In the Bible, “put away” often refers to the act of dismissing, separating, or removing something from one’s life, particularly in the context of sin or uncleanliness, as seen in passages like Matthew 19:6 concerning divorce. It can also denote a spiritual practice of renouncing certain behaviors or items that are contrary to God’s will, as illustrated in Ephesians 4:22.
Scripture
1 “When a man takes a wife and marries her, if then she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some indecency in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her out of his house, and she departs out of his house,”
2 And when she departs out of his house, she goes and becomes another man’s wife,
3 and the latter man hates her and writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her out of his house, or if the latter man dies, who took her to be his wife,
4 her first husband, who sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after she has been defiled, for that is an abomination before the Lord. And you shall not bring sin upon the land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance.
Biblical Meaning of “Put Away”
The concept of “put away” in the Bible carries significant theological and moral implications, often associated with the necessity of separation from sin, uncleanliness, and behaviors that do not align with God’s will. In Matthew 19:6, Jesus states, “What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate,” emphasizing the sacredness of marriage but also acknowledging that when interpersonal bonds, such as marriage, become irreparably broken due to sin, there is a call to “put away” the relationship. This notion transcends physical separation; it suggests a spiritual and emotional detachment from what causes harm or leads one away from divine purposes.
Moreover, in Ephesians 4:22, Paul exhorts believers to “put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires.” This passage reflects the broader biblical theme of transformation and renewal, illustrating that putting away sin and embracing a new life in Christ involves an active and conscious decision to renounce behaviors that do not honor God. The act of putting away is, therefore, not merely about discarding unpleasant or sinful aspects of one’s life; it is also a call to adopt a new identity grounded in Christ. This dual action of removal and embrace signifies a commitment to personal holiness and a deepening relationship with God, aligning one’s life more closely with His intentions. Such teachings challenge believers to reflect on what they need to “put away” in their lives to foster spiritual growth and maintain a healthy walk in faith.
The phrase “put away” is prevalent in the Scriptures and often relates to the broader theme of separation and sanctity. For instance, the Old Testament contains numerous instances where the Israelites are instructed to “put away” foreign gods and practices that deviate from the worship of Yahweh. In passages such as Joshua 24:23, the people are urged to “put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the river and in Egypt.” This call to action reflects the necessity of cleansing the community and individual hearts from influences that detract from their covenant relationship with God, highlighting the importance of maintaining purity in both personal faith and communal worship.
Furthermore, the act of “putting away” extends into personal and communal ethics as believers are encouraged to remove vices that hinder spiritual growth and mar relationships. In James 1:21, followers are urged to “put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness,” indicating a proactive stance toward moral integrity. Here, the implication is not just to eliminate negative behaviors but also to create space for the reception of God’s word, which is described as able to save the souls of its hearers. Thus, “putting away” signifies both a shedding of detrimental influences and an invitation for divine truth to take root, illustrating the ongoing journey of believers seeking to live in accordance with God’s purposes. This multifaceted approach to the concept serves as a continual reminder for Christians to evaluate their lives and actively engage in practices that foster holiness and alignment with divine will.
Spiritual Cleansing and Transformation
In the biblical context, “put away” often signifies the act of removing sin or impurities from one’s life. This concept emphasizes the need for spiritual cleansing and transformation, encouraging believers to discard behaviors, thoughts, or practices that are contrary to God’s will. It reflects a commitment to live a life that is aligned with divine principles, fostering a deeper relationship with God.
Separation from Worldly Influences
Another broader meaning of “put away” involves the idea of separating oneself from worldly influences and distractions. This separation is not merely physical but also spiritual and emotional, urging individuals to distance themselves from practices or associations that may lead them away from their faith. By “putting away” these influences, believers can focus more intently on their spiritual growth and commitment to their faith.
Commitment to Covenant Relationships
In the context of relationships, particularly in marriage and community, “put away” can refer to the commitment to uphold covenantal promises. It signifies the importance of fidelity and loyalty, urging individuals to put aside any actions or attitudes that could jeopardize these sacred bonds. This meaning highlights the seriousness of commitments made before God and the necessity of maintaining integrity within those relationships.
How to Live a Life of Holiness and Faithfulness
Living a life of holiness and faithfulness is a beautiful journey that requires intentionality and a heart open to God’s guidance. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture, allowing the Word to shape your thoughts and actions; it’s in the pages of the Bible that we find the blueprint for a life that honors God. Prayer is your lifeline—make it a daily practice to communicate with God, seeking His will and strength to resist temptation. Surround yourself with a community of believers who encourage and challenge you to grow in your faith. Remember, holiness isn’t about perfection but about a sincere desire to reflect Christ in your daily life. Embrace grace when you stumble, and let it propel you forward rather than hold you back. As you cultivate a heart of worship and service, you’ll find that living faithfully becomes a natural outpouring of your love for God and others.
Bible References to “Put Away” Meaning:
Isaiah 50:1-2: 1 Thus says the Lord: “Where is your mother’s certificate of divorce, with which I sent her away? Or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities you were sold, and for your transgressions your mother was sent away.
2 Why, when I came, was there no man;
why, when I called, was there no one to answer?
Is my hand shortened, that it cannot redeem?
Or have I no power to deliver?
Behold, by my rebuke I dry up the sea,
I make the rivers a desert;
their fish stink for lack of water
and die of thirst.
Jeremiah 3:1-8: 1 “If a man divorces his wife and she goes from him and becomes another man’s wife, will he return to her? Would not that land be greatly polluted? You have played the whore with many lovers; and would you return to me? declares the Lord.”
2 “Lift up your eyes to the bare heights, and see! Where have you not been ravished? By the waysides you have sat awaiting lovers like an Arab in the wilderness. You have polluted the land with your vile whoredom.
3 Therefore the showers have been withheld, and the spring rain has not come; yet you have the forehead of a whore; you refuse to be ashamed.
4 Have you not just now called to me, ‘My father, you are the friend of my youth—
5 ‘Will he be angry forever, will he be indignant to the end?’ Behold, you have spoken, but you have done all the evil that you could.”
6 The Lord said to me in the days of King Josiah: “Have you seen what she did, that faithless one, Israel, how she went up on every high hill and under every green tree, and there played the whore?
7 And I thought, ‘After she has done all this she will return to me,’ but she did not return, and her treacherous sister Judah saw it.
8 She saw that for all the adulteries of that faithless one, Israel, I had sent her away with a decree of divorce. Yet her treacherous sister Judah did not fear, but she too went and played the whore.
Matthew 5:31-32: 31 “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’
32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
Matthew 19:3-9: 3 And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?”
4 He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female,
5 and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’?
6 So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”
7 They said to him, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?”
8 He said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.
9 And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.”
Mark 10:2-12: 2 And Pharisees came up and in order to test him asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”
3 He answered them, “What did Moses command you?”
4 They said, “Moses allowed a man to write a certificate of divorce and to send her away.”
5 And Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of heart he wrote you this commandment.
6 But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’
7 ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife,’
8 and the two shall become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two but one flesh.
9 What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.
10 And in the house the disciples asked him again about this matter.
11 And he said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her,
12 And if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”
Luke 16:18: 18 “Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.”
1 Corinthians 7:10-16: 10 To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband.
11 (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.
12 To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her.
13 If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him.
14 For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
15 But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace.
16 For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.