Marriage and divorce are topics addressed by Jesus in the Bible. He taught about the sacredness of marriage and the reasons for divorce. Today, we will examine what Scripture says about both, and how we can live in accordance with God’s will for our relationships.
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What Does The Bible Say About Divorce And Marriage
Matthew 19:4-6
“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
This verse emphasizes the divine intention for marriage to be a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman. It highlights the importance of honoring the sacred union established by God and warns against the separation that goes against His design.
It reminds us that marriage is not merely a social contract but a spiritual covenant that should be kept sacred and inviolable. It challenges us to approach marriage with a sense of reverence and to strive for unity, love, and commitment within the marital union.
1 Corinthians 7:10-11
“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.”
In this passage, the Apostle Paul directs believers not to consider divorce lightly and stresses the importance of preserving the marriage bond. He advises that if separation does occur, it should be accompanied by remaining unmarried or seeking reconciliation.
This verse promotes the value of commitment, communication, and forgiveness in marital relationships. It recognizes the potential for difficulties but encourages couples to prioritize unity and work towards reconciliation, rather than resorting to divorce.
Malachi 2:16
“For the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I hate divorce and marital separation and him who covers his garment [his wife] with violence. Therefore, keep a watch upon your spirit [that it may be controlled by My Spirit], that you deal not treacherously and faithlessly [with your marriage mate].”
This verse unequivocally conveys God’s aversion to divorce and the mistreatment of spouses. It emphasizes the need for individuals to guard their hearts and spirits to maintain faithfulness and integrity in marriage.
It serves as a reminder that divorce should not be approached casually or without serious consideration. Instead, couples are called to honor their marital vows, treating one another with love, respect, and kindness, while seeking to protect the sanctity of their union.
Mark 10:9
“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
This verse echoes the teaching of Jesus and underscores the indissolubility of the marital bond. It emphasizes that the divine act of joining two individuals in marriage should not be undone by human decision or action.
It serves as a caution against pursuing divorce as an easy solution to marital difficulties and encourages couples to seek reconciliation, forgiveness, and restoration instead. It is a reminder of the sacredness of marriage and the commitment to cherish and preserve the bond established by God.
Ephesians 5:22-33
“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word.”
This passage addresses the role of husbands and wives within the marital relationship. It instructs wives to willingly submit to their husbands’ leadership, drawing a parallel to the relationship between Christ and the Church. It also directs husbands to love their wives sacrificially, modeling Christ’s love for His bride, the Church.
These verses promote a balanced approach to marriage, with mutual respect and selflessness. This passage underscores the importance of husbands and wives fulfilling their God-given roles, valuing and supporting one another in a harmonious and God-honoring union.
1 Corinthians 7:39
“A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord.”
This verse speaks to the lifelong commitment of marriage and the dissolution of that commitment only through the death of a spouse. It recognizes that in the case of death, a widow is free to marry again, with the condition that her potential spouse is a believer.
It conveys the notion that marriage should be approached with the understanding that it is a lifelong covenant, reflecting God’s design and intention. It also emphasizes the importance of shared faith and values within the context of a Christian marriage.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”
This verse affirms the value and blessing of finding a spouse. It underscores the importance of marriage as a gift from God, bringing favor and goodness into a person’s life.
It encourages individuals to cherish their spouses and recognize the positive impact they can have on one’s life. It also serves as a reminder to seek God’s guidance in finding a suitable partner, entrusting the process of finding a spouse to the Lord.
Proverbs 31:10-11
“A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.”
This passage extols the virtues of a wife of noble character, emphasizing her worth and value. It highlights the trust, confidence, and security that a husband has in his virtuous wife.
These verses encourage spouses to cultivate qualities of excellence, integrity, and trustworthiness in their relationship. They also remind individuals to appreciate and honor the qualities and contributions of their spouse, recognizing the immense value they bring to the marital union.
Hebrews 13:4
“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”
In this verse, marriage is exalted as sacred, and the marriage bed is to be kept pure. It warns against engaging in adultery and sexual immorality, emphasizing that God will judge those who violate the sanctity of marriage.
These words encourage individuals to approach marriage with reverence and to maintain faithfulness and purity within the marital relationship. It emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and accountability in upholding the moral standards set forth by God.
Proverbs 12:4
“A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.”
This verse emphasizes the profound impact a wife has on her husband’s life and reputation. It highlights the value of a virtuous and noble wife, whose character brings honor and joy to her husband.
These words speak to the significance of cultivating qualities of integrity, wisdom, and goodness within the context of marriage. It encourages husbands and wives to support and uplift one another, acknowledging the powerful influence their words, actions, and character have on their spouse.
