Meaning of Matthew 19:9

This verse from Matthew 19:9, spoken by Jesus, establishes a stringent condition under which divorce is permissible, explicitly stating that divorce and remarriage outside of the exception of "sexual immorality" (Greek: porneia) constitutes adultery. This pronouncement is not a casual allowance for marital dissolution but a rigorous reassertion of God's original intent for marriage as a lifelong, indissoluble union, with a specific, narrowly defined escape clause. The porneia exception is a subject of considerable scholarly debate, with interpretations ranging from pre-marital unchastity that was discovered after marriage, to ongoing marital unfaithfulness. Regardless of the precise definition of porneia, Jesus' teaching here elevates the sanctity of marriage and underscores the gravity of its dissolution and subsequent remarriage, framing it as a violation of the marital covenant.

Context and Background

Jesus' teaching in Matthew 19 occurs within a larger discourse on marriage, divorce, and the kingdom of heaven. He is responding to a question posed by the Pharisees regarding the permissibility of divorce, which they framed around the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 24:1-4). The Pharisees were divided on this issue, with the more lenient Hillelite school permitting divorce for almost any reason, while the stricter Shammaite school allowed it only for reasons of severe misconduct. Jesus, however, bypasses their casuistry and appeals to the foundational creation ordinance of marriage as established in Genesis 1:27 and 2:24, where God declares that a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. By invoking this primeval institution, Jesus intends to correct the lax divorce practices of his day and restore a higher standard for marital fidelity.

Key Themes and Messages

The central themes are the sanctity of marriage, the divine ideal of lifelong union, and the limited exception for divorce. Jesus emphasizes that marriage is a divine institution, intended to be a permanent bond. The exception, porneia, highlights a severe breach of the marital covenant that could potentially dissolve the "one flesh" union, thereby permitting remarriage without incurring the charge of adultery. This exception is not an encouragement to divorce but a recognition of a profound defilement that fundamentally alters the nature of the marital relationship. The verse also implicitly underscores the seriousness of adultery, both in its commission and in its consequence for remarriage.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse calls believers to a profound commitment to their marital vows, reflecting the unbreakable covenant between Christ and the Church. It demands rigorous faithfulness and a deep understanding of the sacredness of the marital bond. For those who have experienced divorce, particularly under circumstances that did not meet the porneia exception, the verse presents a challenging call to repentance and a re-evaluation of their current marital status in light of God's Word. It encourages seeking reconciliation where possible or living with the consequences of past decisions with humility and reliance on God's grace. For those considering marriage, it serves as a foundational principle for entering into a covenant with the understanding of its permanence and the gravity of its dissolution.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This teaching is consistent with the Old Testament's emphasis on the sanctity of marriage and the condemnation of adultery, though it sharpens the prohibition against divorce and remarriage. The creation accounts in Genesis provide the theological bedrock for Jesus' argument, portraying marriage as an integral part of God's design for humanity. The prophets, such as Malachi, also condemn divorce and unfaithfulness (Malachi 2:14-16). In the New Testament, Paul echoes Jesus' teaching on the permanence of marriage and the implications of divorce and remarriage in 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 and 7:39. The ultimate fulfillment of the marital covenant is seen in the eschatological union of Christ and His Church, a metaphor that underscores the enduring and exclusive nature of true covenant.

Analogies

One analogy for the permanence of marriage, barring the porneia exception, is that of a sacred covenant sealed with blood, like the Abrahamic or Mosaic covenants. While breaches of these covenants had severe consequences, the covenant itself represented a profound and binding commitment. Similarly, marriage is a covenant that, once entered, is intended to be unbreakable. Another analogy is that of two trees grafted together. While it is possible to sever the graft, the intention of the grafting is a permanent fusion, and the resulting union is meant to be one living entity. Divorce and remarriage without the exception would be akin to forcibly separating the grafted branches and attempting to graft one onto a different tree, disrupting the original, intended unity.

Relation to Other Verses

• Genesis 1:27-28 and Genesis 2:24: These verses establish the creation ordinance of marriage as a union of one man and one woman, intended to be permanent ("one flesh"). Jesus directly references these passages to underscore the foundational nature of marriage.
• Deuteronomy 24:1-4: This passage outlines the Mosaic provision for a certificate of divorce. Jesus addresses the Pharisees' interpretation of this law, arguing that it was a concession to Israel's hardness of heart, not an endorsement of easy divorce.
• 1 Corinthians 7:10-11: Paul instructs that a wife should not separate from her husband, and a husband should not divorce his wife. He implicitly acknowledges that if a separation occurs, the wife should remain unmarried or be reconciled.
• 1 Corinthians 7:39: Paul states that a wife is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, "but he must marry in the Lord." This reinforces the permanence of the marital bond during life.
• Matthew 5:31-32: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus makes a similar statement regarding divorce and remarriage, stating that anyone who divorces his wife causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery. The exception for porneia is also present in this earlier teaching.