Mat 5:32 | TNotes | STEP | 5:32 The exception clause permits but does not demand divorce when one partner has been unfaithful (see also 19:9 ). Notably, Jesus does not demand death for the guilty party (see Deut 22:21-22 ). • The implication seems to be that by divorcing his wife for illegitimate reasons, the man causes her to commit adultery by wrongly putting her in a situation where she remarries and so breaks the law. • anyone who marries a divorced woman: It is not clear whether Jesus is referring to any woman who is divorced, regardless of the reason, or only to a woman who is divorced without an acceptable reason (unfaithfulness). The underlying assumption in Jewish divorce law was simple: Legitimate divorces permitted remarriage.

cDeut 22:21-22►

‏ Matthew 5:32

5:32 ^a The exception clause permits but does not demand divorce when one partner has been unfaithful (see also 19:9 ^b). Notably, Jesus does not demand death for the guilty party (see Deut 22:21-22 ^c).

• The implication seems to be that by divorcing his wife for illegitimate reasons, the man causes her to commit adultery by wrongly putting her in a situation where she remarries and so breaks the law.

• anyone who marries a divorced woman: It is not clear whether Jesus is referring to any woman who is divorced, regardless of the reason, or only to a woman who is divorced without an acceptable reason (unfaithfulness). The underlying assumption in Jewish divorce law was simple: Legitimate divorces permitted remarriage.