What Does the Bible Say About Divorce?

Divorce is a tough topic for many. It’s personal, emotional, and often, people look to their faith for guidance. When it comes to understanding “what does the Bible say about divorce,” the answers are nuanced and deeply rooted in scripture.

Let’s dive into the Bible’s teachings, using both the King James Version (KJV) and the Complete Jewish Bible (CJB) for a well-rounded view.

What Does the Bible Say About Divorce? An Overview

The Bible’s stance on divorce begins with the concept of marriage itself. In Genesis 2:24 (KJV), it states, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”

This means marriage is meant to be a lifelong bond. The CJB translates it similarly, stressing unity and permanence.

Jesus reinforces this in Matthew 19:6 (KJV): “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”

Here, Jesus highlights that marriage is sacred and should not be broken lightly. The CJB supports this, emphasizing that marriage is a divine union.

Real-life stories show this principle in action. Consider a couple facing severe challenges. They turned to their faith for guidance, finding strength in Biblical teachings about unity and forgiveness. This helped them reconcile and strengthen their bond.

The Bible acknowledges human imperfection. It provides allowances for divorce in certain situations, but its core message is about commitment and reconciliation.

Biblical Grounds for Divorce: Adultery and Abandonment

The Bible highlights two main grounds for divorce: adultery and abandonment. In Matthew 5:32 (KJV), Jesus says, “But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery.”

The CJB echoes this, noting that unfaithfulness can break the marriage bond.

Paul adds another ground in 1 Corinthians 7:15 (KJV): “But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases.” The CJB emphasizes peace, stating believers are not bound if an unbelieving spouse leaves.

Imagine a woman whose husband repeatedly cheats. Despite her efforts to forgive, he continues. Guided by Biblical teachings, she seeks a divorce, knowing that adultery has broken their covenant.

The Bible’s clear grounds for divorce in cases of adultery and abandonment reflect the need to protect the integrity of marriage.

Jesus’ Teachings on Divorce: Context and Interpretation

Jesus’ words on divorce are crucial. In Matthew 19:3-12 (KJV), the Pharisees test Jesus, asking, “Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?” Jesus replies, reiterating the sanctity of marriage.

He acknowledges Moses allowed divorce due to hard hearts, but this wasn’t God’s intention.

Jesus’ stance aligns with the stricter Rabbinic school of Shammai, which allowed divorce only for serious reasons. This context helps us understand Jesus’ firm position against easy divorce.

Think of a man considering divorce for trivial reasons. After studying Jesus’ teachings, he realizes the importance of working through marital issues, not seeking an easy way out.

Jesus’ teachings stress that marriage is a lifelong commitment, with divorce allowed only in exceptional cases.

What Does the Bible Say About Divorce and Remarriage?

Understanding divorce and remarriage in the Bible is crucial. In Matthew 19:9 (KJV), Jesus states, “Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery.”

The CJB supports this, showing remarriage is permitted if the original divorce was due to sexual immorality.

The “exception clause” in this verse allows divorce and remarriage in cases of infidelity. This has been a key point in many theological debates.

Consider a woman whose husband left her and their children. After years of trying to reconcile, she sought a divorce and later remarried a supportive, devout Christian man.

Her story reflects the Biblical allowance for remarriage under specific circumstances, offering hope and new beginnings.

The Bible guides us on when remarriage is permissible, focusing on faithfulness and the seriousness of marital vows.

Old Testament Perspectives: Divorce in Mosaic Law

The Old Testament gives detailed laws on divorce. Deuteronomy 24:1-4 (KJV) says, “When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes… then let him write her a bill of divorcement.”

The CJB translates it similarly, showing a structured approach to divorce.

These laws aimed to protect both parties, especially women. Divorce was a legal process to ensure fairness and prevent destitution.

Modern scholars find parallels in today’s legal systems, which also aim to protect vulnerable parties during divorce. This historical perspective helps us appreciate the fairness and protection these ancient laws intended.

