Meaning of Matthew 5:31

This verse, Matthew 5:31, is Jesus quoting an established legal and social practice prevalent in ancient Israel, often linked to Deuteronomy 24:1-4. The "certificate of divorce" was a formal document that a husband was obligated to provide if he decided to divorce his wife. This document served as proof of her release from the marriage bond, allowing her to remarry without legal impediment. Jesus is not endorsing this practice here but rather using it as a point of departure for his more stringent teaching on divorce, which he will elaborate on in the subsequent verses. He is presenting the existing Mosaic Law as understood by many, only to then elevate the standard of marital fidelity and commitment required by the Kingdom of Heaven.

Context and Background

In Old Testament Israel, divorce was permitted under certain circumstances, primarily outlined in Deuteronomy 24:1-4. The "certificate of divorce" was a legal mechanism intended, in part, to protect the divorced woman. Without it, she could be considered still married, preventing her from lawfully remarrying and potentially leaving her vulnerable to social stigma and economic hardship. However, the grounds for divorce were often broadly interpreted, leading to a lax approach to marital commitment. The Pharisees, in particular, debated the specific reasons that would justify a divorce, with different schools of thought holding varying interpretations. Jesus' statement acknowledges this legal framework without necessarily validating its common application.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary theme here is the legal and social reality of divorce as it existed in Jesus' day. By quoting the established practice, Jesus sets the stage for a radical reinterpretation of marriage and divorce. The verse highlights the formalization of divorce, implying a societal acceptance of it as a legitimate process. However, the underlying message is about the sanctity of marriage and the seriousness with which marital dissolution should be approached. Jesus is about to contrast the relative ease of divorce in his time with the unwavering permanence and fidelity he expects from his followers.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse serves as a preface to Jesus' teaching on the immutability of marriage. It underscores that even when societal norms permit or facilitate divorce, the divine ideal for marriage is one of lifelong commitment. For believers, the spiritual significance lies in understanding that marriage, as instituted by God, reflects the unbreakable covenant between Christ and the Church. Therefore, approaching divorce requires a sober recognition of the profound bond being severed and a deep respect for the sanctity of the marital union.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is a crucial link in the biblical narrative concerning marriage. It demonstrates Jesus' role as the fulfiller and interpreter of the Law, not its abolisher. While the Old Testament permitted divorce, Jesus, in his Sermon on the Mount, establishes a higher ethical standard for his followers. This aligns with the overarching biblical theme of God’s faithfulness and the ideal of covenantal relationships. The narrative moves from the allowances within the Mosaic Law to the more demanding and pure ethic of the New Covenant established through Christ.

Analogies

One analogy to understand this is like a doctor quoting a common but potentially harmful folk remedy before explaining the scientifically proven, safer, and more effective medical treatment. The doctor acknowledges the existence of the folk remedy ("It has been said...") but then immediately pivots to the superior medical advice. Similarly, Jesus acknowledges the legal certificate of divorce but is about to present a more profound and spiritually grounded understanding of marital commitment that discourages divorce. Another analogy could be a teacher quoting an outdated or less precise historical account before providing the most accurate and nuanced historical analysis.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse directly sets up Jesus' pronouncements in Matthew 5:32, where he states, "But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery. And anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery." This subsequent verse clarifies Jesus' stance, emphasizing the gravity of divorce and limiting the grounds for it. It also connects to Old Testament passages like Malachi 2:16, which declares, "For I hate divorce," showing God's displeasure with marital dissolution. Furthermore, it resonates with the creation account in Genesis 2:24, "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh," highlighting the intended permanence of marriage.