Verse in Greek
λέγω δὲ ὑμῖν ὅτι ὃς ἂν ἀπολύσῃ τὴν γυναῖκα αὐτοῦ μὴ ἐπὶ πορνείᾳ καὶ γαμήσῃ ἄλλην, μοιχᾶται· καὶ ὁ ἀπολελυμένην γαμήσας μοιχᾶται.
Focus Topic: Conditional Construction with ἂν and Subjunctive + Present Indicative Result
This verse illustrates a conditional sentence formed with the particle ἂν and a subjunctive verb in the protasis, followed by a present indicative in the apodosis. It also highlights syntactical exceptions and participial usage with theological implications regarding marriage and divorce.
Conditional Clause: ὃς ἂν ἀπολύσῃ…καὶ γαμήσῃ
The construction ὃς ἂν + subjunctive forms a general condition or indefinite relative clause (“whoever divorces…”). The particle ἂν marks the protasis as indefinite or potential:
| Greek Word | Form | Function |
|---|---|---|
| ἀπολύσῃ | Aorist active subjunctive, 3rd singular | “divorces” — part of the condition |
| γαμήσῃ | Aorist active subjunctive, 3rd singular | “marries [another]” — continuation of conditional clause |
These subjunctive verbs are governed by ὃς ἂν and convey potential actions. The sentence then shifts into the main clause with the present indicative verb μοιχᾶται.
Main Verbs: μοιχᾶται
μοιχᾶται (present middle/passive indicative, 3rd person singular) appears twice and means “commits adultery.” The present tense here suggests a standing or repeated judgment — not just a one-time act, but a moral characterization.
Exception Clause: μὴ ἐπὶ πορνείᾳ
This phrase introduces an exception — “except for sexual immorality.” The preposition ἐπί with the dative here expresses cause or basis:
- μὴ — the negative particle used with subjunctive verbs.
- ἐπὶ πορνείᾳ — “on account of immorality,” allowing for divorce under specific conditions.
Participial Construction: ὁ ἀπολελυμένην γαμήσας
ἀπολελυμένην is a perfect passive participle (feminine accusative singular) meaning “the one having been divorced.” γαμήσας is an aorist active participle, masculine nominative singular, modifying the implied subject. Together they describe a man who “marries a woman who has been divorced.”
Key Observations
- ὅς ἂν + subjunctive forms a broad conditional structure used in moral instruction.
- Present indicative μοιχᾶται serves as a universal judgment in both clauses.
- μὴ ἐπὶ πορνείᾳ creates an exception clause not found in all Gospel parallels (e.g., Mark 10:11).
- The syntax reinforces the seriousness and boundaries of marital fidelity.
Grammatical-Theological Synthesis
Jesus’ words use formal grammatical structures to articulate ethical absolutes. The conditional clause, exception phrase, and present tense moral verdicts work together to define the seriousness of unlawful divorce and remarriage. The Greek grammar frames the moral principle with legal precision and theological weight.
