Divorce and remarriage have been longstanding subjects of discussion, debate, and sometimes controversy within the Christian community. While the Bible speaks clearly on many issues of relationships, marriage, and family, it is often viewed as a complex and challenging subject due to the varying interpretations of biblical passages. The teachings on divorce and remarriage, particularly in the New Testament, have been the center of much theological reflection and pastoral guidance throughout history. It is crucial to address these topics with compassion, understanding, and a deep reverence for the Word of God.
Marriage is established as a covenant—a sacred relationship between a man and a woman, ordained by God (Genesis 2:24). The Bible’s perspective on marriage is rich with meanings, describing it as a reflection of Christ’s relationship with the Church (Ephesians 5:32). However, due to human sin and imperfection, the Bible acknowledges that divorce, while not ideal, may occur in certain circumstances. These circumstances often focus on issues like unfaithfulness, abandonment, and hardened hearts.
This article will delve into 20 scripture passages that address the themes of divorce and remarriage, with an emphasis on understanding the spiritual, moral, and practical implications. By examining these verses in context, we will explore God’s heart for relationships, redemption, and restoration.
20 Scriptures on Divorce and Remarriage
1. Genesis 2:24 – The Foundation of Marriage
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
In the very beginning, God created marriage as a sacred union between a man and a woman. Genesis 2:24 establishes the foundation of marriage as a covenant where two individuals become one in body, mind, and spirit. This verse is significant because it points to the permanence and unity of marriage—God’s ideal design for human relationships. Divorce, therefore, is not part of the original plan, but a result of human failure to adhere to God’s standards.
2. Matthew 19:3-9 – Jesus’ Teaching on Divorce
“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?’ Jesus replied, ‘Haven’t you read 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.’ Why then, they asked, ‘did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?’ Jesus replied, ‘Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery.'”
In Matthew 19, Jesus is questioned by the Pharisees about the legality of divorce. He underscores the sacredness of marriage by pointing back to the creation narrative, emphasizing the unity between husband and wife. Jesus explains that while Moses allowed divorce, it was due to the hardness of people’s hearts, not God’s original intention. He states that divorce is only permissible in cases of marital unfaithfulness (adultery). This passage reveals that divorce is not the ideal, but is permitted under certain conditions.
3. Mark 10:2-12 – Jesus’ Perspective on Divorce
“Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?’ ‘What did Moses command you?’ he replied. They said, ‘Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.’ It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law, Jesus replied. ‘But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’ ‘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.’ When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this. He answered, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her. And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery.'”
In Mark’s account, Jesus reiterates the same principle: marriage is meant to be permanent and unbreakable, and divorce is only permissible due to human hardness of heart. He adds a warning that remarriage after divorce is considered adultery, reinforcing the seriousness of breaking the marriage covenant.
4. Matthew 5:31-32 – Jesus on Divorce and Adultery
“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 the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches that divorce is a serious matter. He warns that those who divorce and remarry without a legitimate reason—such as sexual immorality—are committing adultery. Jesus is emphasizing that the sacred nature of marriage should not be treated lightly.
5. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 – Paul’s Instructions on Divorce
“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.”
Paul, in this passage, emphasizes the permanence of marriage and the command that spouses should not divorce. If separation occurs, the parties must either remain unmarried or reconcile with each other. This reflects the ideal that reconciliation, rather than divorce, should be the goal of any troubled marriage.
6. 1 Corinthians 7:12-15 – Paul’s Instructions on Marital Separation
“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. 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. 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. How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?”
Paul offers further clarification about divorce in cases where one spouse is a believer, and the other is not. He emphasizes that a Christian should not divorce their unbelieving spouse if the unbeliever is willing to stay in the marriage. However, if the unbeliever chooses to leave, the believer is no longer bound, suggesting that abandonment is a legitimate ground for divorce.
7. Matthew 19:8 – Divorce and Hard Hearts
“Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.”
Jesus reminds the Pharisees that divorce was never part of God’s original plan. It was allowed by Moses due to the hardness of people’s hearts. This indicates that God’s intention is for marriages to remain intact and that divorce is a concession to human sin and brokenness.
8. Malachi 2:16 – God Hates Divorce
“I hate divorce, says the Lord God of Israel, and I hate a man’s covering himself with violence as well as with his garment, says the Lord Almighty. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not break faith.”
