Lexical Summary apostasion: Divorce, certificate of divorce Original Word: ἀποστάσιον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance certificate of divorceNeuter of a (presumed) adjective from a derivative of aphistemi; properly, something separative, i.e. (specially) divorce -- (writing of) divorcement. see GREEK aphistemi NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom aphistémi Definition a forsaking, spec. (bill of) divorce NASB Translation certificate of divorce (1), divorce (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 647: ἀποστάσιονἀποστάσιον, ἀποστασίου, τό, very seldom in native Greek writings, defection, of a freedman from his patron, Demosthenes 35, 48 (940, 16); in the Bible: 1. divorce, repudiation: Matthew 19:7; Mark 10:4 (βιβλίον ἀποστασίου, equivalent to כְּרִיתֻת סֵפֶר book or bill of divorce, Deuteronomy 24:1, 3; (Isaiah 50:1; Jeremiah 3:8)). 2. a bill of divorce: Matthew 5:31. Grotius at the passage and Lightfoot, Horae Hebrew at the passage, We a copy of one. The term denotes the formal document by which a man dismissed his wife, thereby dissolving the marital bond under Mosaic legislation. More than a mere announcement, it functioned as legal proof that the woman was free to remarry and that any subsequent relationship would not constitute adultery. Old Testament Background Deuteronomy 24:1–4 provides the foundational legislation: “he writes her a certificate of divorce, puts it in her hand, and sends her away from his house”. The document protected the woman from false accusations and underscored the covenantal seriousness of marriage. Malachi 2:16 later records the divine displeasure: “For I hate divorce, says the LORD, the God of Israel”, highlighting that the concession of Deuteronomy was regulatory, not prescriptive. Usage in the New Testament The word appears three times: Matthew 5:31; Matthew 19:7; Mark 10:4. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus cites prevailing practice: “It has also been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce’” (Matthew 5:31). When questioned by the Pharisees, He exposes the heart issue behind the certificate: “Because of your hardness of heart Moses permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so” (Matthew 19:8). Mark 10:4 adds the disciples’ summary of Pharisaic instruction: “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.” Historical and Cultural Context First-century Judaism was divided between the Hillelite school, which allowed divorce for almost any cause, and the Shammaite school, which limited it to marital unfaithfulness. The certificate served both camps as the necessary paperwork, but its perceived ease or difficulty depended on one’s rabbinic allegiance. Into this debate Jesus reasserted Genesis 2:24, directing attention away from administrative procedure toward God’s creational intent. Theological Significance 1. Covenant Reflection: Marriage mirrors God’s covenant with His people; the existence of a certificate of divorce signals human failure to uphold covenant faithfulness. Moral and Pastoral Implications • The seriousness of issuing such a document warns believers against casual dissolution of marriage. Related Passages Deuteronomy 24:1–4; Malachi 2:14–16; Isaiah 50:1; Jeremiah 3:8; Matthew 19:3–9; Mark 10:2–12; 1 Corinthians 7:10–16. Ministry Significance Today Understanding the certificate of divorce equips the church to address modern questions about marital breakdown, remarriage, and pastoral discipline. By grounding counsel in the whole counsel of God—from Deuteronomy’s concession to Jesus’ corrective—believers can uphold the sanctity of marriage while extending the redemptive grace that flows from the gospel. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 5:31 N-ANSGRK: δότω αὐτῇ ἀποστάσιον NAS: LET HIM GIVE HER A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE'; KJV: her a writing of divorcement: INT: let him give to her a letter of divorce Matthew 19:7 N-GNS Mark 10:4 N-GNS Strong's Greek 647 |
    |