Abstract:
This article is the second in a three-part series that aims to
stimulate the hermeneutical debate in the church about marriage as Biblical institution. The
first-century Mediterranean world had a very specific understanding of what marriage, betrothal,
adultery, divorce and remarriage entailed. A description thereof is given. The question whether this
understanding of these concepts can still be applicable in our understanding of marriage as a
postmodern institution, is posed. Although the question is answered in the negative, it does not,
however, mean that the Bible does not have anything to offer as far as marriage in a postmodern
society is concerned.