Proverbs 19:14
“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
This verse underscores the divine origin of a prudent and wise wife, highlighting the extraordinary value she brings to a marriage. It contrasts earthly possessions, which can be inherited, with the gift of a discerning and wise spouse, which is a blessing from God.
These words remind individuals of the importance of seeking God’s guidance and wisdom when choosing a life partner. They also encourage married couples to recognize and appreciate the unique qualities and insights that a wise and discerning spouse brings to a relationship.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.”
This verse highlights the significance of a wise and discerning wife in establishing a strong and flourishing household. It contrasts her actions with those of a foolish woman who contributes to the destruction of her own home.
These words call individuals to cultivate wisdom, humility, and love within the context of marriage. It encourages husbands and wives to work together as a team, building a home filled with love, respect, and godly principles.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
These verses highlight the importance of companionship and partnership within marriage. It emphasizes the strength, support, and protection that come from the union of two individuals.
This passage encourages couples to rely on one another, to help each other in times of need, to provide warmth and security, and to unite as a formidable force against life’s challenges. It also suggests the inclusion of God as the third strand, recognizing that a marriage rooted in faith and a shared relationship with the Lord is stronger and more resilient.
Proverbs 20:6-7
“Many claim to have unfailing love, but a faithful person who can find? The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.”
This verse speaks to the rarity and value of genuine, enduring love and faithfulness in relationships. It highlights the significance of leading a blameless life and the positive impact it has on future generations.
This passage challenges individuals to strive for faithfulness, integrity, and righteousness in marriage. It reminds married couples of the profound influence their actions and character have on their children and encourages them to model a life of genuine love and faithfulness.
1 Peter 3:7
“Husbands, in the same way, be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”
In this verse, husbands are exhorted to treat their wives with consideration, respect, and honor. It acknowledges the equality of men and women as joint heirs of God’s grace and reminds husbands of their responsibility to love and care for their wives.
This passage calls husbands to lead with gentleness and understanding, recognizing the value and contribution of their wives. It highlights the interconnectedness of the marital relationship with one’s spiritual life, urging husbands to ensure that their actions promote harmony and unity within their marriage.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
This famous passage, often referred to as the “love chapter,” provides a comprehensive description of love, which is the foundation of strong marriages. It presents love as patient, kind, forgiving, and selfless.
These verses serve as a guide for married couples, encouraging them to demonstrate and cultivate these qualities in their relationship. It challenges individuals to prioritize love, understanding, and forgiveness, seeking to build a marriage that reflects God’s unconditional and self-sacrificing love.
Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
In this verse, husbands are called to love their wives and to treat them with gentleness and kindness. It cautions against harshness or cruelty within the marital relationship.
This passage highlights the significance of nurturing an atmosphere of love, trust, and respect within marriage. It emphasizes the importance of communication, empathy, and understanding in building a healthy and thriving partnership.
Ruth 1:16-17
“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.'”
These verses showcase the devotion and loyalty demonstrated by Ruth towards her mother-in-law, Naomi. It exemplifies the commitment and sacrificial love that should be present in marriage.
It serves as a reminder of the profound impact of loyalty, trust, and selflessness in marriage. These qualities are essential in fostering a deep connection and abiding commitment between spouses, as they choose to support and stand by one another through all circumstances.
Genesis 2:24
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
This verse, spoken by Adam in the creation story, highlights the establishment of a new family unit through the marital union. It emphasizes the physical, emotional, and spiritual bond that occurs when a man and woman come together in marriage.
It reminds couples of the intimacy and unity intended for them in marriage. It encourages them to prioritize the nurturing and strengthening of their relationship, endeavoring to become one in purpose, love, and commitment.
1 Timothy 5:8
“But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
This verse speaks to the responsibility of providing for one’s family, particularly within the context of marriage. It highlights the importance of a husband fulfilling his role as a provider and protector.
It challenges individuals to take seriously their obligation to care for and support their spouse and children. It emphasizes the connection between faith and fulfilling one’s family responsibilities, reminding believers of their calling to live out their faith through their actions and provision for their loved ones.
Proverbs 31:25
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”
This verse describes the virtuous and capable wife, praising her strength, dignity, and joyful outlook on life. It paints a picture of a woman who is confident, resilient, and prepared for the future.
These words encourage wives to cultivate inner strength, dignity, and reliance on God. It serves as a reminder of the incredible impact a woman can have on her family and community when she is rooted in faith and exudes grace and wisdom.
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 verse celebrates the delight and enjoyment that should be present in the marital relationship. It emphasizes the value of cherishing and celebrating one’s spouse, finding delight in their love and companionship.
It encourages married couples to prioritize intimacy, passion, and joy within their relationship. It serves as a reminder to continually nurture and invest in the emotional and physical connection between husbands and wives, fostering a deep bond of love and mutual fulfillment.