Commits Adultery divorceandremarriage.org, 21 September 202323 September 2023 The Duration of Adultery: A Linguistic and Theological Perspective Introduction The interpretation of Matthew 19:9, particularly the phrase “commits adultery,” has been a subject of theological debate concerning divorce and remarriage within the Christian community. Understanding the Greek present tense used in this verse is crucial for discerning its implications. This article will explore the significance of the Greek present tense in Matthew 19:9 and how it relates to the duration and understanding of adultery. We will examine the linguistic and theological nuances surrounding this tense, ultimately demonstrating that it does not necessitate a permanent state of adultery for those who have experienced divorce and remarriage but have genuinely repented. I. The Greek Present Tense: A Brief Overview A. Perfect, Imperfect, and Present Tenses: In the Greek language, tenses play a crucial role in expressing the timing and duration of actions. The perfect tense typically refers to actions that began in the past and have ongoing effects into the present. The imperfect tense indicates ongoing actions in the past. In contrast, the Greek present tense primarily denotes actions that begin and end in the present moment. B. Present Tense as Short-Duration Action: William D. Mounce (New Testament Greek Scholar) points out that the Greek present tense can signify an action of “very short duration” in the present, contrasting it with the imperfect tense, which represents “continuous ongoing action” in the past. To illustrate this concept, we can examine Acts 9:34, where the Greek present tense is used when Peter says, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed.” Immediately, Aeneas gets up. The use of the present tense here indicates a brief and immediate action. II. Analyzing Matthew 19:9 and the Greek Present Tense A. Matthew 19:9, “Commits Adultery”: Matthew 19:9 contains the phrase “commits adultery” in the Greek present tense. This verse is a pivotal passage in discussions about divorce and remarriage, as it has been interpreted by some as condemning divorced individuals who remarry to a permanent state of adultery. B. Duration of Adultery in the Greek Present Tense: The key question is whether the Greek present tense in Matthew 19:9 implies a perpetual state of adultery or a short-duration action confined to the present. Short-Duration Action: The Greek present tense, as discussed earlier, is often associated with short-duration actions in the present. In the context of Matthew 19:9, this would imply that adultery occurs at the time of union accompanying sexual intercourse, but it does not necessarily stigmatize remarried individuals as living in perpetual adultery. Lack of Ongoing State: If Jesus had intended to convey an ongoing state of adultery for those who have divorced and remarried, He could have used a different tense, such as the perfect tense, which emphasizes continuous effects from past actions into the present. III. Theological Implications A. Biblical Forgiveness and God’s Perspective: The interpretation of Matthew 19:9 aligns with the concept of biblical forgiveness. When God forgives, He declares in Hebrews 10:17, “And their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” While God is omniscient and does not truly forget, He chooses not to refer to those sins again. In other words, in this case, He does not continue to label remarried individuals as adulterers or adulteresses for the rest of their lives unless they persist in unrepentant behavior. B. God’s Complete Forgiveness: This perspective offers hope and reassurance for those who have genuinely repented of the sin of adultery. God’s forgiveness is complete, and He does not hold past sins against individuals who, in their hearts, have sincerely turned away from their wrongdoing. IV. Conclusion: A Message of Grace and Mercy In conclusion, the interpretation of the Greek present tense in Matthew 19:9 suggests that it does not necessitate a permanent state of adultery for those who have experienced divorce and remarriage but have genuinely repented. The linguistic nuances of the present tense imply short-duration action in the present, aligning with the concept of biblical forgiveness. Just as God forgives and forgets, He does not continue to label individuals as adulterers once they have repented and sought reconciliation with Him. This understanding offers a message of grace and mercy, emphasizing the potential for redemption and restoration in the lives of those who have experienced the pain of divorce and the hope of remarriage. Praise the Lord for His boundless mercy and forgiveness! As David did in Psalms 32. References: Mounce, W. D. (1993). Basics of Biblical Greek. Zondervan. Neverthirsty. (n.d.). What is the Greek tense of the verb “commits adultery” in Matthew 19:9? [Webpage]. Retrieved from https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-qa/qa-archives/question/what-is-the-greek-tense-of-the-verb-commits-adultery-in-matthew-199/ Blog
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