Divorce is a sensitive topic, and the Bible offers important insights into why it happens and how it should be approached. Today, we will look at what the Bible says about divorce and the principles that guide it.
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What Does The Bible Say About Divorces
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 expresses God’s strong disapproval of divorce and violence within marriages. It emphasizes the importance of treating one’s spouse with love, faithfulness, and respect, while warning against treachery and infidelity. It encourages believers to guard their spirits and allow God’s Spirit to guide their actions within their marital relationships.
Matthew 19:4-6
“And He replied to them, Have you never read that He Who made them from the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be united firmly (joined inseparably) to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has united (joined together), let not man separate or divide [them].”
These verses highlight the divine design of marriage, emphasizing that it is a union between a man and a woman, intended to be indissoluble. It stresses the unity and oneness that God has established within the marriage relationship, encouraging believers to respect and uphold this divine bond. It reminds us that marriage is a sacred covenant ordained by God, and we should not seek to separate what God has joined together.
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.”
These verses provide guidance for married couples, urging them to remain committed to their marital vows and discouraging divorce. It emphasizes the importance of reconciliation and unity within the marriage, rather than seeking separation. It encourages spouses to work through challenges, seeking to strengthen their relationship and uphold the sanctity of marriage.
Mark 10:11-12
“And He said to them, Whoever dismisses (repudiates and divorces) his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; And if a woman dismisses (repudiates and divorces) her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”
These verses address the issue of divorce and remarriage, warning against the sin of adultery when a divorced person marries another. It emphasizes the seriousness of the marital covenant and the lifelong commitment it entails. It cautions against entering into new relationships after divorce, reminding believers to honor their marriage vows and remain faithful to their spouses.
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 verse acknowledges that there may be situations where an unbelieving spouse chooses to leave a marriage. It assures believers that they are not bound in such cases and may let the separation occur. It highlights the importance of pursuing peace and maintaining a peaceful disposition in the midst of challenging circumstances.
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.”
This verse provides a specific exception to the general prohibition of divorce. It states that divorce is permissible in cases of sexual immorality, as it constitutes a breach of trust within the marriage. However, it cautions against remarrying in such cases, highlighting the seriousness of the marriage covenant and its lifelong commitment.
Deuteronomy 24:1-4
“When a man takes a wife and marries her, if then she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some indecency in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her out of his house, and she departs out of his house, and if she goes and becomes another man’s wife, and the latter man hates her and writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her out of his house, or if the latter man dies, who took her to be his wife, then her former husband, who sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after she has been defiled, for that is an abomination before the Lord. And you shall not bring sin upon the land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance.”
These verses present a scenario in which divorce was more common during the Old Testament. It establishes guidelines for divorce and remarriage in ancient Israel. It emphasizes that if a woman has been divorced by her first husband and then remarries someone else, her first husband may not take her back again, as it is considered an abomination. This passage underscores the significance of fidelity and the solemnity of marital commitments.
1 Corinthians 7:12-13
“If any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her. If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him.”
These verses address the situation where one spouse is a believer while the other is an unbeliever. It advises that if the unbelieving spouse is willing to continue the marriage, the believer should not seek divorce. It promotes the importance of maintaining family unity and peace, even in spiritually mixed marriages.
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.”
This verse affirms the lifelong commitment of marriage, stating that a wife is bound to her husband as long as he is alive. However, if her husband dies, she is free to marry someone else, but the new marriage should still align with Christian principles. It reminds believers of the sanctity of marriage and the importance of seeking a godly union.
Ephesians 5:22-33
“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”
These verses provide instructions for husbands and wives within the marriage relationship. It emphasizes the importance of mutual love, respect, and submission. It compares the love between Christ and the Church to the love between a husband and wife, reinforcing the divine principles of sacrificial love and unity within the marital bond.
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 beauty and joy of the marital relationship. It encourages husbands to find joy and satisfaction in their wives and to cherish the love and intimacy they share. It affirms the importance of nurturing and enjoying the physical and emotional bond within the marriage.
Proverbs 12:4
“An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.”
This verse highlights the influence and significance of a virtuous and supportive wife in a husband’s life. It emphasizes the value and honor associated with having a wife of noble character, contrasting it with the negative impact of a dishonorable wife. It encourages husbands to appreciate and honor their wives, recognizing the positive impact they have in their lives.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it down.”
This verse emphasizes the role of wisdom in a woman’s life, particularly in the context of marriage and family. It highlights the positive influence a wise woman can have in building and nurturing her household, while warning against the destructive consequences of foolishness. It underscores the importance of wisdom in sustaining a harmonious and thriving family life.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.”
This verse recognizes the blessing and favor that come with finding a suitable and virtuous wife. It celebrates the value and importance of a godly spouse, acknowledging that finding such a partner is a gift from God. It encourages men to cherish and honor their wives, appreciating the immense blessing they bring into their lives.
Proverbs 19:14
“House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
This verse highlights the divine origin of a wise and discerning wife. It contrasts material possessions that can be inherited with the invaluable gift of a prudent and godly wife, affirming that she is a blessing directly from the Lord. It encourages husbands to recognize the wisdom and discernment their wives bring into their lives and to value them accordingly.
Proverbs 31:10-12
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.”
These verses extol the virtues of an exceptional wife, emphasizing her immense value and the trust her husband places in her. It depicts a wife who consistently brings benefit and goodness to her husband throughout their lives together. It encourages husbands to appreciate and honor the contributions made by their wives and to recognize their immeasurable worth.
Proverbs 31:28-29
“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”
This verse highlights the praise and honor a virtuous wife receives from her children and husband. It acknowledges her exceptional qualities and the surpassing nature of her character. It encourages husbands and children to recognize and appreciate the unique virtues and contributions of their wives and mothers, expressing gratitude and admiration for all that she does.
Colossians 3:18-19
“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.”
These verses provide instructions for both husbands and wives in relation to their roles within the marriage. It encourages wives to submit to their husbands in a manner consistent with their submission to the Lord. It admonishes husbands to love their wives and avoid being harsh or cruel towards them. These verses underscore the importance of mutual respect, love, and understanding within the marital relationship.
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.”
This verse emphasizes the sanctity and honor of marriage, urging believers to regard it with reverence and respect. It highlights the importance of maintaining purity and faithfulness within the marital relationship. It serves as a reminder that God holds individuals accountable for their actions, particularly in relation to sexual immorality and infidelity.
Genesis 2:24
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
This verse establishes the divine blueprint for marriage, emphasizing the leaving of parental households and the formation of a new family unit. It highlights the union and oneness that God intends for married couples. It signifies the intimate bond and unity that is created through the marriage covenant.
Proverbs 31:30
“Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
This verse conveys the importance of inner character and godly virtues over superficial aspects such as physical attractiveness. It encourages men to value and praise women who possess a reverential fear of the Lord, recognizing the enduring worth and significance of a woman’s character and devotion to God.
1 Peter 3:7
“Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”
This verse provides guidance to husbands on how to relate to their wives. It encourages husbands to treat their wives with understanding, honoring them as fellow heirs of God’s grace. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing a harmonious and respectful marital relationship, reminding husbands that their treatment of their wives can impact their spiritual lives and hinder their prayers.