King James Version

What Does Matthew 19:9 Mean?

Matthew 19:9 in the King James Version says “And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth... — study this verse from Matthew chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 19:9 · KJV


Context

7

They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?

8

He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.

9

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

10

His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.

11

But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Reformed theology emphasizes the divine initiative evident in this text. The verse connects to broader biblical themes of covenant, redemption, and God's unchanging character. Understanding this passage requires recognizing both its historical context and its application to Christian life.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse originates in Jesus' ministry during a pivotal period. The first-century Jewish context included Roman occupation, Pharisaic religious authority, and messianic expectations. Understanding these factors illuminates the passage's significance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse deepen your appreciation for Christ?
  2. What false beliefs or practices does this text correct?
  3. How should you share this truth with others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
λέγω1 of 23

I say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

δὲ2 of 23

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑμῖν3 of 23

unto you

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι4 of 23
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ὃς5 of 23

Whosoever

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἂν6 of 23
G302

whatsoever

ἀπολελυμένην7 of 23

is put away

G630

to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce

8 of 23

her which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γυναῖκα9 of 23

wife

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

αὐτοῦ10 of 23
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἰ11 of 23
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ12 of 23
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐπὶ13 of 23

it be for

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

πορνείᾳ14 of 23

fornication

G4202

harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry

καὶ15 of 23

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

γαμήσας16 of 23

shall marry

G1060

to wed (of either sex)

ἄλλην17 of 23

another

G243

"else," i.e., different (in many applications)

μοιχᾶται18 of 23

committeth adultery

G3429

(middle voice) to commit adultery

καὶ19 of 23

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

20 of 23

her which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀπολελυμένην21 of 23

is put away

G630

to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce

γαμήσας22 of 23

shall marry

G1060

to wed (of either sex)

μοιχᾶται23 of 23

committeth adultery

G3429

(middle voice) to commit adultery


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Matthew. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Matthew 19:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Matthew 19:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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