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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 19:9 Now I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman, commits adultery."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/19-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/40_Mat_19_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 19:9 - Teachings about Divorce" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman, commits adultery." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.” <a href="/nasb_/matthew/19.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” <a href="/nasb/matthew/19.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/matthew/19.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” <a href="/lsb/matthew/19.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” <a href="/amp/matthew/19.htm">Amplified Bible</a> I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.” <a href="/csb/matthew/19.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> I tell you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another commits adultery.” <a href="/hcsb/matthew/19.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> And I tell you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.&#8221 <a href="/asv/matthew/19.htm">American Standard Version</a> And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and he that marrieth her when she is put away committeth adultery. <a href="/cev/matthew/19.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I say if your wife has not committed some terrible sexual sin, you must not divorce her to marry someone else. If you do, you are unfaithful." <a href="/erv/matthew/19.htm">English Revised Version</a> And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and he that marrieth her when she is put away committeth adultery. <a href="/gwt/matthew/19.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I can guarantee that whoever divorces his wife for any reason other than her unfaithfulness is committing adultery if he marries another woman." <a href="/gnt/matthew/19.htm">Good News Translation</a> I tell you, then, that any man who divorces his wife for any cause other than her unfaithfulness, commits adultery if he marries some other woman." <a href="/isv/matthew/19.htm">International Standard Version</a> I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery." <a href="/msb/matthew/19.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery. And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.? <a href="/net/matthew/19.htm">NET Bible</a> Now I say to you that whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another commits adultery." <a href="/nheb/matthew/19.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery. And he who marries her when she is divorced commits adultery." <a href="/wbt/matthew/19.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And I say to you, Whoever shall put away his wife, except for lewdness, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoever marrieth her who is put away, committeth adultery. <a href="/wey/matthew/19.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And I tell you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except her unfaithfulness, and marries another woman, commits adultery." <a href="/web/matthew/19.htm">World English Bible</a> I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and he who marries her when she is divorced commits adultery.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/19.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And I say to you that whoever may put away his wife, if not for whoredom, and may marry another, commits adultery; and he who married her that has been put away, commits adultery.” <a href="/blb/matthew/19.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And I say to you that whoever shall divorce his wife except for sexual immorality, and shall marry another, commits adultery." <a href="/ylt/matthew/19.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'And I say to you, that, whoever may put away his wife, if not for whoredom, and may marry another, doth commit adultery; and he who did marry her that hath been put away, doth commit adultery.' <a href="/slt/matthew/19.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And I say to you, That whoever should loose his wife, except for fornication, and marry another, commits adultery; and he having married the one loosed commits adultery.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/19.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And I say to you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and he that shall marry her that is put away, committeth adultery. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/19.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And I say to you, that whoever will have separated from his wife, except because of fornication, and who will have married another, commits adultery, and whoever will have married her who has been separated, commits adultery.” <a href="/nabre/matthew/19.htm">New American Bible</a> I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) and marries another commits adultery.” <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/19.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for unchastity, and marries another commits adultery.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/19.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But I say to you, Whoever leaves his wife without a charge of adultery and marries another commits adultery; and he who marries a woman thus separated commits adultery. