MATTHEW 5:31-32
TEACHING ABOUT DIVORCE
BRIEF INTERPRETATION
Text – Matthew 5:31-32
31 “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a bill of divorce.’
32 But I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”
Introduction
Continuing His deepened interpretation of the moral law, Jesus addresses the question of marriage and divorce. While Mosaic law tolerated divorce under certain conditions, Jesus restores marriage to its original sanctity and permanence as intended by God. In just two verses, He proclaims the divine truth that marriage is an unbreakable covenant of love and fidelity, not merely a legal contract. This teaching reflects the heart of God’s plan for human love—faithful, fruitful, and lifelong.
Historical and Jewish Context
In ancient Israel, divorce was permitted by Mosaic law (Deuteronomy 24:1–4), primarily to regulate social consequences rather than to endorse the practice. A man could issue a “bill of divorce” (get) if he found “something objectionable” in his wife. By Jesus’ time, rabbinic schools debated what constituted valid grounds for divorce. The school of Shammai permitted it only for serious moral offenses, while the school of Hillel allowed it for almost any reason—even trivial ones.
Jesus rejects this lax attitude, declaring that divorce was never part of God’s original plan. He refers implicitly to Genesis 2:24—“The two shall become one flesh.” This unity is not merely physical but spiritual, signifying a covenantal bond reflecting God’s own fidelity. The “bill of divorce” was a concession to human hardness of heart (cf. Matthew 19:8), but now, with the coming of Christ, marriage is restored to its indissoluble ideal.
The phrase “unless the marriage is unlawful” (Greek: porneia) has been interpreted by the Church to refer not to adultery but to unions that were never validly established according to divine or natural law (e.g., incestuous or illegitimate relationships). Jesus’ statement thus upholds the permanence of a valid marriage while recognizing that some unions may not have been true marriages in the eyes of God.
Catholic Theological Perspective
In Catholic theology, this passage forms the foundation of the sacramental nature of marriage. Marriage is not merely a social institution but a covenant by which a man and a woman are united by God in a lifelong partnership ordered toward mutual love and the procreation of children (CCC 1601). Once consummated, a valid sacramental marriage cannot be dissolved by any human power.
Jesus’ prohibition of divorce is thus not a restriction but a restoration of marriage to its divine dignity. The love of husband and wife mirrors the faithful and unbreakable love of Christ for His Church (Ephesians 5:25–32). Any rupture of this bond contradicts the sacramental sign of God’s covenant fidelity.
At the same time, the Church acknowledges the suffering of those in broken marriages and offers pastoral care through the tribunal process of annulment, which investigates whether a valid marriage ever existed. The Church also calls divorced and separated persons to live in faith, hope, and charity, remaining members of the Christian community.
Parallels in Scripture
Genesis 2:24 – “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
Deuteronomy 24:1–4 – Mosaic permission of divorce due to human weakness.
Malachi 2:16 – “For I hate divorce, says the Lord.”
Matthew 19:6 – “What God has joined together, no human being must separate.”
Ephesians 5:31–32 – Marriage as a symbol of Christ’s love for the Church.
Key Terms
Bill of Divorce (Get): A legal document under Mosaic law allowing a man to end his marriage.
Unlawful Marriage (Porneia): A union invalid in God’s eyes, such as one against natural or divine law.
Covenant: A sacred and permanent bond established by God.
Indissolubility: The essential quality of a valid marriage that it cannot be broken by human authority.
Annulment: A declaration by the Church that a true sacramental marriage was never validly contracted.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This teaching is read in the liturgy during Ordinary Time and is frequently referenced in the Rite of Marriage and in pastoral homilies on family life. It upholds the sanctity of Christian marriage as a vocation of love, fidelity, and mutual sanctification. The Church’s annual World Marriage Sunday and Holy Family feast celebrate this same vision of unity and divine grace in the married state.
Conclusion
Jesus’ teaching restores marriage to its divine origin: a permanent and sacred union between man and woman, reflecting the eternal faithfulness of God. He calls His followers to fidelity of heart as well as body, rejecting the culture of convenience that undermines love’s permanence. Marriage, when lived according to God’s plan, becomes not a burden but a blessing—a living sacrament of divine love and commitment.
