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4. Ἐπέτρεψεν. First with emphasis; “suffered,” “permitted.” The right of divorce was established by custom, and “Moses” takes it for granted (Lev 21:7; Lev 21:14; Lev 22:13; Num 30:9); but in certain cases the right might be forfeited (Deu 22:19; Deu 22:29). In Deu 24:1 f., to which passage reference is here made, the right of divorce is assumed; and the husband is told that in divorcing he must observe certain formalities, the chief of which is the writing (Mk) and giving (Mt.) a βιβλίον ἀποστασίου (βιβ. ἀποκοπῆς Aq., βιβ. διακοπῆς Sym.), and that in no circumstances may the divorced woman become his wife again. J. Lightfoot on Mt. gives a specimen of a βιβ. ἀποστασίου, and it expressly mentions the right of the divorced wife to marry again. The reason for divorce is not stated, but it could not be adultery; the penalty for adultery was not divorce, but death (Lev 20:10; [Jn] Mar 8:5). “Moses” neither commanded nor forbade divorce, but commanded that, if it took place, it must be done in a certain way and be irrevocable. Driver on Deu 24:1 f. Malachi (Mar 2:14-15) contends against divorce, but nowhere in N.T. is there any reference to the passage. Here [2425] and Syr-Sin., with some Old Latin texts, have both the writing and the giving (dare scriptum) of the βιβλίον.
[2425] Codex Bezae. 6th cent. Has a Latin translation (d) side by side with the Greek text, and the two do not quite always agree. Presented by Beza to the University Library of Cambridge in 1581. Remarkable for its frequent divergences from other texts. Contains Mark, except Mar 16:15-20, which has been added by a later hand. Photographic facsimile, 1899.