Expert: Edward Bode - 1/20/2006

Question
Hi, I do not understand which "interpretation" you disagree with. The one that says Jesus was just telling the Jews to make sure and give their wives a divorcement, or Jesus was telling them that the only cause for divorce is fornication?Thanks, STeven Estes-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Hello, my question has to do with Matt.19:9 and Jesus' statement "I tell you that anyone who puts away his wife, except for fornication, and marries another committs adultery". My question is: In this context does the word Apoulo (put away)mean divorce or just getting rid of a wife without divorce? Was Jesus telling them to stop leaving their wives without giving them a divorce OR is he telling that that the only cause for divorce is fornication? I was told that all Jesus was telling them was that they need to stop sending their wives away without divorcing them, and thus Jesus is telling them that if they don't properly divorce their wives and marry another then they are committing adultery rather than Jesus telling that that the only cause for divorce is fornication. I was told that Apoulo in this passage does not mean divorce it just has to do with them getting rid of their wives without divorce. Any thoughts? Thanks so much for your time. Steven Estes
Answer -
I do not agree with the interpretation that you mention.  It is not based on an analysis of the vocabulary and its background.  Let me explain:
To understand Matthew's usage, one needs to check his other usages: 1:19, 5:31, 19:3.  These usages all harken to Dt. 24:1-4, where the Mosaic regulation [explicitly mentioned in Mt.19:9] about divorce involves a "bill" or written notice [see Hos. 2:2].
Also, the word "porneia" that is often translated as "fornication" [a married person commits adultery], in the context, indicates unlawful cohabitation or concubinage.
Note that the exception is not in the parallels of Mark and Luke, who are less concerned about Jews not properly married according to Jewish practice.
Thanks for writing.  If you would like further thoughts, please feel free to write again.
Best wishes, Steven.

Answer
I was referring to the interpretation that [your words] "I was told that all Jesus was telling them was that they need to stop sending their wives away without divorcing them, and thus Jesus is telling them that if they don't properly divorce their wives and marry another then they are committing adultery".
Jesus is speaking against divorce, not that it is OK to divorce if you give a bill of divorce.  The exception of "porneia" concerns Jews living in unlawful cohabitation.
Hope these comments clarify by response.  If not, please try again.
Again, best wishes, Steven.