Matthew 19:9
French (La Bible expliquée)
Je vous le déclare: si un homme renvoie sa femme, alors qu'elle n'a pas été infidèle, et en épouse une autre, il commet un adultère. » La loi de Moïse autorise la répudiation de la femme par son mari. Pour Jésus, cette disposition, qui tient compte de la faiblesse humaine, ne correspond pas au plan de Dieu. Le lien d'amour entre un homme et une femme est sacré; l'homme ne doit pas le briser, sauf en cas d'inconduite notoire. Jésus est conscient de la difficulté de comprendre et de vivre un tel amour. Dieu seul peut rendre capable de rester fidèle à cet idéal.
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
marriagedivorceadulterycommitmentforgivenessfaithfulness
Related Verses
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.