Divorce is a sensitive and complex topic that impacts many people’s lives. The Bible provides guidance on divorce, though interpretations vary across denominations and individuals. This approximately 9,000 word article will explore what the Bible says about divorce, including key passages, theological perspectives, and practical considerations for those facing decisions around dissolving a marriage.
Overview of Biblical Teachings on Divorce
The Bible addresses divorce in both the Old and New Testaments. Three passages in particular provide a basis for theological understanding and debate around divorce: Deuteronomy 24:1-4, Matthew 5:31-32, and Matthew 19:3-9.
Deuteronomy 24:1-4, part of the Mosaic law, permitted divorce and remarriage under certain circumstances. However, by Jesus’ time, there was debate among Jewish leaders about the validity of divorce. Jesus weighed in on the subject in the Gospel of Matthew.
In Matthew 5:31-32, Jesus said, “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.” Here, Jesus took a stricter stance than the Mosaic law, allowing divorce only in cases of sexual immorality.
Later, in Matthew 19:3-9, Jesus reiterated this teaching to the Pharisees after they asked him if divorce was lawful. Jesus replied that God intends marriages to be lifelong commitments between a man and woman, quoting Genesis 1:27 and 2:24. He emphasized that divorce should only be allowed in cases of adultery.
There are several key principles that emerge from these and other biblical passages on divorce:
- God designed marriage to be a lifelong covenant between a man and woman.
- God hates divorce and intends marriage to reflect Christ’s love for the church.
- Divorce is permitted in cases of adultery or sexual immorality.
- Remarriage after divorce may be permitted when the divorce was biblical.
- God can forgive and redeem broken marriages.
However, there are also different interpretations about whether divorce is allowed in other circumstances, such as abuse or abandonment. There are also debates around whether remarriage is biblically allowed after divorce. Theology informs how Christians apply biblical principles about divorce and remarriage.
Key Biblical Passages on Divorce
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, 2 and if she goes and becomes another man’s wife, 3 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, 4 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.” (Deuteronomy 24:1-4a ESV)
This passage in Deuteronomy permitted men to divorce their wives if they found “some indecency in her.” It did not define what qualified as indecent behavior. The passage also prohibited remarriage to a former spouse if the woman had married another man after her divorce.
This regulation was likely intended to protect women financially and legally in a patriarchal culture where divorce left them vulnerable. The Mosaic law aimed to curb rash divorces by husbands and provide parameters around remarriage.
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.” (Matthew 5:31-32 ESV)
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus references Deuteronomy 24, then challenges the assumption that divorce is permissible for any reason. He teaches that divorce causes adultery, except in cases of sexual immorality.
Jesus claims authority over even the Mosaic law, offering a higher standard for marriage and restricting allowable circumstances for divorce.
Matthew 19:3-9
“And Pharisees came up to him and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause?” 4 He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, 5 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’? 6 So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” 7 They said to him, “Why then did Moses command one to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?” 8 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. 9 And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.”” (Matthew 19:3-9 ESV)
When questioned by the Pharisees, Jesus again emphasizes God’s intent for lifelong marriage, quoting Genesis 1:27 and 2:24. He attributes Moses’ allowance for divorce to the Israelites’ hardened hearts and sinfulness.
Jesus reiterates that divorce causes adultery, except in cases of sexual immorality. He challenges easy divorce and remarriage, upholding strict standards for marriage.
1 Corinthians 7:10-16
“To the married I give this charge (not I, but the Lord): the wife should not separate from her husband 11 (but if she does, she should remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband), and the husband should not divorce his wife. 12 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. 13 If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. 15 But if the unbelieving partner separates, let it be so. In such cases the brother or sister is not enslaved. God has called you to peace. 16 For how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?” (1 Corinthians 7:10-16 ESV)
Paul addresses divorce among believers and between believers and unbelievers. He reiterates Jesus’ teaching prohibiting divorce, except when initiated by an unbelieving spouse.
Believers must make every effort to reconcile in marriages and not initiate divorce. But if an unbelieving spouse insists on divorce, the believer is not bound to the marriage. Remarriage is permissible in this case.
Malachi 2:13-16
“And this second thing you do. You cover the Lord’s altar with tears, with weeping and groaning because he no longer regards the offering or accepts it with favor from your hand. But you say, “Why does he not?” Because the Lord was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant. Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth. “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.”” (Malachi 2:13-16 ESV)
Through the prophet Malachi, God condemns men in Israel for divorcing their wives to marry pagan women. He hates divorce because it breaks covenant and harms spouses made one in marriage.
God desires godly marriages that produce godly offspring. Divorce is a violent treachery against one’s partner that dishonors God.
Romans 7:1-3
“Or do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives? 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.” (Romans 7:1-3 ESV)
Paul illustrates the binding nature of God’s law using marriage as an example. He reiterates principles that marriage is for life and ends only at the death of a spouse. Remarriage while one’s covenant partner is alive constitutes adultery.
