THE CHALLENGE OF INTERPRETING JESUS ’ TEACHING ON Πορνεία IN MATTHEW 19:9 IN CONTEMPORARY BIBLICAL SCHOLARSHIP IN AFRICA

The term πορνεία, which refers to the only biblical reason for divorce, has become a major concern within the ranks of the Church, Mosque and Traditional religion in Africa. Existing studies on the phenomenon of divorce have focused more on its varied causes and consequences than its permissible condition in the biblical texts. The study, therefore, examined Jesus ‟ teaching on πορνεία in Matthew 19:9 with a view to establishing its accurate interpretation for contemporary biblical scholarship in Africa. Using Peter Stuhlmacher‟s theory of biblical interpretation, the study reveals Jesus ‟ emphasis on the indissolubility of marriage. It also shows that divorce is not desirable but permissible on the absolute biblical ground of πορνεία and or μοιτεία. Other trivial reasons identified in the work are socio-cultural, demographic and personal. All these reasons result in increased risks of poverty and increased risk of problems for children and divorced parents. Accurate interpretation of biblical texts, as well as improvement and enhancement of couples ‟ relationships in relation to Jesus ‟ teaching on πορνεία in Matthew 19:9 are recommended