Matthew 5:31 Meaning and Explanation
“It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Jesus recalls the accepted practice of issuing a certificate of divorce.
What Does Matthew 5:31 Mean?
Jesus turns to the subject of marriage and divorce, citing the familiar provision that a man putting away his wife should give her a written certificate of divorce.
The certificate originally served to protect the woman, giving her legal standing rather than leaving her abandoned and without recourse. Yet by Jesus' day the practice was often treated lightly, as if a written form could make separation casual and easy. Jesus cites the accepted saying in order to recall his hearers to God's higher intention for marriage, which he will affirm in the verse that follows. What the law permitted to limit harm was never meant to make the breaking of a marriage a small thing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Matthew 5:31
What does Matthew 5:31 mean?
Jesus recalls the accepted practice of issuing a certificate of divorce.