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/19.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But I say to you, “Whoever divorces his wife apart from adultery and will take another, commits adultery, and whoever will take her who is divorced commits adultery.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/19.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But I say to you, That whoever puts away his wife, unless for lewdness, and marries another, commits adultery; and he that marries her that is put away, commits adultery.<CM> <a href="/godbey/matthew/19.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>But I say unto you, That whosoever may send away his wife, not for fornication, and may marry another, commits adultery.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/19.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And I tell you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, except for whoredom, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and he that marrieth the divorced woman, committeth adultery. <a href="/mace/matthew/19.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and I tell you, that whoever shall put away his wife, except it be for adultery, and shall marry another, he committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her that is put away, causeth her to commit adultery. <a href="/wey/matthew/19.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And I tell you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except her unfaithfulness, and marries another woman, commits adultery." <a href="/worrell/matthew/19.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>And I say to you, that whosoever shall put away his wife, except for fornication, and shall marry another, commits adultery."<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/19.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>and I tell you, that whosoever putteth away his wife, except for whoredom, and marrieth another, committeth adultery; and he that marrieth her <Fr>so<FR> put away committeth adultery.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/19-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=5428" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/19.htm">Teachings about Divorce</a> …8Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because of your hardness of heart; but it was not this way from the beginning. 9<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">Now</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: legō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">I tell</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymin (PPro-D2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hos (RelPro-NMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">whoever</a> <a href="/greek/302.htm" title="302: an (Prtcl) -- A primary particle, denoting a supposition, wish, possibility or uncertainty."></a> <a href="/greek/630.htm" title="630: apolysē (V-ASA-3S) -- From apo and luo; to free fully, i.e. relieve, release, dismiss, or let die, pardon or divorce.">divorces</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">his</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1135.htm" title="1135: gynaika (N-AFS) -- A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.">wife,</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">except</a> <a href="/greek/1909.htm" title="1909: epi (Prep) -- On, to, against, on the basis of, at. ">for</a> <a href="/greek/4202.htm" title="4202: porneia (N-DFS) -- Fornication, whoredom; met: idolatry. From porneuo; harlotry; figuratively, idolatry.">sexual immorality,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1060.htm" title="1060: gamēsē (V-ASA-3S) -- To marry, used of either sex. From gamos; to wed.">marries</a> <a href="/greek/243.htm" title="243: allēn (Adj-AFS) -- Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; else, i.e. Different.">another woman,</a> <a href="/greek/3429.htm" title="3429: moichatai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- To commit adultery, not only of a married woman but of a married man. From moichos; to commit adultery.">commits adultery.” </a> 10His disciples said to Him, “If this is the case between a man and his wife, it is better not to marry.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/mark/10-11.htm">Mark 10:11-12</a> So He told them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. / And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.” <a href="/luke/16-18.htm">Luke 16:18</a> Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-10.htm">1 Corinthians 7:10-11</a> To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. / But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife. <a href="/1_corinthians/7-39.htm">1 Corinthians 7:39</a> A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord. <a href="/romans/7-2.htm">Romans 7:2-3</a> For instance, a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage. / So then, if she is joined to another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man. <a href="/malachi/2-14.htm">Malachi 2:14-16</a> Yet you ask, “Why?” It is because the LORD has been a witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have broken faith, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. / Has not the LORD made them one, having a portion of the Spirit? And why one? Because He seeks godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith with the wife of your youth. / “For I hate divorce,” says the LORD, the God of Israel. “He who divorces his wife covers his garment with violence,” says the LORD of Hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit and do