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H3748 · Hebrew · Old Testament
כְּרִיתוּת
kerîythûth
Noun, feminine
Divorce, Cutting Off

Definition

Kerîythûth (כְּרִיתוּת) means divorce, cutting off, severance. From kārath (to cut). It refers specifically to the certificate of divorce mentioned in Mosaic law.

Usage & Theological Significance

Deuteronomy 24:1,3: if a man finds 'something indecent' in his wife, he writes her a certificate of divorce. Isaiah 50:1 uses it theologically: 'Where is your mother's certificate of divorce with which I sent her away?' — God challenges Israel, declaring He never truly divorced His people. Jeremiah 3:8 says He gave faithless Israel a certificate of divorce, yet still calls her back. God's covenant faithfulness exceeds even the legal provisions for divorce. Jesus in Matthew 19:8 says Moses permitted divorce 'because your hearts were hard, but from the beginning it was not so.'

Key Bible Verses

Deuteronomy 24:1 If a man marries a woman and she becomes displeasing to him, he writes her a certificate of divorce.
Isaiah 50:1 Where is your mother's certificate of divorce with which I sent her away?
Jeremiah 3:8 I gave faithless Israel her certificate of divorce and sent her away because of all her adulteries.

Related Words

External Resources

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