Understanding Matthew 19:9

Verse: "And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery."

Summary and Interpretation

This verse, part of Jesus' teachings on marriage and divorce, emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and the seriousness of divorce. Through insights from historical commentaries, we can explore its deep implications.

Key Interpretations

• Matthew Henry: Henry emphasizes that Jesus' words highlight the seriousness of adultery, pointing out that a divorce can lead to further sin if it is unjustified. He mentions that the exception for fornication recognizes the gravity of infidelity in marriage.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes elaborates that Jesus establishes a high standard of fidelity within marriage. He notes that the phrase "except for fornication" underscores God's allowance for divorce in the case of sexual immorality, yet also warns about the potential consequences of remarriage after an unjust divorce.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke suggests that this verse reflects the moral order God intended for marriage. He discusses the cultural context of the times and how Jesus’ teachings were revolutionary in challenging existing norms surrounding divorce and remarriage.

Bible Verse Cross-References

To fully grasp Matthew 19:9, we can look at several related scriptures:

• Genesis 2:24 - God’s original design for marriage as a lifelong union.
• Malachi 2:16 - God’s disdain for divorce.
• Matthew 5:32 - A parallel teaching that also addresses divorce and remarriage.
• 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 - Paul's instructions on marriage and separation.
• Mark 10:11-12 - Mark’s account of Jesus’ teachings on the same topic.
• Luke 16:18 - Another reference to the severity of divorce and remarriage.
• Romans 7:2-3 - Commentary on the binding nature of marriage and the implications of death to a spouse.

Connections Between Bible Verses

The connections between biblical texts reveal a cohesive message regarding marriage:

• Inter-Biblical Dialogue: The themes of fidelity found in the Old Testament laws link with Jesus’ radical teachings in the New Testament.
• Comparative Bible Verse Analysis: The consistency across Gospels regarding adultery underscores its weight in the Christian faith.
• Thematic Bible Verse Connections: Several scriptures teach about the sanctity of marriage, illustrating a seamless theological perspective.

How to Use Bible Cross-References

Cross-referencing Bible verses is a valuable tool for deeper understanding:

• Utilize a Bible Concordance to explore themes more broadly.
• Engage in Cross-reference Bible study to connect verses on similar subjects.
• Consider using a Bible reference resource to compile insights from multiple translations and contexts.

Conclusion

Matthew 19:9 serves as a profound reminder of marriage's sacredness and the serious nature of divorce. Understanding its context and cross-references enhances our interpretation and application of these teachings in our lives.