not break faith. <a href="/genesis/2-24.htm">Genesis 2:24</a> For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. <a href="/deuteronomy/24-1.htm">Deuteronomy 24:1-4</a> If a man marries a woman, but she becomes displeasing to him because he finds some indecency in her, he may write her a certificate of divorce, hand it to her, and send her away from his house. / If, after leaving his house, she goes and becomes another man’s wife, / and the second man hates her, writes her a certificate of divorce, hands it to her, and sends her away from his house, or if he dies, ... <a href="/ephesians/5-31.htm">Ephesians 5:31-32</a> “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” / This mystery is profound, but I am speaking about Christ and the church. <a href="/matthew/5-31.htm">Matthew 5:31-32</a> It has also been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ / But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, brings adultery upon her. And he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. <a href="/1_corinthians/6-16.htm">1 Corinthians 6:16</a> Or don’t you know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” <a href="/exodus/20-14.htm">Exodus 20:14</a> You shall not commit adultery. <a href="/proverbs/6-32.htm">Proverbs 6:32</a> He who commits adultery lacks judgment; whoever does so destroys himself. <a href="/hosea/2-2.htm">Hosea 2:2</a> Rebuke your mother, rebuke her, for she is not My wife, and I am not her husband. Let her remove the adultery from her face and the unfaithfulness from between her breasts. <a href="/jeremiah/3-1.htm">Jeremiah 3:1</a> “If a man divorces his wife and she leaves him to marry another, can he ever return to her? Would not such a land be completely defiled? But you have played the harlot with many lovers—and you would return to Me?” declares the LORD.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And I say to you, Whoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, commits adultery: and whoever marries her which is put away does commit adultery.Whosoever.<a href="/matthew/5-32.htm">Matthew 5:32</a> 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.<a href="/mark/10-11.htm">Mark 10:11,12</a> And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her… <a href="/luke/16-18.htm">Luke 16:18</a> Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.except.<a href="/2_chronicles/21-11.htm">2 Chronicles 21:11</a> Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Judah, and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication, and compelled Judah thereto.<a href="/jeremiah/3-8.htm">Jeremiah 3:8</a> And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.<a href="/ezekiel/16-8.htm">Ezekiel 16:8,15,29</a> Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine… doth.<a href="/genesis/12-18.htm">Genesis 12:18,19</a> And Pharaoh called Abram, and said, What is this that thou hast done unto me? why didst thou not tell me that she was thy wife? … <a href="/genesis/20-3.htm">Genesis 20:3</a> But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife.<a href="/jeremiah/3-1.htm">Jeremiah 3:1</a> They say, If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man's, shall he return unto her again? shall not that land be greatly polluted? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the LORD.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/15-19.htm">Adultery</a> <a href="/matthew/19-5.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/matthew/13-41.htm">Commit</a> <a href="/matthew/5-32.htm">Commits</a> <a href="/matthew/5-32.htm">Committeth</a> <a href="/matthew/5-32.htm">Divorced</a> <a href="/matthew/5-32.htm">Divorces</a> <a href="/matthew/18-3.htm">Except</a> <a href="/matthew/17-17.htm">False.</a> <a href="/matthew/15-19.htm">Fornication</a> <a href="/matthew/5-32.htm">Immorality</a> <a href="/hosea/6-9.htm">Lewdness</a> <a href="/matthew/5-32.htm">Marries</a> <a href="/isaiah/62-5.htm">Marrieth</a> <a href="/matthew/5-32.htm">Marry</a> <a href="/matthew/13-37.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/matthew/19-5.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/matthew/15-19.htm">Sexual</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-3.htm">Unchastity</a> <a href="/matthew/5-32.htm">Unfaithfulness</a> <a href="/matthew/5-32.htm">Virtue</a> <a href="/matthew/19-7.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/19-18.htm">Adultery</a> <a href="/matthew/27-8.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/matthew/19-18.htm">Commit</a> <a href="/mark/10-11.htm">Commits</a> <a href="/mark/10-11.htm">Committeth</a> <a href="/luke/16-18.htm">Divorced</a> <a href="/mark/10-11.htm">Divorces</a> <a href="/matthew/24-22.htm">Except</a> <a href="/matthew/23-13.htm">False.</a> <a href="/mark/7-21.htm">Fornication</a> <a href="/mark/7-21.htm">Immorality</a> <a href="/mark/7-22.htm">Lewdness</a> <a href="/mark/10-11.htm">Marries</a> <a href="/luke/16-18.htm">Marrieth</a> <a href="/matthew/19-10.htm">Marry</a> <a href="/matthew/24-32.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/matthew/21-43.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/mark/7-21.htm">Sexual</a> <a href="/acts/15-20.htm">Unchastity</a> <a href="/leviticus/26-40.htm">Unfaithfulness</a> <a href="/mark/5-30.htm">Virtue</a> <a href="/matthew/19-10.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 19</div>1. <a href="/matthew/19-1.htm">Jesus heals the sick;</a> 3. <a href="/matthew/19-3.htm">answers the Pharisees concerning divorce;</a> 10. <a href="/matthew/19-10.htm">shows when marriage is necessary;</a> 13. <a href="/matthew/19-13.htm">receives the little children;</a> 16. <a href="/matthew/19-16.htm">instructs the young man how to attain eternal life;</a> 20. <a href="/matthew/19-20.htm">and how to be perfect;</a> 23. <a href="/matthew/19-23.htm">tells his disciples how hard it is for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God;</a> 27. <a href="/matthew/19-27.htm">and promises reward to those who forsake all to follow him.