Matthew 19:9

Authorized King James Version

And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
λέγω
I say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
ὑμῖν
unto you
to (with or by) you
#4
ὅτι
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
#5
ὃς
Whosoever
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#6
ἂν
whatsoever
#7
ἀπολελυμένην
is put away
to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce
#8
her which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
γυναῖκα
wife
a woman; specially, a wife
#10
αὐτοῦ
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#11
εἰ
if, whether, that, etc
#12
μὴ
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#13
ἐπὶ
it be for
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#14
πορνείᾳ
fornication
harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry
#15
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#16
γαμήσας
shall marry
to wed (of either sex)
#17
ἄλλην
another
"else," i.e., different (in many applications)
#18
μοιχᾶται
committeth adultery
(middle voice) to commit adultery
#19
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#20
her which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
ἀπολελυμένην
is put away
to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce
#22
γαμήσας
shall marry
to wed (of either sex)
#23
μοιχᾶται
committeth adultery
(middle voice) to commit adultery

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Jewish biographical literature presenting Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Matthew Understanding a worldview expecting divine intervention through a promised Messiah helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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