What is the exception clause?

Answer

The “exception clause” is Jesus’ statement in Matthew 5:32 and 19:9, which includes the phrase “except for marital unfaithfulness.” It provides an allowance for remarriage after a divorce without it being deemed as adultery. Matthew 5:32 states, “But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.” Similarly, Matthew 19:9 reads, “I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery.” So, what exactly constitutes “marital unfaithfulness,” and why does it serve as an exception to Jesus’ assertion that remarriage post-divorce is adulterous?

The interpretation of Matthew 5:32 and 19:9 is straightforward. If an individual divorces and remarries, it is classified as adultery unless the exception clause applies. The term “marital unfaithfulness” translates the Greek word porneia, which is the root of the modern term “pornography.” Porneia primarily denotes “sexual perversion.” In contemporary Greek literature, porneia encompassed adultery, fornication, prostitution, incest, and idolatry. It appears 25 times in the New Testament, commonly translated as “fornication.”

In the New Testament, porneia generally signifies sexual perversion. Specific forms of sexual misconduct, like adultery, are denoted by other Greek terms. Therefore, based on the exception clause, any involvement in sexual perversion/misconduct exempts one from the assertion that remarriage following a divorce is adulterous. If one partner engages in adultery or any form of sexual perversion leading to divorce, the “innocent” spouse is permitted to remarry without it constituting adultery.

It is important to note that the exception clause does not mandate divorce or encourage it.

Regarding remarriage, Jesus is not stating that if there is marital unfaithfulness, a couple should divorce. Jesus is also not implying that if a divorce happens due to marital unfaithfulness, the innocent spouse should marry again. Essentially, Jesus is permitting divorce and remarriage. Jesus is by no means asserting that divorce and remarriage are the optimal or sole choices. Repentance, forgiveness, counseling, and restoration are what God desires for marriages harmed by unfaithfulness. God is capable of and willing to restore any marriage in which both partners are devoted to Him and ready to obey His Word.