Interpretation of Matthew 5:28: Jesus on Woman and Wife

The Versatility of Language: 'Woman' vs 'Wife'

The interpretation of Matthew 5:28 has long been a subject of discussion in religious and academic circles. In this passage, many Bible scholars and students of the New Testament hold that Jesus meant 'woman' rather than 'wife.' This interpretation is rooted in the understanding that the Greek word can apply to both concepts without distinction. However, to understand the nuances, let's look closer at the context and linguistic implications.

Language Context and Historical Accuracy

Matthew 5:28 is part of the Sermon on the Mount, primarily delivered in the colloquial Aramaic language. Aramaic, a Semitic language closely related to Hebrew and Syriac, would have been the primary language of this discourse. It is noteworthy that in Semitic languages like Aramaic, adding a pronominal suffix could clarify such distinctions. Yet, the text before us does not include such a specification. This absence suggests a broader application to any woman, not just one’s wife. Additionally, it’s important to consider the larger context of Jesus’ teachings.

Broader Interpretations: Adultery and Lust

Jesus was defining adultery in a broader sense, including any non-marital lust. This interpretation aligns with the broader biblical context, where adultery is often seen as a reflection of unfaithfulness, whether in marriage or not. The Scriptures, especially in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, affirm marital sexuality while also condemning extramarital lust. Thus, Jesus’ statement can be understood in the context of a command to avoid any form of sexual lust, not just towards one’s wife.

Christ’s Role as "Last Adam": A Mysterious Connection

However, there is merit to interpreting Matthew 5:28 to include 'wife' as well. This is evident in the New Testament passages like Romans 5:12-19 and 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, 45-49. Here, the Apostle Paul presents Christ as the "Second Adam" or "Last Adam." In this context, His mother, Mary, serves as a ‘new Eve’—the 'mother of all living' (Genesis 3:20). The broader narrative includes the idea that Christ took on the role of a sinner in order to die in sinners' place, paralleling the fall in the garden where the woman enticed the man to partake in the knowledge of good and evil, resulting in a tragic choice that led to death.

Symbolic Adultery: Christ's Love for His Bride

Christ, in this broader theological framework, chose an even greater act of 'adultery' by death and resurrection, which symbolizes His choice to die for His people. In this capacity, He had forsaken the peace of Eden (symbolic of perfect marital and divine unity) and symbolically committed 'adultery' by choosing the route of strife and death for the sake of His bride—His people. This act of 'forsaking' or 'choosing' serves as a profound metaphor for Christ's ultimate love and sacrifice.

Conclusion: Understanding and Interpretation

While the text in Matthew can primarily mean 'woman,' there is significant merit in considering the broader theological context that includes 'wife.' This deeper understanding reveals Jesus’ broader teachings on purity and the importance of avoiding even the mental conception of inappropriate relationships, which ties into the broader theme of Christ’s sacrifice and its implications for his relationship with his people.

I hope this detailed exploration has provided a comprehensive look at the interpretation of Matthew 5:28, offering insights that can be pondered and debated further.

References

Romans 5:12-19, 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, 45-49, Genesis 3:20