New Testament
Matthew 5:31
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It has also been said, 'Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.'
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It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
What Matthew 5:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus references a common teaching of the time regarding divorce. The law allowed a man to divorce his wife, but it required him to provide a formal certificate to validate the separation. This certificate was meant to protect the woman’s rights and ensure she could remarry. However, Jesus is setting the stage for a deeper understanding of marriage and divorce, emphasizing that the act of divorce should not be taken lightly. He challenges the cultural norms by implying that the heart of the matter is not just legal compliance but the sanctity of the marriage covenant. By highlighting the need for a certificate, Jesus points out that while the law provided a way out, it does not reflect God’s original intention for marriage, which is meant to be a lifelong commitment. This teaching invites listeners to reconsider their views on relationships and the seriousness of breaking marital vows.
How to apply Matthew 5:31 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on the seriousness of marriage and the implications of divorce. It reminds us to approach relationships with commitment and integrity, valuing the promises we make to one another. Before considering divorce, we should seek reconciliation and understanding.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1–7:29)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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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 5:31 mean?
Matthew 5:31 refers to the practice of divorce in Jesus' time, highlighting that while the law allowed men to divorce their wives with a certificate, it emphasizes the importance of the marriage covenant and the seriousness of divorce.
What is the meaning of 'certificate of divorce' in Matthew 5:31?
The 'certificate of divorce' mentioned in Matthew 5:31 was a legal document required to formalize a divorce, intended to protect the rights of the woman and allow her to remarry.
How does Matthew 5:31 relate to marriage?
Matthew 5:31 relates to marriage by emphasizing that divorce should not be taken lightly and that the original intention of marriage is a lifelong commitment, rather than a legal transaction.
What themes are present in Matthew 5:31?
Key themes in Matthew 5:31 include divorce, marriage, the sanctity of the marital covenant, legalism, and the importance of commitment in relationships.
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