King James Version

What Does Matthew 5:32 Mean?

Matthew 5:32 in the King James Version says “But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit a...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.”

Matthew 5:32 · KJV

Context

30

And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

31

It hath been said , Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:

32

But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

33

Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:

34

But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus permits divorce only for fornication (porneia—sexual immorality). Divorcing for other reasons makes the divorced person an adulteress if she remarries, and the man who marries her commits adultery. This protects marriage's sanctity and affirms God's creation design: one man, one woman, for life.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This teaching would have shocked hearers used to easy male-initiated divorce. Jesus protects women from being casually discarded. The 'exception clause' for sexual immorality acknowledges that adultery breaks the covenant bond, but Jesus raises the standard far above contemporary practice.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this teaching challenge modern assumptions about personal happiness and self-fulfillment?
  2. What does Jesus's strict view of marriage reveal about covenant faithfulness and God's character?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ἐγὼ1 of 23

“I”

G1473

i, me

δὲ2 of 23

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

λέγω3 of 23

“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

ὑμῖν4 of 23

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

ὅτι5 of 23

“That”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ὃς6 of 23

“whosoever”

G3739

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

ἂν7 of 23

“whosoever”

G302

whatsoever

ἀπολελυμένην8 of 23

“her that is divorced”

G630

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

τὴν9 of 23
G3588

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

γυναῖκα10 of 23

“wife”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

αὐτὴν11 of 23

“her”

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

παρεκτὸς12 of 23

“saving”

G3924

near outside, i.e., besides

λόγου13 of 23

“for the cause”

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

πορνείας14 of 23

“of fornication”

G4202

harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry

ποιεῖ15 of 23

“causeth”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

αὐτὴν16 of 23

“her”

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

μοιχᾶται17 of 23

“committeth adultery”

G3429

(middle voice) to commit adultery

καὶ18 of 23

“and”

G2532

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

ὃς19 of 23

“whosoever”

G3739

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

ἐὰν20 of 23
G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

ἀπολελυμένην21 of 23

“her that is divorced”

G630

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

γαμήσῃ22 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 5:32 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 5:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 7:31 Corinthians 7:10-11Luke 16:181 Corinthians 7:4Matthew 19:8-9Mark 10:5-12

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