What Does the Bible Say About Divorce?

Written By Mary Carter

Mary holds a degree in theology and she has a deep understanding of biblical texts. She works as an elementary school teacher in Alabama.

Divorce isn’t a topic the Bible approaches lightly. It reveals that marriage is a sacred bond, designed by God to last a lifetime. However, the Bible does acknowledge certain situations where divorce might be allowed, but always with caution. Essentially, God’s view is that divorce is not the ideal, but in our imperfect world, there are times it might be permissible. If you’ve got questions about this topic, you’ve come to the right place.

Read on if you’re looking to dive deeper into what the scriptures have to say about this often-debated topic.

What Does the Bible Say About Divorce?

The Bible paints a portrait of marriage as a profound union, established by God. Jesus Himself emphasized the significance of this bond, harking back to the original design of marriage as a lifelong commitment.

Yet, the New Testament does concede some grounds for divorce. Jesus pointed out that marital unfaithfulness could be a reason (Matthew 19:9). Similarly, the Apostle Paul recognizes instances where a non-believing spouse abandons their believing partner (1 Corinthians 7:15). In these scenarios, the deserted partner isn’t bound and might be free to divorce.

But here’s the tricky part: even where divorce is allowed, it isn’t necessarily endorsed. The overarching theme is that God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16) and that reconciliation should be sought whenever possible.

This perspective becomes clearer when you consider Jesus’s teachings on the matter. He often highlighted the heart issues related to divorce. For instance, divorcing your spouse for any reason other than marital unfaithfulness and then remarrying would be committing adultery (Matthew 5:32).

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This doesn’t mean those who are divorced are forever immersed in sin. Redemption and grace run deep in Christian theology. Mistakes happen, situations are complex, and God’s grace is abundant for every situation.

Bible Verses About Divorce

  1. Malachi 2:16: “For the Lord, the God of Israel, says he hates divorce, and him who covers his garment with violence.” This verse underscores God’s disdain for divorce and highlights the importance of faithfulness.
  2. Matthew 5:32: “But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress, and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.” Jesus presents a strong stance, emphasizing the sacredness of the marital bond.
  3. Matthew 19:9: “I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery.” A similar sentiment to the previous verse, but provides clarity on the condition where divorce may be permissible.
  4. 1 Corinthians 7:15: “But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases.” Apostle Paul introduces a scenario where abandonment by a non-believing spouse might free the believing partner to divorce.
  5. Mark 10:11-12: “He said to them, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.'” Jesus establishes the principle that divorce followed by remarriage, apart from the clause of unfaithfulness, leads to adultery.
  6. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11: “To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband. But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.” These verses remind believers of God’s original design for marriage and the importance of reconciliation.
  7. Romans 7:2-3: “For the married woman is bound by law to her husband while he is living; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law concerning the husband. So then, if while her husband is living she is joined to another man, she shall be called an adulteress.” This emphasizes the permanence of the marital bond and the consequences of breaking it.
  8. Luke 16:18: “Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.” Echoing the same sentiments as in Matthew and Mark, Luke reiterates the stance of Jesus on divorce and remarriage.
  9. Deuteronomy 24:1-4: “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, and if she goes and becomes another man’s wife, 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, then her former husband, who sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife.” This passage from the Old Testament outlines a specific scenario around divorce and remarriage, emphasizing the permanence of decisions once made.
  10. 1 Corinthians 7:39: “A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.” Here, Paul reiterates the lifelong commitment of marriage while highlighting that, upon the passing of a spouse, remarriage is permissible if it aligns with God’s will.
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In navigating these verses, it’s clear that the Bible places great emphasis on the sanctity of marriage. God designed it as a lasting bond, and though our world is imperfect, His ideal remains. While the New Testament provides exceptions where divorce might be permissible, these are not taken lightly.

However, for those who find themselves in the aftermath of divorce, it’s essential to remember that God’s grace is boundless. Jesus came to offer redemption and forgiveness, even in the most challenging situations. In all things, God desires restoration and healing. So, regardless of where you might be on the spectrum of understanding or experiencing divorce, remember that God’s love, mercy, and grace remain steadfast.