Reflection
Do I view love and commitment as temporary or as a reflection of God’s eternal faithfulness? Jesus challenges me to honor marriage as a covenant, not a contract. Faithfulness in relationships, patience in suffering, and forgiveness in hardship mirror Christ’s love for His Church. True love endures because it is rooted in God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You created marriage as a reflection of Your faithful and everlasting love. Strengthen all husbands and wives to remain united in heart and spirit. Heal those wounded by broken relationships, and grant them peace and hope in Your mercy. May all families reflect Your covenant love through forgiveness, sacrifice, and faithfulness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Next Section: Matthew 5:33–37 – Teaching About Oaths.
DETAILED INTERPRETATION
INTRODUCTION
In Matthew 5:31-32, Jesus addresses divorce within His Sermon on the Mount, challenging the prevailing practices of His time. He references the Mosaic Law from Deuteronomy 24:1, which allowed a man to divorce his wife with a certificate. However, Jesus emphasizes the moral and spiritual consequences of divorce, stating that except for cases of sexual immorality, divorce leads to adultery.
Jesus’ teaching highlights the sanctity of marriage and restricts divorce to cases of infidelity, which He views as a serious breach of the marital covenant. He warns that divorcing for other reasons leads to adultery, stressing the importance of marital fidelity, reconciliation, and the sacredness of the marital bond as intended by God.
Matthew 5:31 “It was also said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a written notice of divorce.’”
Jesus addresses the issue of divorce by referencing the Mosaic Law, which allowed for the practice under certain circumstances. This provision, however, was not part of God’s original intention for marriage but a concession due to the hardness of human hearts.
Understanding God’s Plan for Marriage
In the beginning, God designed marriage to be a lifelong, sacred covenant between a man and a woman. This union is rooted in the divine command: “Be fruitful and multiply” (Gen 1:28). Marriage was established not only for companionship and procreation but also as a reflection of God’s relationship with humanity – a covenant marked by faithfulness and love. The sacred bond of marriage is intended to be unbreakable, as Jesus affirmed, “What God has joined together, no human being must separate” (Mt 19:6).
The Concession of Moses
The allowance for divorce in Deuteronomy 24:1 was not a divine endorsement but rather a concession made by Moses to manage the prevalent hardness of heart among the Israelites. This law was a protective measure for women in a society where divorce could easily be misused by men. By requiring a written notice of divorce, Moses introduced a legal framework that sought to protect women from arbitrary and unjust abandonment. Yet, this was never meant to be the ideal or the norm.
Jesus’ Restoration of the Divine Ideal
When confronted by the Pharisees about the legitimacy of divorce, Jesus unequivocally restored God’s original intention for marriage. He pointed back to the creation narrative where man and woman were united as “one flesh” (Gen 2:24), emphasizing that this union was meant to be permanent. Jesus acknowledged that the Mosaic concession was a response to human sinfulness but reaffirmed that from the beginning, it was not so. By doing this, He elevated the sanctity of marriage and provided a renewed understanding of its divine purpose.
The Consequences of Divorce
Divorce often leaves deep wounds, particularly for women and children. In Jesus’ time, women who were divorced could be left destitute and vulnerable, their dignity and worth diminished. Jesus, through His teaching, sought to protect the integrity of the family and the dignity of women, challenging His followers to adhere to God’s higher calling in marriage. His words serve as a reminder that marriage is a covenant, not a contract; a union that mirrors God’s unwavering commitment to His people.
Reflection Points for Couples
1. Examine the Foundation of Your Marriage: Reflect on the divine purpose of marriage as a lifelong covenant. How does your relationship reflect God’s love and faithfulness?
2. Seek Reconciliation: If you are facing challenges in your marriage, seek ways to reconcile and restore the relationship rather than considering separation. Remember that marriage is a journey that requires patience, forgiveness, and mutual respect.
3. Pray Together: Regularly pray as a couple, asking God to strengthen your marriage and to guide you in times of difficulty. Through prayer, invite God into the center of your relationship.
4. Value the Sacrament: Recognize the sacramental nature of marriage and its significance in your spiritual life. Participate in the sacraments of the Church, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, to receive the grace needed to sustain your marriage.