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/19.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/19.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Now I tell you This phrase indicates a direct teaching from Jesus, emphasizing His authority. In the context of <a href="/matthew/19.htm">Matthew 19</a>, Jesus is responding to questions from the Pharisees about the legality of divorce, referencing the Mosaic Law. His use of "I tell you" underscores His role as the ultimate interpreter of the Law, surpassing traditional interpretations.that whoever divorces his wife Divorce was a significant issue in Jewish society, with debates between different rabbinical schools, such as Hillel and Shammai, regarding its grounds. The phrase highlights the universality of Jesus' teaching, applying to all who consider divorce. It reflects the seriousness of the marital covenant, which was intended to be a lifelong commitment.except for sexual immorality This exception clause is crucial in understanding Jesus' teaching on divorce. The term "sexual immorality" translates from the Greek word "porneia," which encompasses various forms of illicit sexual behavior. This exception aligns with the Jewish understanding of marital unfaithfulness as a legitimate ground for divorce, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/24.htm">Deuteronomy 24:1</a>.and marries another woman Remarriage after divorce was a common practice, but Jesus' teaching here introduces a moral dimension to the act. The cultural context of the time allowed for remarriage, but Jesus challenges His followers to consider the spiritual implications of such actions, emphasizing the sanctity of the original marriage bond.commits adultery. Adultery, a violation of the marital covenant, was a serious offense in Jewish law, punishable by death according to <a href="/leviticus/20-10.htm">Leviticus 20:10</a>. By equating remarriage after an illegitimate divorce with adultery, Jesus elevates the standard of marital fidelity. This teaching connects to the broader biblical theme of faithfulness, reflecting God's unwavering commitment to His people, as seen in the prophetic imagery of marriage in Hosea.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, providing teaching on the sanctity of marriage. 2. <a href="/topical/p/pharisees.htm">Pharisees</a> Religious leaders who often challenged Jesus, including on matters of the law such as divorce. 3. <a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a> Followers of Jesus who were present during this teaching and often sought further clarification. 4. <a href="/topical/m/marriage.htm">Marriage</a> The covenantal relationship between a man and a woman, which is the focus of Jesus' teaching here. 5. <a href="/topical/d/divorce.htm">Divorce</a> The legal dissolution of a marriage, which Jesus addresses with specific conditions.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_sanctity_of_marriage.htm">The Sanctity of Marriage</a> Marriage is a sacred covenant designed by God, intended to be a lifelong union. <a href="/topical/e/exception_clause.htm">Exception Clause</a> Jesus provides an exception for divorce in the case of sexual immorality, highlighting the seriousness of marital fidelity. <a href="/topical/a/adultery_and_remarriage.htm">Adultery and Remarriage</a> Remarrying after an unbiblical divorce is considered adultery, underscoring the gravity of breaking the marriage covenant. <a href="/topical/c/call_to_faithfulness.htm">Call to Faithfulness</a> Believers are called to uphold the sanctity of marriage and strive for reconciliation and forgiveness. <a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ's_love.htm">Reflecting Christ's Love</a> Marriages should reflect Christ's love and commitment to the Church, serving as a testimony to the world.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_19.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 19</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'porneia'_mean_in_the_bible.htm">What does "porneia" mean in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_1_cor_7_12-16_allow_divorce.htm">How does 1 Corinthians 7:12–16 reconcile with other biblical passages that permit divorce only for adultery? </a> <a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_luke_16_18_with_matt_19_9.htm">How can Luke 16:18’s stark prohibition on divorce be reconciled with other scriptures (e.g., Matthew 19:9) that appear more nuanced on the issue?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_a_catholic_annulment.htm">What is a Catholic annulment?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/19.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) Whosoever shall put away his wife.