Divorce and adultery are serious topics in the Bible, with specific teachings on both. Today, we will look at what Scripture says about these issues, how they affect relationships, and the hope that can be found in God’s grace and forgiveness.
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What Does The Bible Say About Divorce And Adultery
Matthew 19:9
“And I say to you: whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.”
This verse highlights Jesus’ teaching on divorce and adultery. It emphasizes that divorce should only be permitted in cases of sexual immorality, and remarriage without such grounds is considered adultery.
It reminds believers of the importance of fidelity and commitment in marriage, urging them to seek reconciliation instead of opting for divorce. Divorce should always be a last resort, emphasizing the seriousness of the marriage covenant.
Mark 10:11-12
“So he told them, ‘Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.'”
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes that divorce and remarriage results in adultery. It highlights the equal responsibility and consequences for both husbands and wives in a divorce.
This verse aims to discourage divorce as a quick resolution to marital problems and encourages spouses to work through difficulties, emphasizing the sanctity and permanence of marriage.
Malachi 2:16
“‘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.'”
God declares through the prophet Malachi that divorce is an act that goes against His design and intention for marriage. A man who divorces his wife without love demonstrates a lack of honor and respect for the marriage covenant.
This verse serves as a reminder that divorce is not God’s desire for His people and urges husbands to cherish and love their wives, promoting healthy, faithful, and committed relationships.
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.”
In this passage, the Apostle Paul reminds married couples of the Lord’s teaching regarding divorce. He encourages couples to remain united and not to separate or divorce.
If separation does occur, Paul advises that it should ideally be accompanied by a commitment to remain unmarried or pursue reconciliation with one’s spouse, emphasizing the importance of preserving the marriage bond.
Matthew 5:32
“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.”
Jesus reiterates the seriousness of divorce and its consequences in this verse. He highlights that divorcing a spouse without grounds of sexual immorality leads to adultery both for the divorced wife and anyone who marries her.
This verse emphasizes the importance of discernment and careful consideration before entering into a marriage, encouraging believers to prioritize commitment and fidelity.
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.”
The Apostle Paul addresses situations where an unbelieving spouse chooses to separate from a believing partner. He advises that in such cases, the believer is not bound to the marriage and may let the separation occur.
This verse acknowledges the complexities that can arise in marriages where faith differences exist and emphasizes the importance of maintaining peace in difficult circumstances.
1 Corinthians 7:39
“A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.”
Paul teaches that within the bounds of marriage, a wife is bound to her husband as long as he is alive. However, if her husband dies, she is free to remarry, with the caveat that the new marriage should be “in the Lord.”
This verse acknowledges the reality of widowhood and assures widows of the freedom to enter a new marriage, provided it aligns with the principles of faith.
Ephesians 5:31
“‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.'”
Paul quotes from Genesis to emphasize the oneness that occurs in marriage. A man is to leave his family and fully commit to his wife, forming a unity that goes beyond physical ties.
This verse highlights the sacrificial nature of marriage and the need for mutual love, respect, and unity within the marital relationship.
Proverbs 5:18-19
“Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.”
This passage from Proverbs encourages husbands to find delight and satisfaction in their wives. It celebrates the beauty and intimacy of the marital relationship and encourages husbands to cherish their wives.
The verse promotes the idea of fidelity and commitment, reminding husbands of the joy and blessing that comes from a loving, intimate relationship with their spouse.
1 Corinthians 6:18
“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.”
Paul urges believers to stay away from sexual immorality, emphasizing its significance as a sin that affects one’s own body. It carries unique consequences and damages the relationship with God and others.
This verse reminds us of the importance of purity and fidelity, highlighting the need for self-control and honoring God’s design for sexual intimacy within the context of marriage.
Proverbs 6:32
“He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself.”
The book of Proverbs warns against the destructive nature of adultery. It highlights that those who engage in adultery lack wisdom and understanding, ultimately bringing harm upon themselves.
This verse serves as a cautionary reminder of the negative consequences and devastating effects of infidelity, encouraging believers to value faithfulness and protect their marriages.