The Old Testament’s legal framework for divorce highlights the importance of fairness and protection, principles that still resonate today.

The Apostle Paul on Marriage and Divorce

Paul’s letters provide profound guidance on marriage and divorce. In 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 (KJV), he writes, “And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband.”

The CJB emphasizes the need for reconciliation and maintaining the marital bond.

Paul also addresses mixed marriages. In 1 Corinthians 7:15 (KJV), he states, “But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart.” This acknowledges the complexities of mixed-faith marriages and provides a compassionate approach.

Imagine a couple with differing beliefs. Paul’s teachings helped them navigate their differences with grace and understanding, strengthening their relationship.

Paul’s teachings emphasize reconciliation and respect, offering practical guidance for modern Christian couples.

Modern Interpretations: Divorce and the Christian Faith Today

Today, Christians have diverse views on divorce. Different denominations have varying stances. For instance, the Catholic Church upholds a strict view against divorce, while many Protestant denominations allow it under specific circumstances.

Church leaders often play a crucial role, offering counseling and support. Many churches help couples work through their issues, reflecting the Biblical call to unity and forgiveness.

Consider a couple facing severe issues who turned to their church community. Through counseling and prayer, they found ways to address their problems, reflecting the Bible’s teachings on reconciliation.

Modern Christian views on divorce are diverse but often aim to reflect Biblical principles of unity and forgiveness.

What Does the Bible Say About Divorce? A Path to Reconciliation and Healing

The Bible offers a path to reconciliation and healing. It emphasizes forgiveness and the possibility of restoration. This message is crucial for those facing divorce.

The Bible encourages couples to seek reconciliation whenever possible. It provides allowances for divorce but stresses that it should be a last resort. Forgiveness and healing are central themes.

Consider a couple who, after years of conflict, decided to reconcile. Through faith and counseling, they rebuilt their relationship, embodying the Biblical call to forgiveness and healing.

The Bible’s message is clear: strive for reconciliation and healing, even in the face of divorce.

FAQ: What Does the Bible Say About Divorce?

Is divorce allowed in the Bible?

The Bible allows divorce under specific conditions such as sexual immorality (Matthew 5:32, 19:9) and abandonment by an unbelieving spouse (1 Corinthians 7:15).

What are the three biblical reasons for divorce?

The three commonly cited biblical reasons for divorce are sexual immorality, abandonment by an unbelieving spouse, and in some interpretations, abuse (1 Corinthians 7:15).

Does God want you to stay in an unhappy marriage?

God’s preference is for reconciliation and forgiveness within marriage. However, in cases of severe issues like infidelity, abandonment, or abuse, divorce may be considered as a last resort (Ephesians 4:32, Matthew 19:9).

What does the Bible say about divorce and separation?

The Bible advises that separation should ideally lead to reconciliation. If reconciliation is impossible, divorce may be permitted under specific conditions, and remarriage may be considered (1 Corinthians 7:10-11, 15).

What are the biblical grounds for divorce?

The Bible explicitly mentions two grounds for divorce: sexual immorality (Matthew 5:32; 19:9) and abandonment by an unbelieving spouse (1 Corinthians 7:15).

What does the Bible say about divorce and remarriage?

The Bible allows remarriage if the original divorce was due to sexual immorality (Matthew 19:9 KJV). This is known as the “exception clause.”

Are there grounds for divorce besides adultery?

Yes, abandonment by an unbelieving spouse is also a valid ground (1 Corinthians 7:15 KJV).

What is the Old Testament’s view on divorce?

The Old Testament provides a legal framework for divorce, emphasizing fairness and protection (Deuteronomy 24:1-4 KJV).

How do different denominations view divorce?

Views vary. The Catholic Church generally opposes divorce, while many Protestant denominations allow it under specific circumstances.

Can divorced individuals remarry according to the Bible?

Yes, but typically only if the divorce occurred due to sexual immorality or abandonment. Each case should be considered carefully within the church community.