Matthew 5:31-32
Summary for Matt 5:31-32: 5:31-32 a Jesus challenges the misapplication of the Old Testament provision for divorce (see Deut 24:1-4 b; cp. Matt 19:3-9 c): Following the rules does not make divorce acceptable. Jesus allows only one legitimate reason for divorce, sexual infidelity, and forbids casual divorce (see also 1 Cor 7:10-11 d). 5:31 e A notice of divorce is a document stating the legality of a divorce. Evidence suggests that such a document permitted remarriage. “The essential formula in the notice of divorce is, ‘Lo, you are free to marry any man.’ ... The essential formula in a writ of emancipation is, ‘Lo, you are a freedwoman: lo, you belong to yourself’” (Mishnah Gittin 9:3).5:32 f The exception clause permits but does not demand divorce when one partner has been unfaithful (see also 19:9 g). Notably, Jesus does not demand death for the guilty party (see Deut 22:21-22 h).
• 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.
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