New Testament
Matthew 19:9
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I'm telling you: whoever divorces his wife—unless it's because of sexual immorality—and marries another woman commits adultery. And anyone who marries a woman who has been divorced commits adultery.
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And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
What Matthew 19:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus teaches about the seriousness of marriage and divorce. He states that divorcing one's spouse is wrong unless it is due to sexual immorality. If someone divorces their spouse for any other reason and then marries someone else, they are committing adultery. This highlights the sanctity of marriage and the commitment involved. Additionally, marrying someone who has been divorced is also considered adultery. Jesus emphasizes that marriage is a lifelong commitment and should not be taken lightly. The exception for sexual immorality indicates that there are circumstances where divorce may be permissible, but it is not the ideal. This teaching challenges individuals to reflect on the importance of fidelity and the consequences of breaking marital vows.
How to apply Matthew 19:9 to your life
This verse encourages individuals to take marriage seriously and to work through challenges rather than resorting to divorce. It reminds us to prioritize faithfulness and to seek reconciliation in relationships. Understanding the weight of these commitments can lead to healthier marriages.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 19:9 mean?
Matthew 19:9 teaches that divorce is generally wrong, except in cases of sexual immorality. It emphasizes the seriousness of marriage and states that remarrying after an unjust divorce is considered adultery.
What is the meaning of adultery in Matthew 19:9?
In Matthew 19:9, adultery refers to the act of being unfaithful to one's spouse, particularly through remarriage after a divorce that is not due to sexual immorality. It highlights the importance of marital fidelity.
What does sexual immorality mean in this verse?
Sexual immorality in Matthew 19:9 refers to any sexual act outside of the marriage covenant that violates the commitment between spouses. It is the only exception Jesus provides for divorce.
Why does Jesus say divorce is wrong in Matthew 19:9?
Jesus states that divorce is wrong to emphasize the sanctity and lifelong commitment of marriage. He wants to highlight that marriage should be taken seriously and not ended lightly.
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