Definition: It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 5:31. It's a really important one and can be confusing, so we’ll go through it step-by-step. Here’s the basic meaning: “Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:” This means anyone who separates from their spouse should give them a formal divorce notice. Let's unpack it further: “Whosoever” : This is a general statement – “Anyone” or "everyone" applies to anyone who does this. “…shall put away his wife” : This is the core of the verse. It means someone is ending a marriage. “…let him give her a writing of divorcement:” This is the crucial part. It’s not just ending the marriage; it's giving them a formal document that officially ends it. "Divorsement" is the legal term for breaking a marriage bond. What does this verse mean in practice? Jesus is saying that this action – separating from your spouse – has serious consequences. It’s not just about being unhappy; it's about breaking a promise and damaging a relationship. Important Context - Why is this important? This verse is often misunderstood, and it’s linked to the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew. The "Sermon on the Mount" is a collection of Jesus' teachings that are presented as authoritative rules for living a righteous life. This verse is part of a broader discussion about: Love & Commitment: It highlights the importance of respecting your spouse and the commitment you’ve made to them. Honesty & Integrity: It emphasizes the need to be truthful in relationships, as betrayal can lead to pain and destruction. Responsibility: It suggests that we are accountable for our actions, especially when it comes to our marriage. In short, this verse is a strong warning against breaking vows and encourages people to handle marital situations with honesty and respect. Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious advisor. This explanation is based on common interpretations of the Bible. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of Matthew 5? Discuss the context of this verse within the larger teachings of Jesus?