Divorce is a deeply sensitive and challenging topic that affects many lives. For Christians, it raises complex questions of faith, scripture, and the nature of relationships. The Bible addresses the topic of divorce in various contexts, from the Old Testament laws to Jesus’ teachings and the apostolic letters in the New Testament. Divorce is mentioned in relation to the covenant of marriage, adultery, forgiveness, and God‘s desire for His people to honor their commitments.
In this article, we will explore 51 verses about divorce in the Bible. These verses offer valuable insights into God’s perspective on marriage, the reasons for divorce, and His guidance on forgiveness and reconciliation. By examining these scriptures, we can better understand the biblical principles surrounding divorce, the weight of covenantal commitments, and how believers are called to navigate the complexities of broken relationships.
Let’s dive into these 51 verses to gain a deeper understanding of God’s heart for marriage and divorce.
1. Genesis 2:24
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
This verse from the creation account in Genesis speaks to the original intent for marriage—unity between a man and a woman. Divorce is contrary to this divine design, which highlights the bond of marriage as intended by God.
2. Deuteronomy 24:1
“When a man takes a wife and marries her, if 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.”
Deuteronomy 24:1 addresses the law of divorce under the Mosaic covenant. It sets out the conditions for divorce, primarily in cases of “indecency” or sexual immorality, though the exact nature of the offense is debated among scholars.
3. Deuteronomy 24:2
“And if she goes and becomes another man’s wife,”
This verse follows the previous one, explaining that if a divorced woman remarries, her second marriage must also be addressed under the law, establishing consequences if the second marriage ends.
4. Deuteronomy 24:3
“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.”
This verse continues the teaching on divorce, detailing situations where a divorced woman might remarry, and how the law addresses such cases. The law reflects the importance of commitment in marriage and addresses the legal ramifications of divorce and remarriage.
5. Deuteronomy 24:4
“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.”
This verse prohibits the remarriage of a divorced couple if the woman has remarried in the interim. It serves as a reflection of the sanctity and seriousness of marriage and divorce in God’s eyes.
6. Malachi 2:16
“For the Lord, the God of Israel, says that He hates divorce, for it covers one’s garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you do not deal treacherously.”
Malachi 2:16 strongly condemns divorce, expressing that it is hateful to God because it brings harm and violence. This verse underscores the seriousness of divorce and the consequences it brings to relationships and families.
7. Matthew 5:31
“It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.'”
In Matthew 5, Jesus references the teaching of the law in Deuteronomy. However, He offers a deeper understanding of the issue, moving beyond mere legal compliance to the heart of the matter—God’s intent for marriage.
8. Matthew 5:32
“But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, causes her to become an adulteress; and anyone who marries the divorced woman commits adultery.”
Jesus explains that divorce, except in the case of sexual immorality, leads to further sin—adultery. He emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and the serious consequences of divorce.
9. Matthew 19:3
“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?'”
In this passage, the Pharisees attempt to trap Jesus with a question about the legality of divorce. They sought to understand if divorce was permissible for trivial reasons, as was common in their time.
10. Matthew 19:4
“Haven’t you read,” he replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female’”
Jesus refers to the creation narrative in Genesis, highlighting the original design for marriage. This sets the stage for His answer to the Pharisees, emphasizing the permanence and sanctity of marriage.
11. Matthew 19:5
“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’?”
Jesus reiterates the concept of the one-flesh union, reinforcing the permanent bond intended for marriage and the commitment it requires.
12. Matthew 19:6
“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
This verse powerfully affirms that marriage is a divine union. Divorce is not part of God’s will, as He intends for the couple to remain united as one flesh.
13. Matthew 19:7
“Why then, they asked, did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?”
The Pharisees challenge Jesus, referring to Moses’ law in Deuteronomy. They attempt to use the law as a justification for divorce, questioning why it is not simply prohibited.
14. 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 Moses allowed divorce due to the hardness of people’s hearts, not because it was God’s original plan. Jesus points back to the creation design, emphasizing the permanence of marriage.
