution of marriage.
  • Moral Application: Henry argues that divorce is a reflection of a deeper spiritual malaise. Jesus' call leads believers to a higher understanding of fidelity and commitment. He stresses the need for couples to strive for reconciliation and mutual love.

Albert Barnes' Exegesis

  • Interpretation of "Let Him Give Her a Writing": Barnes elaborates that the "writing of divorcement" serves as a legal safeguard for women, providing them protection and preventing unjust abandonment. He underscores the societal implications of divorce on women in that cultural context.
  • Jesus’ Teaching: He notes that Jesus seeks to penetrate beyond mere external compliance with the law to the internal condition of the heart. The act of divorce is symptomatic of deeper relational issues that must be addressed.
  • Spiritual Significance: Barnes reminds readers that, fundamentally, marriage is designed to mirror the covenant relationship between Christ and the Church, reinforcing the sacredness of these vows and the serious implications of their breach.

Adam Clarke's Insights

  • Cultural Practices: Clarke provides historical insights into Jewish practices surrounding divorce, emphasizing the influence of Hillel and Shammai’s differing interpretations, which led to varying degrees of leniency in divorce matters.
  • Significance of the Law: He notes that the law was intended to suppress rampant laxity concerning divorce practices. Clarke articulates that Jesus uses this verse to confront not only the practice of divorce but also the underlying attitudes that foster casual dismissal of marriage commitments.
  • Call to Holiness: Clarke stresses the higher calling that Jesus sets forth, encouraging people to pursue holiness in their relationships, aiming for love and permanence rather than convenience.

Theological Implications

This passage invites a wide range of theological discourse regarding the nature of the covenant. Marriage is presented as a covenant rather than a mere contract. In this light, divorce represents not just a legal severance but a profound violation of a divine ordinance. Scholars and theologians must grapple with the realities of brokenness and grace, recognizing Jesus’ call for restoration and redemption in the midst of failure.

Pastoral Applications

For pastors, this verse serves as a guide to teach about the sanctity of marriage while addressing the realities of divorce within the congregation. Pastoral care must embody both truth and grace, helping individuals understand the weight of the vows they undertake while also offering compassion to those who have experienced divorce. The church’s role is crucial in providing support and facilitating healing, embodying the spirit of reconciliation that Jesus embodies.

Conclusion

Matthew 5:31 is not merely a legalistic injunction but a call to a deeper relational fidelity that mirrors God's commitment to His people. As we engage with this scripture, we are reminded that the heart’s posture towards marriage should embody love, respect, and a longing for unity. Hence, both the teachings of Jesus and the insights of these revered commentators serve to deepen our understanding of marriage and divorce, urging us toward the model of love exemplified in Christ.

Matthew 5 (KJV) Verse Selection

Matthew 5:1 Matthew 5:2 Matthew 5:3 Matthew 5:4 Matthew 5:5 Matthew 5:6 Matthew 5:7 Matthew 5:8 Matthew 5:9 Matthew 5:10 Matthew 5:11 Matthew 5:12 Matthew 5:13 Matthew 5:14 Matthew 5:15 Matthew 5:16 Matthew 5:17 Matthew 5:18 Matthew 5:19 Matthew 5:20 Matthew 5:21 Matthew 5:22 Matthew 5:23 Matthew 5:24 Matthew 5:25 Matthew 5:26 Matthew 5:27 Matthew 5:28 Matthew 5:29 Matthew 5:30 Matthew 5:31 Matthew 5:32 Matthew 5:33 Matthew 5:34 Matthew 5:35 Matthew 5:36 Matthew 5:37 Matthew 5:38 Matthew 5:39 Matthew 5:40 Matthew 5:41 Matthew 5:42 Matthew 5:43 Matthew 5:44 Matthew 5:45 Matthew 5:46 Matthew 5:47 Matthew 5:48

KJV Bible Books

KJV Bible Books and Chapters »