By meditating on these points and seeking God’s grace, couples can better align their marriage with the divine plan, fostering a union that reflects the love and faithfulness of God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of marriage, a sacred covenant reflecting Your eternal love and faithfulness. We ask for Your guidance and strength to uphold the sanctity of marriage in our lives and in our communities. Grant us hearts that are tender and open to Your will, that we may seek reconciliation and understanding in our relationships rather than resorting to division. Help us to remember the words of Jesus, who calls us to a higher standard of love and commitment. May we always strive to honor the bond of marriage, recognizing it as a divine institution meant to reflect Your glory. Protect and bless all families, especially those who are struggling, and give them the grace to overcome their challenges with love and faith. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Matthew 5:32 “But I say to you, whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”
This passage raises the moral standard beyond the legalistic interpretations of Jewish law at the time, emphasizing that marriage is not merely a contract but a sacred and lifelong covenant.
The Context and Meaning
The Catholic interpretation of this passage underscores the importance of marriage as a permanent and sacred bond. Jesus’ statement that “everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, makes her commit adultery” indicates that divorce leads to adultery, except in the case of “unchastity” (Greek: ‘porneia’). This term has been subject to various interpretations, but in the Catholic tradition, it is understood to refer to illicit or invalid unions, rather than providing a loophole for divorce due to adultery.
The Catholic Church teaches that marriage, as a sacrament, is an indissoluble bond established by God. The “exception clause” in Jesus’ teaching is therefore interpreted within the context of unlawful marriages, which aligns with the Church’s concept of annulment. Annulment is not a dissolution of marriage but a declaration that a valid sacramental marriage never existed from the start due to specific impediments.
Theological Implications
Jesus’ teaching on marriage and divorce restores the original sanctity of marriage, which was compromised by the allowances made under Mosaic Law. He emphasizes that marriage is a sacred covenant that should not be broken, reflecting the unbreakable bond between Christ and His Church. The Apostle Paul reinforces this in his letter to the Corinthians: “A wife should not separate from her husband – and if she does separate, she must either remain single or become reconciled to her husband – and a husband should not divorce his wife” (1 Cor 7:10-11). This directive is intended to prevent the sin of adultery and to preserve the unity and sanctity of the family.
Reflection on Marriage
Jesus’ words challenge us to reconsider our approach to marriage in a society where divorce is often seen as an easy solution to marital difficulties. Marriage is not just about personal fulfillment; it is about mutual sanctification and the creation of a family that mirrors God’s love. Christians are called to uphold the dignity of marriage and to support couples in living out their vocation faithfully. This includes offering compassion and guidance to those who are struggling in their marriages and encouraging reconciliation and healing whenever possible.
Prayer for Strength in Marriage
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of marriage, a reflection of Your love for us. Help us to honor and uphold the sacred bond of marriage in our lives and communities. Grant us the grace to forgive and to seek reconciliation in times of difficulty. May our marriages be a testament to Your faithful love. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
CONCLUSION
In Matthew 5:31-32, Jesus reaffirms the sacredness and permanence of marriage, challenging His followers to rise above the legal concessions of the Mosaic Law and embrace God’s original plan for this holy covenant. He emphasizes that marriage is not just a contract to be broken at will, but a divine bond meant to reflect God’s unbreakable love for His people. By restricting divorce to cases of sexual immorality, Jesus underscores the seriousness of the marital commitment and the moral consequences of dissolving it. His teaching invites us to view marriage as a lifelong journey of mutual love, respect, and sanctification, where both spouses are called to mirror Christ’s fidelity to the Church.
As followers of Christ, we are encouraged to uphold the dignity and sanctity of marriage, recognizing it as a sacrament that requires continual effort, forgiveness, and grace. In a world where the permanence of marriage is often questioned, Jesus’ words serve as a profound reminder of the high calling to which married couples are invited. They are challenged to seek reconciliation and healing in their relationships, to prioritize their covenant above personal grievances, and to rely on God’s grace to sustain their union. In doing so, they bear witness to the divine love that endures all things and remains faithful until the end.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, You who are the author of all love and the creator of marriage, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the gift of this sacred union. Grant us the wisdom and strength to live out our marriages according to Your divine will, always striving for unity, love, and fidelity. Help us to seek reconciliation where there is division, to offer forgiveness where there is hurt, and to nurture our relationships with patience and compassion. May our marriages be a reflection of Your eternal love, a beacon of hope to those around us, and a testament to the sanctity of the covenant You have established. We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.