The Bible addresses divorce and remarriage in several passages, highlighting principles of commitment, fidelity, and the sanctity of marriage. Here are key references and their interpretations:
1. **Genesis 2:24** – “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
– This verse establishes the foundational view of marriage as a sacred union meant to be lifelong.
2. **Malachi 2:16** – “For I hate divorce, says the Lord, the God of Israel, and him who covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.”
– Here, God expresses His disapproval of divorce, emphasizing faithfulness in marriage.
3. **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?’ … And He answered, ‘What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.’ … And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.'”
– Jesus teaches that divorce was permitted because of the hardness of hearts but emphasizes that it is not God’s original design. He provides an exception for sexual immorality.
4. **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.'”
– Similar to the passage in Matthew, this reinforces the permanence of marriage and the seriousness of divorce.
5. **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 reinforces the idea of reconciliation and the call for those who are separated to remain unmarried or to restore the marriage.
6. **1 Corinthians 7:15** – “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.”
– This passage acknowledges that when an unbelieving spouse chooses to leave, the believer is no longer bound, providing a basis for potential remarriage.
7. **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 to marry whom she wishes, only in the Lord.”
– Here, Paul explains that death releases a spouse from the marriage covenant, allowing for remarriage without committing adultery.
These biblical references reflect a comprehensive view of divorce and remarriage within the context of faithfulness and God’s intention for marriage. The overall message emphasizes the importance of commitment while allowing for grace in situations of unfaithfulness or abandonment.