Biblical Answer

The Original Intent of Marriage

Jesus taught that God's original intent was for marriage to be a lifelong union between a man and a woman. This is evident in the biblical account of creation, where God instituted marriage as a permanent and exclusive relationship between one man and one woman (Genesis 2:24). Jesus went back to the beginning to understand the nature of marriage and to answer the question of divorce. He pointed out that Moses had not commanded divorce, but rather allowed it as a concession to human frailty.

The Exception of Unchastity

Jesus taught that divorce is only permissible on the ground of unchastity or sexual immorality. This is evident in Matthew 19:9, where Jesus says, "Whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery." This teaching is consistent with Jesus' other statements on marriage and divorce, such as Matthew 5:32, where he says, "But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery." The exception of unchastity is a clear and uncompromising teaching of Jesus.

Interpretation and Application

Some interpreters have suggested that Jesus allowed Christians to initiate divorce for other reasons, such as physical adultery or failure to give basic physical needs and conjugal love. However, these interpretations are not supported by the biblical text. Jesus' teaching on divorce is clear and uncompromising, and it is essential for Christians to take his words seriously. While divorce may be a difficult and painful reality in a fallen world, Jesus' teaching on the permanence of marriage should guide our understanding and application of this issue. By understanding the original intent of marriage and the exception of unchastity, Christians can apply Jesus' teaching in a way that honors God's design for marriage and relationships.