“Whoever divorces his wife [except on the ground of fornication] and marries another commits adultery

Matthew 19:3, 9) Those simply stated words showed respect for the dignity of women. How so?

11. Jesus’ words “except on the ground of fornication” indicate what about the marriage bond?

¹¹ First, by the words “except on the ground of fornication” (found in Matthew’s Gospel account), Jesus indicated that the marriage bond is not to be viewed lightly or broken easily. The prevailing rabbinic teaching allowed for divorce on such minor grounds as a wife’s spoiling a dish of food or talking to a strange man. Why, divorce was even allowed if a husband found a woman who was more attractive in his eyes! One Bible scholar notes: “When Jesus spoke as he did he was . . . striking a blow for women by seeking to restore marriage to the position it ought to have.” Indeed, marriage ought to be a permanent union in which a woman can feel secure.​—Mark 10:6-9.