Matthew 19:9 (KJV)

What does Matthew 19:9 mean?

Matthew 19:9 says that if someone divorces their wife and marries another woman, he commits adultery—unless the divorce was because of "fornication" (sexual immorality). It also says that marrying a divorced woman, in these circumstances, is considered adultery.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees, who had asked him about the lawfulness of divorce. Jesus responds by setting a high standard for marriage, allowing divorce only in the case of "fornication" (sexual immorality). This statement challenges the more lenient divorce practices of the time and emphasizes the seriousness and commitment of marriage.

The Greek behind Matthew 19:9

• "fornication" (πορνεία, porneia): This word refers to sexual immorality or unfaithfulness. Jesus uses it as the only acceptable reason for divorce, which is stricter than some other interpretations of the law in his day.
• "adultery" (μοιχάω, moichaō): This word means to be sexually unfaithful to a spouse. The verse uses it to describe both the act of remarrying after an improper divorce and marrying someone who has been improperly divorced.
• "put away" (ἀπολύω, apolyō): This word means to send away or divorce. The Greek term highlights the act of dismissing a spouse, which was a legal and social action in that culture.

Why Matthew 19:9 matters

• Matthew 19:9 clarifies that Jesus did not support easy or casual divorce, which was a debated topic among Jewish teachers at the time.
• The verse highlights the seriousness of marriage vows and the moral consequences of breaking them without a valid reason.
• This teaching fits into a larger conversation in Matthew 19, where Jesus explains God's original intention for marriage as a lifelong union.