“It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” — Matthew 5:31–32 (ESV)
Introduction: Teachings of Jesus on Divorce
In the Sermon on the Mount, the teachings of Jesus on divorce challenge the casual treatment of marriage. While Moses allowed divorce through a certificate (Deuteronomy 24:1), Jesus reveals God’s higher standard: marriage was designed as a lifelong covenant. Divorce, except for sexual immorality, leads to deeper spiritual consequences—including causing others to fall into sin. Understanding these verses requires unpacking the context, culture, and meaning behind the teachings of Jesus on divorce.
Historical and Cultural Context: Moses, Hillel, and Shammai
To fully grasp the teachings of Jesus on divorce, we must consider Jewish tradition:
- Deuteronomy 24:1 allowed divorce if a husband found something “indecent” in his wife.
- By Jesus’ time, two major Jewish schools debated what that meant:
- Hillel allowed divorce for almost any reason—even burning a meal.
- Shammai allowed it only for serious sexual misconduct.
Jesus sided with the stricter view—elevating marriage and limiting divorce.
What Does “Except for Sexual Immorality” Mean?
The phrase “except for sexual immorality” comes from the Greek word porneia. Unlike moicheia (adultery), which refers to extramarital affairs, porneia covers a broader category of sexual sins—including premarital sex, prostitution, or ongoing immoral behavior.
Jesus makes clear that porneia is a legitimate cause for divorce, though it’s not a requirement. The tone is one of sorrow—not permission, but recognition of brokenness.
Making Her Commit Adultery: What Does That Mean?
Jesus’ teaching suggests that a man who divorces his wife for unbiblical reasons makes her the victim of adultery (Matthew 5:32, NIV). This is key. The woman may remarry to survive, especially in ancient cultures where financial dependence on a husband was common. While the act of remarriage might technically constitute adultery under the law, Jesus places the guilt on the man who initiated an unjust divorce.
In this scenario:
- If the man divorces his wife unjustly and remarries, he commits adultery.
- If she is forced to remarry for survival, companionship, or to have children (it seems any legitimate reason for marriage is covered), the adultery is credited to the first husband, not the woman or her new husband.
This reframes the issue from a legalistic judgment of actions to a moral evaluation of responsibility.
Additionally, Jesus may be saying that the very act of divorce itself is a form of adultery. Adultery, in its most basic sense, is the breaking of the marriage covenant. If no sexual sin is involved, the deliberate abandonment of a sacred vow still constitutes covenant-breaking — the essence of adultery in God’s eyes.
Support from Other Scriptures: What About the Innocent?
The Apostle Paul addresses similar questions in 1 Corinthians 7:12–15. He writes that if a believer is married to an unbeliever who chooses to leave, the believer is “not bound in such circumstances”—meaning they are free. This passage reveals that God does not require someone to remain chained to a marriage when they have been abandoned, especially by someone who rejects God’s authority.
If a man divorces his wife unjustly—without biblical grounds—he is acting as an unbeliever, and the woman is not bound to remain unmarried forever. Her remarriage does not defile her; rather, the guilt lies with the one who broke the covenant without cause.
Likewise, if a woman destroys her marriage through sexual immorality and another man marries her, he enters into a union already tainted by her sin and thereby also commits adultery. This reinforces the teachings of Jesus on divorce: remarriage after an unrighteous divorce still carries moral weight and must be approached with repentance and humility.
The Heart Behind the Command: Sermon on the Mount Themes
This teaching fits the broader message of the Sermon on the Mount:
- Just as lust equals adultery in the heart (Matthew 5:27–28),
- And anger equals murder in the heart (Matthew 5:21–22),
- Divorce equals a betrayal of covenantal love.
Jesus is not just dealing with outward actions—He’s pointing to the heart condition that leads to broken relationships.
The Gospel’s View of Marriage: Covenant, Not Contract
Throughout the New Testament, marriage is described as a covenant that reflects Christ’s love for the Church (Ephesians 5:25-32). It is not a legal contract but a sacred bond built on faithfulness, sacrifice, and grace.
The teachings of Jesus on divorce in Matthew 5 highlight this sacredness. Divorce, especially when done flippantly or selfishly, fails to honor that covenant and invites moral consequences.
Grace for the Broken: What If You’ve Already Been Divorced?
The teachings of Jesus on divorce may feel overwhelming, especially for those with a painful past. But His goal is not condemnation—it is transformation:
- The woman caught in adultery was told, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more” (John 8:11).
- King David was forgiven after adultery and murder, though he faced consequences (Psalm 51).
Jesus offers grace, healing, and a new path forward for those who repent and seek Him.
Conclusion: Teaching of Jesus on Divorce
The teachings of Jesus on divorce in Matthew 5:31–32 are clear and convicting. He reaffirms that God’s design for marriage is one man and one woman in lifelong covenant. Divorce outside of sexual immorality leads to spiritual harm—not just for the couple, but for others who may be drawn into sin.
Yet Jesus also offers healing for those who’ve sinned in this area. He calls us to a higher standard, but also empowers us to live it through His Spirit. In a culture that casually dismisses commitment, Jesus calls His followers to walk in faithfulness, forgiveness, and grace.