Section 5:31–32
Jesus taught about divorce
In this section, Jesus continued to explain the difference between the way that Jewish religious leaders interpreted the law of Moses and the correct interpretation of the law. In the law of Moses, divorce was allowed. Many Pharisees allowed divorce for almost any reason. But in this section, Jesus taught that divorce was permitted only if the wife committed sexual sin.
Here are some other possible headings for this section:
Divorce
-or-
Teaching about divorce
Paragraph 5:31–32
5:31a
It has also been said: The clause It has also been said is a shortened form of 5:21a (“You have heard that it was said to the ancients”) and 5:27a (“You have heard that it was said”). You should translate this clause similarly to the ones in those two verses.
This clause refers to the law that Moses gave to the Israelites. The context implies that the Israelites had heard someone read the laws or explain them.
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
It has also been said (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
You have heard that the law of Moses says (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
⌊They have also said⌋ that ⌊the law of Moses⌋ told/commanded ⌊us⌋
5:31b
Whoever divorces his wife: The word divorces refers to formally and legally ending a marriage. The verse in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 24:1) referred to here speaks particularly about a man divorcing his wife. It is recommended that you keep that meaning here.
Here are some other ways to translate this clause:
Any man who ends the marriage to his wife
-or-
If a man sends his wife back to her family
must give her a certificate of divorce: A certificate is an official paper (document) stating certain facts. So the phrase certificate of divorce refers to a legal document stating that the woman is no longer married to the man. The husband had to write this paper and have witnesses.
Here are some other ways to translate this phrase:
a written divorce paper (New Century Version)
-or-
a letter of divorce (New Living Translation (1996))
-or-
a paper to end the marriage
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