The Bible addresses the issue of divorce in several passages, providing guidance on when divorce may be permissible while emphasizing the sanctity of marriage. Divorce is not part of God’s original design for marriage (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:6) and is generally discouraged, but Scripture does acknowledge certain circumstances where it may be allowed.
1. Adultery or Sexual Immorality
Jesus taught that marital unfaithfulness is grounds for divorce.
- Matthew 5:32 (NIV):
“But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” - Matthew 19:9 (NIV):
“I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
Explanation:
The Greek word for “sexual immorality” is porneia, which includes adultery, fornication, and other sexual sins. In such cases, divorce is permitted, though reconciliation is encouraged if possible.
2. Abandonment by an Unbelieving Spouse
The Apostle Paul addresses situations where a believer is married to an unbeliever who chooses to leave the marriage.
- 1 Corinthians 7:15 (NIV):
“But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace.”
Explanation:
If an unbelieving spouse deserts a believer and refuses to remain in the marriage, the believer is not bound to the marriage covenant. This is often interpreted as a valid reason for divorce.
3. Hardness of Heart and Old Testament Teaching
Jesus explained that divorce was permitted under the Mosaic Law because of human hardness of heart, though it was not God’s ideal.
- Deuteronomy 24:1-4 (NIV):
“If a man marries a woman who becomes displeasing to him because he finds something indecent about her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house…”- This law regulated divorce in ancient Israel to protect women from being mistreated or discarded arbitrarily.
- Matthew 19:8 (NIV):
“Jesus replied, ‘Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.’”
Explanation:
Divorce was tolerated under the Law of Moses, but Jesus reaffirmed that God’s original design was for lifelong marital union.
4. Abuse and Neglect (Implied Principles)
While the Bible does not explicitly mention abuse as grounds for divorce, principles of Scripture emphasize the sanctity of life and the call for spouses to love and care for one another.
- Ephesians 5:25 (NIV):
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” - Exodus 21:10-11 (NIV):
In the context of ancient Israel’s laws, neglect and mistreatment in marriage allowed for a wife to leave:
“If he does not provide her with food, clothing and marital rights, she is to go free, without any payment of money.”
Explanation:
Many Christians interpret these principles to mean that abuse, whether physical, emotional, or severe neglect, violates the covenant of marriage and could justify separation or divorce.
Biblical View of Marriage and Divorce
God’s Design for Marriage
Marriage is a lifelong covenant reflecting God’s relationship with His people.
- Genesis 2:24 (NIV):
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” - Matthew 19:6 (NIV):
“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Divorce as a Last Resort
Divorce is permitted in certain circumstances but is never God’s ideal.
- Malachi 2:16 (NIV):
“‘The man who hates and divorces his wife,’ says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘does violence to the one he should protect,’ says the Lord Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful.” - 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 (NIV):
“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.”
Encouragement for Reconciliation
While divorce may be permissible in certain situations, the Bible encourages reconciliation and forgiveness when possible.
- Colossians 3:13 (NIV):
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” - 1 Corinthians 7:11 (NIV):
“But if she does [separate], she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband.”
Practical Considerations for Christians
- Seek God’s Guidance in Prayer:
Divorce is a serious decision that requires prayer and spiritual discernment.- James 1:5 (NIV):
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
- James 1:5 (NIV):
- Counsel with Spiritual Leaders:
Consult trusted pastors or Christian counselors for wisdom and support. - Protect the Vulnerable:
In cases of abuse or danger, safety and well-being should be prioritized.- Psalm 82:4 (NIV):
“Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
- Psalm 82:4 (NIV):
- Pursue Reconciliation Where Possible:
Reconciliation should be attempted when both spouses are willing to work toward restoration.
Conclusion
The Bible teaches that marriage is a sacred covenant designed by God for a lifetime. Divorce is permitted in cases of sexual immorality (Matthew 19:9) or abandonment by an unbelieving spouse (1 Corinthians 7:15), and some interpret biblical principles to extend this to situations involving abuse or severe neglect. However, divorce is not God’s ideal, and believers are encouraged to pursue reconciliation, forgiveness, and healing whenever possible.