Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Matthew 19:9. It’s a really important one about marriage and commitment. Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is talking about grave breaking of trust . It’s saying that if someone intentionally breaks their vows to marry, they are essentially committing adultery – which is a serious offense in Christianity. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Matthew 19:9” : This refers to Matthew's Gospel (a book about Jesus). It’s a passage from the Sermon on the Mount, which outlines important principles of how to live a good life. “And I say unto you…” : Jesus is speaking directly to his followers – likely the disciples – and essentially telling them something crucial. “Whosoever shall put away his wife…” : This means anyone who deliberately breaks their promise to stay married. It’s a clear prohibition against infidelity. “…except [it be] for fornication…” : This is the key part. “Fornication” is a very specific term, and it refers to sexual intercourse outside of marriage. So, this verse specifically prohibits adultery – which includes any kind of sexual intimacy with someone who is legally married to you. “and shall marry another…” : This is the action that breaks the promise. It’s a deliberate choice to enter into a new relationship when you're supposed to be committed to your current one. “committeth adultery:” : This is a very strong condemnation of this action. “Adultery” means breaking a sacred vow or agreement – essentially, betraying trust and love. What the verse is saying: Jesus is warning us about the seriousness of breaking promises. It’s not just about a little disagreement; it's about deliberately damaging something that's vital for a relationship - your marriage. It emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and commitment in our relationships. Important Context (and what it means for Christians): This verse is often interpreted as a guiding principle for Christian marriage. It’s a reminder to: Be faithful: To your spouse and to God. Honor your vows: To the commitments you make in relationships. Protect your relationship: Because a broken promise can lead to deep pain and damage. In short, this verse is a serious warning against betrayal and emphasizes the importance of faithfulness within marriage. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Give you some examples of how this verse might be applied in real life (without going into detail)?