The Bible holds marriage in high esteem, viewing it as a sacred covenant. It’s seen as a lifelong commitment, where two become one. Divorce, on the other hand, is approached with caution. While not absolutely forbidden, it’s seen as a last resort. The Bible encourages reconciliation and working through marital challenges, but also recognizes the reality of broken relationships.
Thinking about marriage and divorce from a Biblical perspective? Let’s delve into what the scriptures say about these significant life decisions.
What Does the Bible Say About Marriage and Divorce?
Marriage and divorce are significant topics in the Bible, each treated with depth and seriousness.
Marriage is celebrated as a holy union. It’s more than just a legal contract; it’s a covenant before God. The Bible portrays marriage as a lifelong partnership, where two people commit to love, support, and honor each other. The concept of ‘two becoming one’ is central. This unity is not just physical, but also emotional and spiritual.
In God’s view, marriage is a reflection of His love and faithfulness. It’s a relationship that should mirror the unconditional love and commitment that God shows to His people. This high regard for marriage emphasizes its importance and the seriousness with which it should be entered into.
But what about when things go wrong? The Bible doesn’t shy away from the reality of marital discord. Divorce is acknowledged, but it’s approached with caution and sadness. The Bible encourages couples to work through their difficulties and seek reconciliation whenever possible. Divorce is seen as permissible in certain circumstances, but not as an easy out for a challenging relationship.
The New Testament, particularly the teachings of Jesus, offers some clear guidance on divorce. Jesus speaks about the sanctity of marriage and the gravity of divorce. He acknowledges that while divorce was allowed in some instances in the Old Testament due to human hardness of heart, it was not what God originally intended.
At the same time, the Bible is realistic. It recognizes that we live in a fallen world where sin can damage relationships. In cases of infidelity or abandonment, divorce is treated as an unfortunate but sometimes necessary option. The key is to approach these situations with wisdom, compassion, and a heart seeking God’s will.
In summary, the Bible upholds marriage as a sacred and lifelong commitment, to be entered into with seriousness and respect. Divorce, while not the ideal, is recognized as a part of our imperfect world. The overarching message is one of love, commitment, and, whenever possible, reconciliation and restoration.
Bible Verses About Marriage and Divorce
- Genesis 2:24: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This verse establishes the foundational concept of unity in marriage.
- Matthew 19:4-6: “He answered, ‘Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, 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”? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.’” Jesus emphasizes the permanence of the marital bond and God’s intention for marriage.
- Ephesians 5:25-33: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…” This passage describes the mutual love and respect that should characterize a marriage, comparing it to Christ’s love for the church.
- 1 Corinthians 7:10-11: “To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife.” Paul advises against divorce, encouraging reconciliation.
- Malachi 2:16: “For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.” This verse speaks to the gravity of divorce and its impact on the family and community.
- Matthew 5:31-32: “It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 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.” Jesus addresses the issue of divorce and its permissible grounds in the context of Jewish law.
- 1 Corinthians 7:12-15: “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. If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him.” This passage offers guidance for marriages where spouses have different beliefs, emphasizing the value of maintaining the marriage if possible.
- Hebrews 13:4: “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.” This verse underscores the sanctity and honor of marriage, warning against sexual immorality.
- Proverbs 31:10-12: “An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.” This proverb celebrates the virtues of a loving and faithful spouse, highlighting the value of trust and benefit in a marriage relationship.
- Mark 10:9: “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” This verse from Mark echoes the teachings of Jesus on the sanctity of marriage, emphasizing that it is a union ordained by God, not to be lightly dissolved.
The Bible’s teachings on marriage and divorce reflect a balance between upholding the sanctity of marriage and recognizing the complexities of human relationships. These verses convey the importance of commitment, love, and fidelity in marriage, while also acknowledging the reality of broken relationships in a fallen world. The scriptures encourage us to view marriage as a sacred covenant, to be entered into and maintained with reverence, love, and a willingness to work through challenges. In cases where divorce becomes a reality, the Bible guides us to approach such situations with a sense of gravity, seeking God’s wisdom and compassion throughout the process.