The phrase references a legal document, specifically a written certificate, authorized under Mosaic Law, that formally dissolved a marriage. This document granted a woman the legal right to remarry. Its issuance signified the termination of the marital covenant, freeing both parties from its obligations. The King James Version (KJV) is a specific English translation of the Bible, so references using this terminology indicate passages related to marital dissolution within that particular translation. For example, Deuteronomy 24:1-4 details conditions related to writing a “bill of divorcement” (KJV) and sending the woman away.
The significance of this document lies in its provision of legal recourse for women within the societal structure of ancient Israel. It provided a degree of protection, preventing arbitrary abandonment and offering a path toward social and economic stability through remarriage. Historically, the concept offers insights into ancient legal and social frameworks concerning marriage, divorce, and the rights afforded to women. The regulation of this practice, as described in the scriptures, demonstrates an attempt to bring order and justice to a complex human relationship.