--The questions to which the law thus proclaimed gives rise have been discussed in the Note on <a href="/matthew/5-32.htm" title="But I say to you, That whoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causes her to commit adultery: and whoever shall marry her that is divorced commits adultery.">Matthew 5:32</a>. One serious difference has, however, to be noticed. Where in the earlier form of the precept we read, "cuseth her (the woman put away for any cause but adultery) to commit adultery," we have here, more emphatically as bearing on the position of the husband in such a case, the statement that he by contracting another marriage "commits adultery." The utmost that the law of Christ allows in such a case is a divorce, a mensa et thoro, not a vinculo. The legislation which permits the complete divorce on other grounds, such as cruelty or desertion on either side, is justified, so far as it is justifiable at all, on the ground of the "hardness of heart" which makes such a concession necessary. It is interesting to compare St. Paul's treatment of cases which the letter of this command did not cover, in <a href="/context/1_corinthians/7-10.htm" title="And to the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:">1Corinthians 7:10-15</a>.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/19.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 9. - And I say unto you. Our Lord here enunciates the law which was to obtain in his kingdom, which, indeed, was simply the reintroduction and enforcement of the primitive and natural ordinance. Except it be for fornication; εἰ μὴ ἐπὶ πορνείᾳ: nisi ob fornicationem (Vulgate). This is the received reading. Tregelles, Tischendort; Westcott and Hort omit εἰ. The parallel passage in St. Mark (where Christ is stated to have made the remark to his disciples "in the house") omits the clause altogether. Lachmann, following some few manuscripts, has introduced παρεκτὸς λόγου πορνείας, "saving for the cause of fornication," from <a href="/matthew/5-32.htm">Matthew 5:32</a>. The interpretation of this verse has given occasion to acute controversy. There are some questions that have to be considered in expounding this matter. (1) What is here meant by πορνεία? Does it bear its usual meaning, or is it equivalent to μοιχεία, "adultery"? These who affirm that the sin of married persons is never expressed by the word porneia, hold that it here signifies ante-nuptial unchastity, which would make the marriage void ab initio; post-nuptial transgression would be punished by death, not by divorce. In this view, our Lord would say that no divorce is allowable except where the wife is proved to have been unchaste before marriage. In such a case, the union being void from the first, the man is free to marry again. But there are difficulties in this interpretation. Why, at the end of the verse, is it called adultery to marry the divorced woman, if she was never really and lawfully married? Again, it is not correct to say that porneia denotes solely the sin of unmarried people. All illicit connection is described by this term, and it cannot be limited to one particular kind of transgression. In Ecclus. 23:23 it is used expressly of the sin of an adulteress. We may also remark that metaphorically idolatry is often called by this name, whereas, since Israel is supposed to be married to the Lord, the breaking of this bend by the worship of false gods might more strictly be named adultery. And yet again, there is no proof that the discovery of previous immorality in a wife did ipso facto vitiate the marriage (see <a href="/hosea/1-2.htm">Hosea 1:2</a>, etc.). The passages that are thought to bear on this matter are <a href="/deuteronomy/22-13.htm">Deuteronomy 22:13-21</a> and Deuteronomy 24:1-4. In the former there is no question of divorce, - the offender is to be stoned; in the second passage the ground of divorce is "some uncleanness," or some unseemly thing, whether immorality or personal defect is meant cannot be decided, the rival schools taking different sides. But it is quite certain that adultery is not intended, and ante-nuptial unchastity is not even hinted. The interpretation, therefore, given above cannot be maintained. (2) Omitting for the moment the limiting clause, may we say that the general teaching of Christ makes for the indissolubility of the marriage bond? The majority of the Fathers from Hermas and Justin Martyr downwards affirm this. Those who admit that divorce is permissible in the case of the wife's adultery are unanimous in asserting that, by Christ's ordinance, remarriage is prohibited to the husband during the culprit's life; so that, practically, if divorce a mensa et toro is allowed, divorce a vinculo is refused. All Christ's utterances on the subject, saving the apparently restrictive clause (<a href="/matthew/5-32.htm">Matthew 5:32</a>) and here, absolutely and plainly forbid divorce, on the ground of law and nature. The words in <a href="/mark/10-11.htm">Mark 10:11</a> and <a href="/luke/16-18.htm">Luke 16:18</a> are given without any limitation whatever. St. Paul draws from such his conclusion of the indissolubility of the marriage tie, as may be seen in <a href="/1_corinthians/7-10.htm">1 Corinthians 7:10, 11, 39</a>; <a href="/romans/7-2.htm">Romans 7:2, 3</a>. There could never have been a doubt about this subject had it not been for the difficulty in interpreting the parenthetical clause. (3) Are we, then, to suppose that Christ, by those words, modifies his general statement, and allows absolute divorce in the case of a wife's misconduct? Such is the view taken by many theologians, and practically endorsed by the civil law of many countries. Neither the Roman nor the Anglican Churches support this laxity. Ecclesiastical and civil laws are here antagonistic. It is said that Christ allows the wronged party to marry again. If so, if the oneness of the parties is wholly destroyed by the sin of the woman, why is it not permitted to a man to marry a divorced woman? This cannot be called adultery unless she is still one flesh with her husband, although separated. We must argue from this that divorce in such a case does not destroy the vinculum matrimonii, the marriage bond. and if not under this circumstance, surely under no other; for any other ground