Die huwelik in die eerste-eeuse Mediterreense wêreld (II): Huwelik, egbreuk, egskeiding en hertrou

Abstract

Marriage in the first-century Mediterranean world (II): Marriage, adultery, divorce and remarriage

This article is the second in a three-part series that aims to stimulate the hermeneutical debate in the church about marriage as Biblical institution. The first-century Mediterranean world had a very specific understanding of what marriage, betrothal, adultery, divorce and remarriage entailed. A description thereof is given. The question whether this understanding of these concepts can still be applicable in our understanding of marriage as a postmodern institution, is posed. Although the question is answered in the negative, it does not, however, mean that the Bible does not have anything to offer as far as marriage in a postmodern society is concerned.