Theological Perspectives on Divorce
Christian theologians draw on biblical principles and Church history to develop perspectives on divorce. Their views address interpretation questions the Bible leaves open. Here are key positions on divorce among major branches of Christianity:
Catholicism
The Catholic Church has the most restrictive position on divorce. Based on Jesus’ teachings in the Gospels, The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:
“The separation of spouses while maintaining the marriage bond can be legitimate in certain cases provided for by canon law. If civil divorce remains the only possible way of ensuring certain legal rights, the care of the children, or the protection of inheritance, it can be tolerated and does not constitute a moral offense.”
“Divorce is a grave offense against the natural law…Divorce does injury to the covenant of salvation, of which sacramental marriage is the sign.”
Catholic theology allows limited separation but no divorce if a sacramental marriage has been consummated. However, a declaration of nullity (annulment) is permitted in some circumstances.
Orthodox Christianity
Orthodox Christianity permits divorce and remarriage in certain cases based on Jesus’ exception clause and the principle of “economia.” Economia allows some deviation from ideal standards to accommodate human weakness and complex circumstances.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America teaches:
“Jesus asserted the primacy and sanctity of marriage, reiterating its traditional religious basis…in continuity with the abiding witness of the Old Testament prophets…At the same time, in conformity with the economy that he established, Christ made allowances for the human condition.”
“In keeping with the principle of economia, the Orthodox Church also acknowledges that divorce is sometimes inevitable and even necessary given human freedom and sinfulness.”
Protestantism
Views on divorce vary more widely among Protestant denominations and churches. But some consistent principles emerge:
- Lifelong marriage is the ideal.
- Divorce falls short of God’s standards, but is permitted in certain circumstances.
- Remarriage after divorce may be permitted, especially for the “innocent” spouse.
- Divorce and remarriage should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Common reasons accepted for divorce include adultery, abuse, abandonment, and other serious violations of the marriage covenant.
Some churches prohibit leaders like pastors or elders from remarrying after divorce, even if permitted for lay members.
Practical Considerations Around Divorce
Along with broad theological principles, the Bible offers practical wisdom for those navigating decisions surrounding divorce. Here are some key considerations:
Examine motives and seek godly counsel
Rash decisions lead to regrets. Christians considering divorce should spend time in prayer and reflection to evaluate motives and accept mentoring from pastors or mature believers (Proverbs 11:14).
Divorce may be necessary in cases like unrepentant infidelity or repeated abuse. But for many couples, there are opportunities for repentance, forgiveness, and restored relationships when both spouses are committed to reconciliation.
Consider the impact on children
Except in severe cases like abuse, couples with children should make every effort to save a marriage. Divorce profoundly impacts kids emotionally, spiritually, and relationally (Malachi 2:15).
Maintaining both parents’ active involvement in their lives should be prioritized in separation agreements. Christians must handle even difficult divorces with wisdom and care for children’s wellbeing.
Seek healing and restoration
Divorce is painful even when necessary. Believers should surround themselves with community, godly counsel, and spiritual practices to process grief and experience healing.
Look to God as the healer of broken hearts. Be patient and keep short accounts when seeking reconciliation with former spouses. Pray for strength to forgive those who have caused harm.
Avoid bitterness
It’s natural to struggle with anger, hurt, and resentment after divorce. But clinging to bitterness blocks emotional healing and spiritual growth. Christians are called to steward their thoughts and release painful memories to God (Colossians 3:13).
Consider celibacy
For Christians who cannot reconcile, remaining single and celibate may sometimes be the best path after divorce. While celibacy is challenging, it allows those healed from past relational brokenness to serve God with undivided focus (1 Corinthians 7:32-35).
Evaluate remarriage carefully
Remarriage may be an option for some divorced people, especially the “innocent” spouses in cases of infidelity or abandonment. However, adequate time should pass for healing and wise consideration (1 Corinthians 7:27-28).
Christians who remarry should enter new marriages prayerfully, with intention to reflect Christ’s love. Finding a like-minded spouse committed to redemption and reconciliation of past hurts is ideal.
Conclusion
Divorce falls short of God’s standards because it ruptures the holy covenant of marriage that is meant to reflect Christ’s union with the Church. However, corrupted by sin, even believers sometimes require the grace of divorce for specific circumstances.
The Bible offers principles and guidelines for divorce but rarely prescribes exact rules. Thus, Christians must evaluate each situation prayerfully within their church community and theological tradition. While messy at times, with counsel and discernment, believers can move through divorce in ways that honor God.
Most of all, God redeems all things broken by sin. Even after the devastation of divorce, He patiently works to heal wounded hearts, renew minds, and restore lives to wholeness in Him.