Matthew 19:9

Arabic Bible Life (Targamet El Hayah) (LA)

ولكني أقول لكم: إن الذي يطلق زوجته لغير علة الزنى، ويتزوج بغيرها، فإنه يرتكب الزنى. والذي يتزوج بمطلقة، يرتكب الزنى».

What Does This Mean?

Jesus says that if a man divorces his wife for reasons other than her committing adultery and then marries another, he commits adultery. The same applies to anyone who marries the divorced woman.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a best friend forever, but someone tells you to stop being friends without a really good reason. Jesus says that if you do this or make new best friends after breaking up with your old one, it's like cheating on the friendship. It’s not nice to break promises unless there’s a very serious reason.

Historical Background

Matthew wrote this verse in his Gospel around AD 80-90, aimed at early Christians facing questions about marriage and divorce. The cultural context was heavily influenced by Jewish customs where divorce was more accepted, but Jesus sets stricter guidelines based on God's original intent for marriage.

Living It Out Today

In today’s society, this verse reminds us of the seriousness of marital vows and the importance of forgiveness in addressing problems within a marriage rather than quickly resorting to divorce. It suggests that couples should seek counseling and work through issues before considering separation.

Topics

• marriage
• divorce
• adultery
• commitment
• forgiveness
• faithfulness

Related Verses

• Genesis 2:24
• Malachi 2:16
• Mark 10:11-12
• 1 Corinthians 7:10-11
• Luke 16:18

Frequently Asked Questions

Is divorce ever acceptable according to this verse?

Yes, Jesus allows divorce when the other party has committed adultery. However, he emphasizes that remarriage after such a divorce is still problematic.

How does this apply if a woman divorces her husband?

The principle applies similarly to women; if she divorces for reasons other than his adultery and then marries another, it would be considered adultery according to Jesus' teaching.

What should one do if they have already divorced under circumstances not covered by this verse?

This is a complex issue. It's advisable to seek spiritual counsel for guidance on how to proceed and whether forgiveness can play a role in reconciliation or moving forward.

Does this mean that divorce should never be considered?

While the verse makes clear the seriousness of divorce, it also recognizes exceptional circumstances (like adultery). Each situation is unique and may require careful consideration with spiritual guidance.