must be always less serious than adultery. If the clause in question enunciated an exception to the absolute rule elsewhere given, Christ would seem to stultify himself, to give two opposite decisions, and to introduce uncertainty in a most important verdict. The principle on which he based his dictum would be overthrown, and his hearers might have accused him of inconsistency. The solution offered for this difficulty is this - that Christ is contemplating merely what we call judicial separation; he considers that no trivial cause justifies this, in fact, nothing but fornication, and that this modified divorce does not free the man so that he may marry again; he is bound by the Law as long as his wife lives. Our Lord seems to have introduced the exceptional clause in order to answer what were virtually two questions of the Pharisees, viz. whether it was lawful to "put away a wife for every cause," and whether, when a man had legally divorced his wife, he might marry again. To the former Christ replies that separation was allowable only in the case of fornication; in response to the second, he rules that even in that case remarriage was wholly barred. And whosoever marrieth her which is put away (ἀπολελυμένην, without the article); her, when she is put away (Revised Version); or, a divorced woman. The clause is wholly omitted by א and some other manuscripts, and some modern editors, as Westcott and Hort. But it has very high authority in its favour. Alford renders, "her, when divorced," and restricts the application to a woman unlawfully divorced, not extending it to one separated for porneia. But the language is too indefinite to admit of this interpretation as certain (see <a href="/luke/16-18.htm">Luke 16:18</a>, and the note on Matthew 5:32, where the popular view is expressed). The clause, pondered without regard to foregone conclusions, surely contains an argument for the indissolubility of the marriage tie, as we have said above. Marriage with a divorced wife can be rightly termed adultery only in consideration of the continuance of the vinculum. Doth commit adultery. The binding nature of marriage does not depend on the will or the acts of the persons, but on its primal character and institution. By the repeal of the Mosaic relaxation and the restoration of marriage to its original principle, Christ not only enforces the high dignity of this ordinance, but obviates many opportunities of wickedness, such, for instance, as collusion between husband and wife with a view to obtain freedom for marriage with others. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/19-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Now δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. I tell λέγω (legō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. you ὑμῖν (hymin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. whoever ὃς (hos) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. divorces ἀπολύσῃ (apolysē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_630.htm">Strong's 630: </a> From apo and luo; to free fully, i.e. relieve, release, dismiss, or let die, pardon or divorce. his αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. wife, γυναῖκα (gynaika) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1135.htm">Strong's 1135: </a> A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife. except μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. for ἐπὶ (epi) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1909.htm">Strong's 1909: </a> On, to, against, on the basis of, at. sexual immorality, πορνείᾳ (porneia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4202.htm">Strong's 4202: </a> Fornication, whoredom; met: idolatry. From porneuo; harlotry; figuratively, idolatry. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. marries γαμήσῃ (gamēsē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1060.htm">Strong's 1060: </a> To marry, used of either sex. From gamos; to wed. another woman, ἄλλην (allēn) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_243.htm">Strong's 243: </a> Other, another (of more than two), different. A primary word; 'else, ' i.e. Different. commits adultery.” μοιχᾶται (moichatai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3429.htm">Strong's 3429: </a> To commit adultery, not only of a married woman but of a married man. From moichos; to commit adultery. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/19-9.htm">Matthew 19:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/19-9.htm">Matthew 19:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/19-9.htm">Matthew 19:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/19-9.htm">Matthew 19:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/19-9.htm">Matthew 19:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/19-9.htm">Matthew 19:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/19-9.htm">Matthew 19:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/19-9.htm">Matthew 19:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/19-9.htm">Matthew 19:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/19-9.htm">Matthew 19:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/19-9.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 19:9 I tell you that whoever divorces his (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/19-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 19:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 19:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/19-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 19:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 19:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>