Differences in Bible Versions

Verse King James Version New International Version New American Standard Version
Matthew 19:9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery. And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.

Porneia: fornication vs. immorality

Most Bible translations translate "porneia" as either "immorality" or "marital unfaithfulness". However, "fornication" is a much more accurate word because it specifically related to the condition of the woman in Deuteronomy 24:1, to which He is referring in Matthew 19:8. Fornication in the Old Testament has much more of a connotation as "harlotry" or "whoredom". By defining "porneia" in a very general way, it opens the door for many to remarry. This has opened up the "exception clause" so that many people now see that it is perfectly ok to divorce and remarry. They have been blinded by the hardness of their hearts.

Betrothed (KJV,NKJV) vs. engaged (NASB)

Most newer English translations translate "bethrothed" (Hebrew word 'aras) as "engaged". For example, Deuteronomy 22:23

If a damsel [that is] a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her;
Deuteronomy 22:23

The problem with translating the Hebrew word "aras" as "engaged" is that an engagement is not legally binding. However, in the Jewish culture, once the couple were "betrothed" they were legally husband and wife, even though they had not yet consummated the marriage. Thus, if a betrothed woman or man lie with another, they should both be stoned according to Deuteronomy 22:24.

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