15. Matthew 19:9
“I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
Jesus makes it clear that divorce is only permissible in cases of sexual immorality, emphasizing that remarriage after divorce is equivalent to committing adultery.
16. Mark 10:2
“Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?'”
In this passage, the Pharisees ask Jesus about divorce, seeking to test His adherence to Jewish law. This is similar to the questioning in Matthew 19.
17. Mark 10:3
“What did Moses command you?” he replied.
Jesus turns the question back on the Pharisees, asking them to reference the law of Moses regarding divorce, leading into a deeper conversation about God’s intent for marriage.
18. Mark 10:4
“They said, ‘Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.'”
The Pharisees reference the Mosaic law, seeking to justify divorce under the premise of a legal certificate. Jesus uses this as an opportunity to teach about the hardness of hearts and God’s will.
19. Mark 10:5
“It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law,” Jesus replied.
Jesus responds by explaining that divorce was permitted due to the hardness of people’s hearts, not because it was God’s original plan for marriage.
20. Mark 10:6
“But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’”
Jesus points to the creation narrative to highlight that marriage was intended to be a permanent union, not something that should be broken through divorce.
21. Mark 10:7
“‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife,”
This is a direct reference to Genesis 2:24, reinforcing the biblical view of marriage as a permanent, committed relationship.
22. Mark 10:8
“and the two will become one flesh.’”
This reinforces the idea of the unity in marriage, indicating that divorce separates what God has joined together.
23. Mark 10:9
“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Again, Jesus emphasizes that divorce is against God’s intention for marriage. His statement upholds the permanence of the marriage covenant.
24. Luke 16:18
“Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”
This verse is a clear declaration from Jesus that remarriage after divorce constitutes adultery, emphasizing the gravity of divorce and remarriage.
25. Luke 18:29
“Truly I tell you, Jesus replied, no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God”
This verse speaks about the sacrifices believers may make for the kingdom of God. While it does not directly address divorce, it underscores the value of relationships, including marriage, in the Christian life.
26. 1 Corinthians 7:10
“To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband.”
Paul, under divine guidance, affirms that marriage is a sacred covenant, and separation should be avoided.
27. 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.”
Paul continues, explaining that if separation does occur, reconciliation should be the goal, and divorce should be avoided.
28. 1 Corinthians 7:12
“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.”
This verse offers practical guidance for marriages where one partner is a believer and the other is not. Paul encourages believers to stay in the marriage if the unbelieving spouse is willing to remain in the relationship.
29. 1 Corinthians 7:13
“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.”
Again, Paul urges believers not to divorce an unbelieving spouse who is willing to stay in the marriage, emphasizing the potential for spiritual influence within the relationship.
30. 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.”
In the case of an unbeliever leaving the marriage, Paul says that the believer is no longer bound to that marriage, providing a scriptural basis for divorce when an unbelieving spouse chooses to leave.
31. Romans 7:2
“For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him.”
This verse outlines the biblical principle that death is the only legitimate grounds for ending a marriage.
32. Romans 7:3
“So then, if she has sexual relations with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.”
Paul explains that a woman is only free to remarry if her husband dies, reinforcing the permanence of the marriage covenant.
33. 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.”
In this verse, Paul advises those who are unmarried or married to stay committed to their current state. The counsel given is one of fidelity and commitment, and he suggests that one should not seek divorce or remarriage unless necessary.
34. 1 Corinthians 7:28
“But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.”
Paul acknowledges that marriage is not a sin, but it brings with it challenges. The context here emphasizes the importance of commitment, especially in light of the trials and challenges that marriage may bring.
35. 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 directly addresses the issue of remarriage after the death of a spouse, emphasizing that the widow is free to marry again, but it should be someone who shares her faith in Christ.
36. 1 Corinthians 7:40
“In my judgment, she is happier if she stays as she is—and I think that I too have the Spirit of God.”
Paul expresses his opinion that remaining unmarried may be a better option, especially considering the challenges of married life, but again, he doesn’t prohibit remarriage under the circumstances of widowhood.
37. Ephesians 5:31
“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”
This passage from Ephesians echoes the creation narrative and emphasizes the foundational nature of marriage as a union of one flesh. This unity is intended to be permanent, making divorce contrary to God’s will.
