Matthew 5:33

"but I tell you that whoever puts away his wife, except for the cause of sexual immorality, makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries her when she is put away commits adultery."

Key Reflection

This passage emphasizes the sanctity of marriage by prohibiting divorce except for sexual immorality, and it underscores that remarrying after a unilateral divorce is equivalent to adultery. Jesus sets a high standard, highlighting the irreversible nature of marital vows in God's eyes.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 33. Thou shalt not forswear thyself. Christ here proceeds to correct another false interpretation of the law. The law respecting oaths is found in Le 19:12; De 23:23. By those laws, men were forbid to perjure themselves, or to forswear, that is, swear falsely. Perform unto the Lord. Perform literally, really, and religiously, what is promised in an oath. Thine oaths. An oath is a solemn affirmation, or declaration, made with an appeal to God for the truth of what is affirmed, and imprecating his vengeance, and renouncing his favour, if what is affirmed is false. A false oath is called perjury; or, as in this place, forswearing.

Related Verses

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