Book of Matthew - Chapter 5 - Verse 31

When Jesus said, "It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement," he was referring to the Old Testament law found in Deuteronomy 24:1-4. This law allowed for a man to divorce his wife by giving her a certificate of divorce. However, Jesus goes on to explain in the following verses that this law was given because of the hardness of people's hearts, but it was not God's original plan for marriage. Jesus emphasizes the importance of honoring the marriage covenant and not treating it lightly. By requiring a written document for divorce, it ensured that the process was done legally and with some accountability. This verse serves as a reminder of the seriousness of marriage and the importance of commitment and faithfulness in a relationship.

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse "It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement," it is important to consider the context in which it was spoken. In this verse, Jesus is addressing the practice of divorce among the religious leaders of his time. The phrase “It hath been said” refers to the Mosaic law which permitted divorce under certain circumstances. However, Jesus goes on to challenge the prevailing understanding by emphasizing the sanctity of marriage and the importance of upholding the marital covenant. By requiring a writing of divorcement, the law sought to protect the rights of the wife and prevent arbitrary divorce. Through this statement, Jesus reaffirms the seriousness of marriage and condemns divorce for trivial reasons. This verse serves as a reminder to prioritize the commitment made in marriage and to approach divorce with careful consideration and respect for the sacred bond between husband and wife.