But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

MATTHEW 5:32KJV
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Matthew 5:32 (KJV)

What does Matthew 5:32 mean?

Matthew 5:32 says that if a man divorces his wife for any reason other than sexual immorality, he causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries a divorced woman also commits adultery. Jesus is teaching that divorce, except in the case of unfaithfulness, leads to further wrongdoing in God’s eyes.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to a crowd during the Sermon on the Mount, addressing common practices and beliefs about marriage and divorce among the people of his time. He challenges the idea that divorce is easily permitted, stressing the seriousness of breaking the marriage bond. Jesus’ words highlight the deep commitment expected in marriage and the consequences of treating divorce lightly.

The Greek behind Matthew 5:32

  • πορνείας (porneias): This word means "sexual immorality" or "fornication." Jesus singles out this as the only valid reason for divorce, making it clear that not all reasons are acceptable.
  • μοιχεύω (moicheuō): This is the Greek word for "commit adultery." The verse uses it to describe what happens when someone divorces for reasons other than sexual immorality or marries a divorced woman, emphasizing the moral weight of these actions.
  • ἀπολύσῃ (apolysē): This verb means "to put away" or "to divorce." The use of this word shows that Jesus is talking specifically about the act of sending away a spouse, not just separation or conflict.

Why Matthew 5:32 matters

  • Matthew 5:32 clarifies that Jesus did not accept the common, lenient attitudes toward divorce in his day, insisting that marriage is meant to be a lasting commitment.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus calls his followers to a higher standard of righteousness, not just outward obedience to the law.
  • This teaching helps readers understand the seriousness with which Jesus viewed marriage and the real-life consequences that come from breaking that covenant.

Where else these words appear

“saving” Greek G3924 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 26:29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
  • 2 Corinthians 11:28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

“adultery” Greek G3429 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 19:9 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.
  • Mark 10:11 And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.
  • Mark 10:12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.

“fornication” Greek G4202 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
  • 1 Corinthians 5:1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

“marry” Greek G1060 · used in 25 verses

  • Matthew 19:9 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.
  • Mark 12:25 For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:28 But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.