38. Ephesians 5:32
“This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.”
In this verse, Paul compares the relationship between husband and wife to the relationship between Christ and the church, emphasizing that the marriage covenant should reflect the eternal, unbreakable bond between Christ and His people.
39. Colossians 3:19
“Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
This verse offers guidance for husbands, urging them to demonstrate love and care in their marriages. The presence of love and mutual respect can help prevent the breakdown of marriages and reduce the temptation of divorce.
40. 1 Timothy 3:2
“Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.”
In the qualifications for church leaders, Paul emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in marriage. While this does not directly address divorce, it highlights the expectation of marital fidelity and the role it plays in leadership and church life.
41. 1 Timothy 3:12
“A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well.”
Again, the importance of marital faithfulness is highlighted. This indicates that leaders in the church must have stable, faithful marriages, which is vital to their credibility and ability to lead.
42. Titus 1:6
“An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.”
This verse reinforces the requirement for church elders to be faithful to one wife, underlining the idea that faithfulness in marriage is a critical trait for those who lead others.
43. Luke 16:18
“Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”
Luke’s account of Jesus’ teaching on divorce is similar to the one in Matthew and Mark. Jesus makes it clear that remarriage after divorce is adultery unless the divorce was due to marital unfaithfulness.
44. 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 highlights the sanctity of marriage and underscores God’s judgment against immorality, including adultery, which can be a cause for divorce. The commitment to honor marriage reflects the seriousness with which God views the covenant.
45. Matthew 19:10
“The disciples said to him, ‘If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry.'”
The disciples’ response to Jesus’ teaching on marriage and divorce reflects their difficulty in accepting the high standard Jesus sets for marriage. This shows the tension between God’s ideal and the reality of human imperfection.
46. Matthew 19:11
“Jesus replied, ‘Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given.'”
Jesus acknowledges that not everyone will be able to follow this teaching on marriage and divorce. The teaching requires spiritual maturity and commitment to God’s will.
47. Matthew 19:12
“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.”
Here, Jesus acknowledges the possibility of celibacy for the sake of the kingdom of God. Some may choose not to marry or remain single to fully devote themselves to God’s work, which can be a valid choice in certain circumstances.
48. John 4:18
“The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”
In His conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus points out her multiple marriages. This illustrates that Jesus recognized and addressed issues surrounding divorce and remarriage, even in a personal encounter.
49. Matthew 5:23-24
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
While not directly addressing divorce, these verses emphasize reconciliation in relationships, an important principle for marriages. Jesus encourages believers to seek peace and resolve conflicts rather than letting unresolved issues linger.
50. Luke 14:20
“Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.'”
In this parable, Jesus uses the excuse of marriage as a reason for not participating in God’s invitation to His kingdom. Though not directly about divorce, it touches on the priorities that marriage can hold in people’s lives.
51. Mark 10:11
“He answered, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her.'”
This verse reiterates Jesus’ strict teaching on divorce and remarriage. He emphasizes the seriousness of breaking the marriage covenant and the subsequent sin of adultery.
Conclusion
The Bible offers profound and clear teachings on the subject of divorce, outlining God’s original intention for marriage and the serious consequences that come with breaking the marital covenant. While divorce is permitted in certain circumstances—most notably in cases of sexual immorality—Jesus’ teachings emphasize the sanctity of marriage and God’s desire for reconciliation and forgiveness.
The verses we’ve explored demonstrate that divorce is not a part of God’s ideal plan for human relationships, but the Bible does acknowledge human brokenness and provides guidelines for those who find themselves in such situations. Christians are called to honor their marriage vows, to live in faithfulness, and to seek reconciliation whenever possible.
Ultimately, these scriptures call believers to recognize the weight of the marriage covenant and to treat divorce with the seriousness it deserves. The Bible’s overall message is one of redemption, grace, and the call to restore relationships—not just in marriage, but in all areas of life.
If you find yourself dealing with the pain of divorce, remember that God offers healing and restoration through Jesus Christ. His grace is sufficient for all, and He can transform even the most broken situations.
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