Discover the Bible’s perspective on divorce through these verses and their clear explanations.
Divorce is a complex and often painful subject, and many turn to the Bible for guidance on this matter. In your journey to understand what Scripture says about divorce, it’s essential to explore key verses that address this topic directly and insightfully. From Malachi to Romans, the Bible offers profound wisdom and directives that can illuminate God’s perspective on the dissolution of marriage. Whether seeking comfort, clarity, or counsel, these verses will provide a comprehensive understanding to support your spiritual and personal journey.
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.”
God’s disdain for divorce is clearly expressed in this verse. It highlights how ending a marriage without loving consideration is seen as an act of violence.
- The word “violence” signifies the deep harm done to the covenant of marriage.
- God emphasizes the importance of guarding one’s spirit, implying that attitudes and intentions matter.
- The term “faithless” underscores betrayal, pointing to the spiritual and emotional breach caused by divorce.
This verse encourages careful reflection and faithfulness in relationships, aligning personal actions with divine values.
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 a common practice of his time where a husband could easily divorce his wife by simply giving her a certificate of divorce. However, Jesus raises the standard, emphasizing the seriousness of the marriage covenant.
He clarifies that except in cases of sexual immorality, divorce leads to adultery. This highlights the sacredness of marriage and the importance of fidelity.
Jesus’ teaching here serves to uphold the dignity and respect of marriage, making it clear that it’s more than a contractual agreement; it’s a spiritual union ordained by God.
This verse challenges us to consider the weight of our commitments and the deep moral implications of divorce. It encourages resolving marital issues with love and faithfulness, keeping divorce as a last resort.
Matthew 19:6 – “So They Are No Longer Two but One Flesh. What Therefore God Has Joined Together, Let Not Man Separate.”
This verse speaks to the sacredness of the marriage bond. Jesus emphasizes that marriage creates a profound unity between two people. Here are some key points:
God is the creator of marriage. He joins couples together, signifying His blessing.
Unity in marriage means becoming “one flesh,” signifying complete emotional, physical, and spiritual union.
Man is warned against separating what God has united. Divorce is not just a personal decision; it disrupts a divine covenant.
The phrase “let not man separate” underscores the permanence intended in marriage.
This verse highlights the seriousness with which God views marriage, encouraging couples to seek harmony and unity.
Matthew 19:8-9 – “He Said to Them, ‘Because of Your Hardness of Heart Moses Allowed You to Divorce Your Wives, but From the Beginning It Was Not So. And I Say to You: Whoever Divorces His Wife, Except for Sexual Immorality, and Marries Another, Commits Adultery.'”
Jesus highlights that Moses permitted divorce due to the hardness of human hearts. This implies it was a concession, not the ideal.
From the beginning, marriage was intended to be a lifelong union. Jesus reaffirms that bonding.
Divorce is permissible only in cases of sexual immorality. It’s seen as a protection for wronged spouses.
Remarriage after divorce, unless on these grounds, results in adultery. It underlines the sanctity and seriousness of marriage.
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’s message here is extraordinarily clear and rooted in divine command.
First, the instruction that a wife should not separate from her husband emphasizes the sanctity and commitment of marriage.
If separation occurs, the wife is urged to remain unmarried or pursue reconciliation. This highlights the importance of attempts to restore what was initially joined by God.
For husbands, the directive mirrors the wife’s – not to divorce his spouse. It underscores mutual responsibility in preserving the marital bond.
Overall, the teaching recognizes marriage as a serious, lifelong covenant, emphasizing faithfulness and reconciliation over separation.
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.”
This verse underscores the seriousness of marriage and divorce. Jesus describes remarriage after divorce as an act of adultery, placing immense value on the marital bond.
Key points to consider:
- The sanctity of marriage is paramount, designed to be a lifelong commitment.
- Divorcing and remarrying is seen as breaking this sacred covenant.
- The verse emphasizes consequences not just for the one who divorces but also for those who marry divorced individuals.
- It highlights an expectation for faithfulness and integrity within marriage.
Understanding these points can help grasp why marriage is held in such high regard within the biblical context. It’s a call to uphold vows and respect the unifying bond of marriage.
Mark 10:11-12 – “And He Said to Them, ‘Whoever Divorces His Wife and Marries Another Commits Adultery Against Her; and If She Divorces Her Husband and Marries Another, She Commits Adultery.'”
This verse emphasizes the gravity of divorce and remarriage in the eyes of Jesus. It underscores the sanctity of the marriage covenant, challenging the cultural norms about divorce during that time.
Firstly, adultery is perceived not just as a physical act but as a violation of the marital promise. Breaking this promise to form a new union was considered adulterous.
Secondly, both men and women are held to the same standard. This mutual accountability stresses the equal spiritual responsibility in marriage.
Lastly, Jesus’ stance here reflects a radical departure from the more lax interpretations permitted by cultural and legal traditions. He is calling for a return to the original divine intention for marriage.
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, After She Has Been Defiled, for That Is an Abomination Before the Lord. And You Shall Not Bring Sin Upon the Land That the Lord Your God Is Giving You for an Inheritance.”
This passage addresses the legalities and moral implications of divorce in ancient Israel. It underscores the gravity and consequences of ending a marriage:
- If a husband finds “some indecency” in his wife, he could issue a certificate of divorce. The term “indecency” isn’t clearly defined but implies serious moral or ethical concerns.
- Once she becomes another man’s wife, the first husband cannot remarry her, even if the second husband divorces her or passes away.
- Remarrying a divorced spouse after she has been with another is considered an abomination and brings sin upon the land.
This law emphasizes the sanctity and permanence of marriage, discouraging casual divorces and remarrying for frivolous reasons. It also protects women from being treated as property that can be traded back and forth. The focus is on maintaining integrity and holiness within the community.
Romans 7:2-3 – “For a Married Woman Is Bound By Law to Her Husband While He Lives, but If Her Husband Dies She Is Released From the Law of Marriage. Accordingly, She Will Be Called an Adulteress If She Lives With Another Man While Her Husband Is Alive. But If Her Husband Dies, She Is Free From That Law, and If She Marries Another Man She Is Not an Adulteress.”
This verse highlights several critical aspects of marriage within biblical teaching:
Firstly, it underscores the lifelong commitment of marriage. A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives, emphasizing the seriousness and enduring nature of the marital bond.
Secondly, the verse clarifies the notion of adultery. If a woman lives with another man while her husband is still alive, she is considered an adulteress. This strongly reinforces the sanctity and exclusivity of marriage.
Lastly, it provides for the state of widowhood. If the husband dies, the woman is free from the marriage law and may remarry without being labeled an adulteress. This shows compassion and understanding for the complexities of life.
Paul uses this analogy to also explain deeper spiritual truths about the believer’s relationship with the law and Christ. This dual-purpose teaching makes the verse rich with meaning.
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