Malachi 2:16 is a stern warning from God. He expresses His hatred for divorce, indicating that the breaking of marriage vows is an offense to His covenant. This reinforces the idea that marriage is sacred and should be honored, with divorce being viewed as a serious breach of trust and faith.
9. Luke 16:18 – Divorce and Adultery
“Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.”
In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus reiterates the principle that divorce and remarriage are tantamount to adultery, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage. This passage serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of breaking God’s marital covenant.
10. Romans 7:2-3 – The Law of Marriage and Divorce
“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. 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 uses the metaphor of marriage to explain the believer’s relationship with the law. He makes the point that a woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives, but if he dies, she is free to remarry without being accused of adultery. This suggests that death is a legitimate reason for remarriage, but divorce does not carry the same justification.
11. Luke 18:29-30 – Rewards for Sacrifice
“Truly I tell you, no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.”
This passage speaks to the idea of sacrifice for the kingdom of God. While not directly related to divorce and remarriage, it highlights the importance of prioritizing God’s kingdom over personal relationships. Those who face hardship in relationships, including the pain of divorce, may find comfort in the rewards that God promises for their faithfulness.
12. 1 Timothy 3:2 – The Marriage of Church Leaders
“Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.”
For church leaders, Paul emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in marriage. This reinforces the biblical ideal of marital fidelity, particularly for those in positions of leadership. Church leaders are held to a higher standard in terms of their relationships, including the permanence and purity of their marriages.
13. Ephesians 5:22-33 – Marriage as a Picture of Christ and the Church
“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…”
Ephesians 5 presents a profound description of the marriage relationship as a reflection of Christ’s relationship with the Church. This passage reveals the sacrificial nature of love in marriage and underscores the importance of unity and commitment. Divorce disrupts this sacred symbolism, making the biblical teaching on the permanence of marriage even more significant.
14. Colossians 3:18-19 – Instructions for Christian Families
“Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.”
This passage highlights the mutual respect and sacrificial love that should characterize a Christian marriage. Divorce can occur when these principles are violated, leading to frustration and brokenness. This passage calls for both spouses to honor one another, fostering a spirit of unity that can prevent the dissolution of the marriage.
15. Hebrews 13:4 – Honoring the Marriage Bed
“Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled; for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.”
Marriage is to be held in honor, and any violation of its sanctity—such as infidelity—is considered serious in the eyes of God. This passage reinforces the importance of marital faithfulness and purity, both of which can prevent the heartache of divorce and remarriage.
16. 1 Peter 3:1-7 – Godly Marriage
“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… 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.”
This passage speaks to the importance of godliness, respect, and honor in marriage. The model for Christian marriages is one of mutual respect and love, which can help prevent the causes of divorce, such as neglect or abuse.
17. Matthew 5:33-37 – Oaths and Integrity
“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all…”
This teaching on vows extends to the marriage covenant. The integrity of one’s word is critical, and breaking the marriage vow through divorce should be approached with serious consideration. The Bible stresses that vows made to God, including the vow of marriage, should not be taken lightly.
18. Romans 13:8 – The Law of Love
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.”
Love is at the heart of the Christian faith and marriage. When love is central, it fosters patience, forgiveness, and commitment, all of which are key to avoiding divorce and preserving a marriage. Love is a powerful force that calls spouses to put each other’s needs before their own.
19. James 4:1-3 – Conflicts in Marriage
“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?”
James addresses the root cause of conflicts—selfish desires. In marriage, when these desires go unaddressed, they can lead to conflict and even divorce. This passage calls for self-reflection and reconciliation, both of which are necessary to prevent the breakdown of marriage.
20. Revelation 21:4 – God’s Promise of Healing
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Finally, God’s promise of healing and restoration is offered to all who have experienced the pain of divorce. Though divorce is not ideal, God offers hope for those who are brokenhearted. His love and grace bring healing to all areas of life, including the brokenness caused by relationship struggles.
Conclusion
The Bible provides a clear understanding of divorce and remarriage, with an emphasis on the sanctity and permanence of marriage. Divorce is permitted in cases of marital unfaithfulness or abandonment, but it is not God’s ideal plan. Instead, the Scripture encourages reconciliation, forgiveness, and a commitment to honor the marriage covenant. Divorce, while painful and unfortunate, is not the end of the story for Christians. Through God’s grace and mercy, restoration and healing are always possible. The church must offer guidance, support, and compassion to those navigating the difficult realities of divorce, reminding them of the hope that comes from God’s love.
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