Divorce is a complex and sensitive topic that affects many lives. As Christians, we seek guidance from the Bible to navigate this challenging issue. While the Bible acknowledges the reality of divorce, it also provides wisdom and principles to help us approach it with care and reverence. In this article, we’ll explore 23 Bible verses about divorce.
Biblical Context
Marriage is a sacred institution created by God, and the Bible teaches us to honor and cherish it (Ephesians 5:31-33, Matthew 19:4-6). However, the Bible also acknowledges that divorce has been a part of human experience since the Old Testament times.
In the Old Testament, certificates of divorce were given to wives (Deuteronomy 24:1-4), and separation was allowed in certain circumstances (1 Corinthians 7:10-11).
Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament emphasize the importance of marital unity and the exception of fornication as a grounds for divorce (Matthew 5:31-32, Matthew 19:9). The apostle Paul further clarifies Christian teachings on divorce in his epistles (1 Corinthians 7:10-16, Romans 7:2-3).
23 Bible Verses About Divorce
1. Deuteronomy 24:1-4
“When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.”
2. Malachi 2:16
“For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the Lord of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.”
3. Matthew 5:31-32
“It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.”
4. Matthew 19:9
“And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.”
5. Mark 10:11-12
“And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.”
6. Luke 16:18
“Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.”
7. Romans 7:2-3
“For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
Therefore if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.”
8. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11
“And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.”
9. 1 Corinthians 7:12-13
“But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.”
10. 1 Corinthians 7:15
“But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.”
11. 1 Corinthians 7:27-28
“Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.”
12. 1 Corinthians 7:39
“The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.”
13. Ephesians 4:32
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
14. Colossians 3:13
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
15. Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.”
16. 1 Peter 3:7
“Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”
17. Matthew 19:6
“Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.”
18. Mark 10:8-9
“And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
19. Romans 8:38-39
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
20. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.”
21. Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
22. Malachi 2:15
“And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.”
23. Genesis 2:24
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
Principles and Takeaways
From these verses, we can glean the following principles:
a. God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16), but allows it in certain circumstances (Matthew 5:31-32, 1 Corinthians 7:10-16).
b. Marriage is a lifelong commitment (Romans 7:2-3, 1 Corinthians 7:39).
c. Reconciliation and restoration are encouraged (Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:13).
d. Forgiveness and love are essential in marriage (Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:19).
e God’s ideal is for marriage to be a lifelong union (Matthew 19:6, Mark 10:8-9).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the Bible say about divorce?
The Bible has various verses addressing divorce, emphasizing God’s desire for marital unity (Matthew 19:6), but also allowing for divorce in certain situations (Matthew 5:32, 1 Corinthians 7:15).
2. What is the biblical basis for divorce?
The Bible provides grounds for divorce in cases of adultery (Matthew 5:32, 19:9), abandonment by an unbelieving spouse (1 Corinthians 7:15), and sexual immorality (Matthew 19:9).
3. Does the Bible condemn divorce?
A: While the Bible encourages marital unity and reconciliation, it does not entirely condemn divorce. Jesus’ teachings emphasize the gravity of divorce, but also acknowledge its necessity in certain situations (Mark 10:9).
4. Can a Christian remarry after divorce?
The Bible permits remarriage in certain circumstances, such as the death of a spouse (Romans 7:2-3, 1 Corinthians 7:39) or divorce due to adultery or abandonment (Matthew 5:32, 1 Corinthians 7:15).
Conclusion
Divorce is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of biblical principles. While the Bible acknowledges the reality of divorce, it also emphasizes the importance of marital unity, reconciliation, and restoration.
As Christians, let us seek to honor God’s design for marriage and seek guidance from His Word in navigating the challenges of divorce. May we find hope and redemption in Christ, who reconciled us to Himself through His sacrifice on the cross (Romans 5:10-11).