Divorce and separation are difficult experiences, and the Bible offers guidance on both. Today, we will explore what the Bible teaches about these issues and how we can seek healing and reconciliation through God’s word.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Divorce And Remarrying
What Does The Bible Say About Divorce And Separation
Matthew 19:6
“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
This verse emphasizes the sanctity and permanence of marriage. It teaches that once a couple is united in marriage, they should not be separated by anyone or anything.
God’s design for marriage is for it to be a lifelong commitment, and divorce should not be taken lightly. This verse encourages couples to work through their differences and seek reconciliation, rather than opting for separation.
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 echoes God’s strong disapproval of divorce and marital separation. It condemns the violence and betrayal that can sometimes occur within marriage.
God desires for couples to love, honor, and cherish one another, and divorce goes against His intentions. This verse calls for individuals to guard their hearts and treat their spouses with fidelity and respect.
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.”
These verses provide guidance for married couples, stating that divorce is not the preferred course of action, especially for believers.
If a separation occurs, the emphasis is on seeking reconciliation rather than rushing into another marriage. This supports the idea of preserving the sanctity and commitment of marriage.
Mark 10:9
“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
In this verse, Jesus reiterates the sacredness of the marital union and emphasizes the importance of preserving it.
When couples enter into marriage, it is a covenant made before God, and they should strive to honor that commitment and work towards unity in their relationship.
Matthew 19:9
“I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
This verse addresses the issue of adultery within the context of divorce. It states that divorce is only permissible in cases of sexual immorality and warns against committing adultery through remarriage.
God’s desire is for fidelity within marriage, and this verse highlights the sinfulness of remarriage after divorce unless adultery has taken place.
1 Corinthians 7:15
“But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace.”
This verse acknowledges that there may be situations where a marriage is irreparably damaged due to an unbelieving spouse’s departure.
It advises that in such cases, the believing partner is not bound by the marriage, allowing for a release from the marital bond. The focus is on living in peace and maintaining a relationship with God.
Matthew 19:8
“Jesus replied, ‘Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.’
Jesus explains that divorce was initially allowed by Moses due to the hardness of people’s hearts. However, He emphasizes that this was not God’s original intention.
It reminds believers that divorce is a departure from God’s ideal plan for marriage, which is a lifelong and loving commitment.
1 Corinthians 7:3-5
“The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
These verses address the importance of mutual sexual fulfillment within marriage. They highlight the importance of each partner meeting the needs of the other and not depriving one another of physical intimacy.
Marital intimacy is not solely for personal satisfaction but also acts as a safeguard against temptation. Consenting to temporary periods of abstinence for spiritual devotion is permissible, but it’s essential to come together afterward to avoid falling into sin.
Matthew 5:31-32
“It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”
In these verses, Jesus challenges the cultural practice of divorcing one’s wife by simply providing a certificate of divorce.
He clarifies that divorce should only be permitted in cases of sexual immorality. Any other grounds for divorce would result in the woman being treated as an adulteress, as well as anyone who marries her.
1 Peter 3:1-2
“Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.”
These verses address the role of wives within a marriage, especially in cases where their husbands do not believe in the Gospel.
It encourages wives to demonstrate Christ-like qualities through their behavior, with the hope that their husbands may be influenced and won over to faith. Submission is approached as a means of being a witness to their husbands rather than as an inferior position.
1 Corinthians 7:12-13
“To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him.”
These verses offer guidance for believers who are married to unbelieving spouses.
It encourages them to remain in the marriage as long as their unbelieving spouses are willing to live with them, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the relationship and being a witness through their actions.
Matthew 19:3-6
“Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?’ ‘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.”
In these verses, Jesus responds to a question about divorce raised by the Pharisees.
He points them back to the original design of marriage, where two individuals become one flesh, united by God. He reaffirms the sanctity and permanence of marriage, stating that it should not be easily dissolved.
1 Corinthians 7:16
“How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?”
This verse addresses the possibility of a believing spouse influencing their unbelieving partner towards faith.
It encourages believers to remain committed to their marriage and trust in God’s ability to work through their lives as a means of drawing their spouse closer to Him.
Matthew 19:10-12
“The disciples said to him, ‘If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.’ Jesus replied, ‘Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”
These verses address the disciples’ response to Jesus’s teaching on divorce and remarriage.
Jesus acknowledges that remaining unmarried may be a calling for some individuals, allowing them to focus entirely on serving the kingdom of heaven. However, He makes it clear that not everyone can accept this calling, and it should only be embraced by those who receive it.
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 widows’ freedom to remarry after the death of their husbands.
It affirms that a woman is released from the marriage bond when her husband passes away, granting her the freedom to marry again, as long as she chooses a partner who belongs to the Lord.
Ephesians 5:25
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”
These words instruct husbands to love their wives sacrificially, just as Christ loved the church by laying down His life for it.
This verse underscores the importance of selfless love, putting the needs and well-being of one’s spouse above their own, mirroring the way Christ loves and cares for His followers.
1 Corinthians 7:11
“But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.”
In the case of a separation between husband and wife, this verse advises that they either remain unmarried or seek reconciliation.
It discourages individuals from hastily seeking new relationships and emphasizes the importance of attempting to repair the existing marriage before considering divorce.
1 Corinthians 7:4
“The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife.”
These words teach the concept of mutual responsibility within a marriage, where both partners yield authority over their bodies to one another.
It reinforces the importance of sexual unity, selflessness, and considering the needs of one’s spouse in a loving and sacrificial manner.
1 Corinthians 7:27
“Are you pledged to a woman? Do not seek to be released. Are you free from such a commitment? Do not look for a wife.”
This verse speaks to the state of being unmarried or without a spouse.
It advises those who are unmarried not to actively seek a spouse, emphasizing the value of remaining content in one’s singleness and not rushing into a marriage for the sake of mere companionship.
1 Corinthians 7:14
“For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise, your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.”
These verses address the situation where one spouse is a believer and the other is an unbeliever.
It emphasizes that the presence of a believing spouse brings a level of sanctification to the marriage and children, making them sacred and set apart, which can be a means of influencing the unbelieving spouse towards faith.
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 speaks to the impact of a wife’s character on her husband.
It highlights the value of a virtuous and honorable wife, who brings honor and blessings to her husband, while a wife who is disgraceful and lacks character can bring sorrow and difficulty to her spouse.
Genesis 2:24
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
These words speak to the establishment of marriage and the unity that exists between a husband and wife.
It emphasizes the spiritual, emotional, and physical union that occurs when two individuals come together in marriage, signifying the depth of their commitment and connection.
Proverbs 19:14
“Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord.”
This verse highlights the importance of a wise and discerning wife within a marriage.
It acknowledges that while material possessions and wealth can be inherited, a virtuous and wise wife is a gift that comes from the Lord and contributes greatly to the success and happiness of a marriage.
Proverbs 31:10-12
“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. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
This passage describes the qualities and value of a wife of noble character.
It portrays her as a rare and precious gem, whose worth is far beyond material riches. Her husband can trust and rely on her completely, and she consistently brings goodness to him throughout their shared life.