How to Use This Commentary
Matthew 5:31–32 continues Jesus’ teaching from Matthew 5:17–20, showing what true righteousness looks like in relationships.
Read it in two movements: (1) the cultural teaching on divorce, and (2) Jesus’ correction and deeper standard.
Key: Jesus is not lowering the standard—He is restoring God’s original design for marriage.
In Jesus’ day, divorce had become easy.
A man could send his wife away for almost any reason—
even something as small as displeasing him.
All it took was paperwork.
But Jesus steps in and says:
👉 “You’ve misunderstood God’s heart.”
This isn’t just about legality—
it’s about covenant.
A Quick Look: Matthew 5:31–32
Big idea: God designed marriage to be lifelong, and unjustified divorce leads to further sin.
Why this matters: Our culture treats marriage casually, but Jesus calls us back to God’s original design.
Key truth: Divorce may be permitted in specific cases, but it is never God’s ideal.
Bottom line: God takes marriage seriously—and so should we.
A Simple Explanation (Matthew 5:31–32)
“It was said… give her a certificate of divorce” (v.31)
This reflects what people were taught.
Meaning: Divorce was seen as acceptable if done legally.
Application: People focused on process, not purpose.
“But I say to you…” (v.32)
Jesus corrects their understanding.
Meaning: Divorce is not simply a legal matter—it has moral consequences.
Application: What is “allowed” is not always what is right.
“Except for sexual immorality…”
Jesus gives a narrow exception.
Meaning: Sexual sin (porneia) can break the marriage covenant.
Application: Divorce is permitted in certain cases—but not encouraged.
“Makes her commit adultery…”
Jesus explains the impact.
Meaning: Unjustified divorce leads to further sin when remarriage occurs.
Application: Divorce is not isolated—it creates ripple effects.
Bridge: Jesus moves the conversation from “What can I do?” to “What honors God?”
A Deeper Dive: Marriage, Divorce, and God’s Design
1) The Cultural Problem Jesus Is Addressing
By Jesus’ time, divorce had become extremely casual. The dominant teaching allowed a man to divorce his wife for almost any reason—as long as he gave a certificate.
👉 The focus had shifted from covenant faithfulness to legal permission.
2) Misreading Deuteronomy 24
The religious leaders based their view on Deuteronomy 24, but they misunderstood it.
That passage:
- Did not command divorce
- Did not endorse divorce
- Regulated an existing broken situation
👉 What God permitted because of sin, they treated as a right.
3) God’s Original Design for Marriage
From the beginning, marriage was:
- One man and one woman
- A lifelong union
- A “one flesh” covenant (Genesis 2:24)
👉 Divorce was never part of God’s original design.
4) Why Divorce Exists
Jesus later explains:
👉 “Because of your hardness of heart…” (Matthew 19:8)
Divorce exists because of sin—not because of God’s desire.
5) “Except for Porneia” — The Key Term
The Greek word porneia refers broadly to sexual immorality.
It includes:
- Adultery
- Sexual unfaithfulness
- Other serious sexual sins
👉 This is the one clear ground Jesus gives where divorce may be permitted.
6) Divorce and Adultery Connection
Jesus makes a strong statement:
👉 Unjustified divorce leads to adultery.
Why?
Because:
- The original marriage covenant still stands
- Remarriage creates a new union
- That union conflicts with the first
👉 The result is multiplied brokenness.
7) God’s Heart Toward Divorce
Scripture is clear:
👉 “I hate divorce,” says the Lord (Malachi 2:16)
Not because God is harsh—
but because divorce:
- Breaks covenant
- Damages people
- Distorts His design
8) Grace and Reality
Jesus is not ignoring the brokenness of the world.
Scripture recognizes:
- Human sin damages marriages
- Some situations become irreparable
- God makes provision in a fallen world
👉 But permission is not the same as approval.
9) The Deeper Issue: The Heart
This passage connects directly to what came before:
- Anger (5:21–22)
- Lust (5:27–30)
👉 Divorce is often the outward result of inward sin.
10) The Gospel Connection
Marriage is meant to reflect something greater:
👉 Christ’s relationship with His people.
Jesus:
- Remains faithful
- Pursues restoration
- Offers grace
👉 This passage ultimately points us to the faithful love of Christ.
- Marriage is a lifelong covenant designed by God
- Divorce exists because of human sin
- Porneia is the only clear exception Jesus gives
- Unjustified divorce leads to further brokenness
- God’s design is faithfulness, restoration, and covenant love
Bottom Line (Matthew 5:31–32)
Jesus calls us beyond legal permission to covenant faithfulness—because God’s design for marriage is lifelong, and His grace is meant to restore what sin has broken.
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