The Exception Clause

What is 'porneia' and what does it include?

Porneia is the Greek word translated as 'sexual immorality' or 'fornication' in Jesus' exception clause for divorce in Matthew 5:32 and 19:9. This ter...

Does the exception clause allow divorce or require it?

The exception clause in Matthew 19:9 allows divorce in cases of [sexual immorality](/answers/separation-and-space/what-is-porneia-and-what-does-it-inc...

What is the 'unlawful marriage' interpretation?

The 'unlawful marriage' interpretation suggests that the exception clause in Matthew 19:9 refers to marriages that were never valid in God's eyes to b...

What is 'no-fault' divorce and is it biblical?

No-fault divorce is a legal concept allowing couples to divorce without proving wrongdoing by either spouse. Instead of citing biblical grounds like a...

What about emotional abuse as grounds?

Emotional abuse is a serious issue that causes deep trauma and violates [God's design for marriage](/answers/becoming-the-man/why-did-god-say-its-not-...

What about addiction as grounds?

Addiction itself isn't explicitly listed in Scripture as grounds for divorce, but the destructive behaviors that often accompany addiction—adultery, a...

What about mental illness as grounds?

Mental illness alone is not biblical grounds for divorce. Scripture calls us to love "in sickness and in health," and mental illness falls under sickn...

What about perpetual unfaithfulness?

Perpetual unfaithfulness—ongoing, unrepentant adultery—represents a fundamental rejection of the [marriage covenant](/answers/she-wants-out/what-is-my...