Hebrews 13:4
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
Hebrews urges believers to esteem the institution of marriage and to maintain the purity of the marital relationship. It emphasizes that God will judge those who engage in sexual immorality and adultery.
This verse underscores the significance of fidelity and faithfulness in marriage and serves as a reminder of God’s expectations and standards for His people.
Proverbs 2:16-17
“So you will be delivered from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words, who forsakes the companion of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God.”
Proverbs cautions against the temptation of adultery and the allure of those who entice others into immoral relationships. It warns individuals of the consequences of forsaking the covenant of marriage.
This verse encourages believers to guard their hearts and minds against the siren calls of infidelity, reminding them to remain faithful to their spouses and the commitment they made before God.
Proverbs 30:20
“This is the way of an adulteress: she eats and wipes her mouth and says, ‘I have done no wrong.'”
Proverbs paints a vivid picture of the deceptive nature of adulterous relationships. It exposes the hypocrisy of those who engage in unfaithfulness and deny their wrongdoing.
This verse serves as a warning against the lies and self-deception that can accompany adultery, reminding believers to embrace honesty and faithfulness in all aspects of their lives, including their marital relationships.
1 Peter 3:1
“Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives.”
The Apostle Peter advises wives to submit to their husbands, demonstrating godly behavior that may influence their unbelieving husbands towards faith.
This verse highlights the power of a godly and respectful wife and encourages women to strive for a Christ-centered character, recognizing that their actions can impact their spouse’s spiritual journey.
Proverbs 12:4
“An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.”
The book of Proverbs extols the value of a virtuous wife who brings honor and blessing to her husband. Conversely, a wife who brings shame and dishonor has a detrimental effect on her husband’s well-being.
This verse underscores the importance of a wife’s character and behavior in building a strong and healthy marital relationship and reminds women of their potential to positively impact their husbands.
1 Corinthians 7:2
“But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband.”
Paul acknowledges the reality of sexual temptation and advises individuals to commit to marriage as a solution. He encourages believers to meet their sexual needs within the marriage covenant.
This verse emphasizes the importance of sexual fidelity within marriage, promoting the idea that a healthy and satisfying sexual relationship is a vital part of a God-honoring union.
Proverbs 5:15-17
“Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well. Should your springs be scattered abroad, streams of water in the streets? Let them be for yourself alone, and not for strangers with you.”
Proverbs employs the metaphor of water to illustrate the exclusive nature of sexual intimacy within marriage. It encourages individuals to find fulfillment in their own spouse instead of seeking satisfaction outside the marital relationship.
This verse emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and commitment in marital intimacy, promoting the idea that the enjoyment of sexual relations should be reserved solely for one’s spouse.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God.”
The Apostle Paul addresses the importance of sexual purity and self-control within the Christian life. He instructs believers to abstain from sexual immorality and to honor their bodies.
This verse reminds Christians that sexual purity is part of God’s will for their lives, calling them to live differently from the world, demonstrating self-restraint and holiness in their attitudes and actions.
2 Corinthians 6:14
“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?”
Paul advises believers against entering into intimate relationships or marriages with unbelievers. He emphasizes the importance of being aligned spiritually and morally with one’s spouse.
This verse urges Christians to prioritize their faith and seek a partner who shares their commitment to Christ, recognizing that a significant difference in values and beliefs can put strains on a marriage.
Romans 13:9
“For the commandments, ‘You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,’ and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'”
Paul highlights the underlying principle of love as the essence of the commandments, including the prohibition against adultery. He emphasizes that love should govern our actions towards others.
This verse reminds believers of the importance of loving one another and treating others with respect, which naturally includes fidelity and faithfulness in our relationships.
Proverbs 6:27-28
“Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched?”
Proverbs presents a vivid analogy to highlight the foolishness and destructive nature of engaging in adultery. It accentuates the inevitable consequences that follow such actions.
This verse serves as a warning against the enticement of infidelity, reminding believers of the certitude of negative repercussions resulting from unfaithfulness.