Divorce is often a contentious topic that draws considerable attention and debate, particularly within the context of religion. The Bible, being one of the most influential religious texts, provides various perspectives on the subject of divorce. These Bible verses share thoughts, opinions, and teachings that aim to offer guidance and understanding of marital separation. It is through these teachings that one can find insights into different aspects of divorce and how it is seen from a spiritual perspective.
What the Bible Says About the Institution of Marriage
The beginning of the discussion about divorce in the Bible starts with verses focusing on the institution of marriage itself. The Bible consistently emphasizes the sacredness and permanence of the marital union. It portrays marriage as a divine partnership, a life-long commitment between two individuals. The marriage covenant, according to the Bible, is not just to be entered into lightly and idealizes the idea of ’till death do us part.’ Recognition and respect of this initial commitment are often emphasized when discussing divorce.
Where in the Bible is Divorce Discussed
Divorce is discussed in various parts of the Bible, ranging from the Old to the New Testament. In the Old Testament, the Bible seems to adopt a more lenient stance towards divorce, compared to other texts of its time, it allowed divorce under certain circumstances. Transitioning to the New Testament, the conversation around divorce becomes more stringent. Divorce is discussed in numerous places, including the teachings and words of Jesus Christ himself, providing diverse perspectives on the topic.
Who in the Bible Discusses the Topic of Divorce
Several individuals in the Bible discuss divorce, each offering valuable insights and perspectives. Jesus Christ stands out as a significant contributor to this conversation within the New Testament. His teachings encourage reconciliation and the maintenance of marriage, where possible. Furthermore, the Apostle Paul also discusses divorce, specifically in the context of Christians married to non-believers, providing further depth to the conversation around marital separation.
Why Does the Bible Discourage Divorce
The Bible tends to discourage divorce due to several reasons. Foremost, it upholds marriage as a sacred and significant union, designed to reflect the relationship between God and His people. The Bible also affirms that marriage is not just a physical joining but a spiritual one — a bond that should not be easily broken. From a practical standpoint, the Bible also underscores the negative societal and familial consequences of divorce, further illuminating why it discourages marital separation.
When Does the Bible Allow Divorce
Even though the Bible discourages divorce, it does acknowledge instances where divorce may be permissible. For instance, situations involving marital infidelity are often mentioned as conditions that could justify divorce. Also, cases where one partner is mistreated or disregarded could potentially warrant a divorce. However, even in these instances, the Bible emphasizes the pursuit of reconciliation and forgiveness over separation.
Below is our full list of bible verses on divorce (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Divorce
Luke 16:18
“18 Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery: and whosoever marrieth her that is put away from her husband committeth adultery.”
Related Themes: Adultery Fidelity Marriage Benevolence
Matthew 5:32
“32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.”
1 Corinthians 7:10-11
“10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.”
1 Corinthians 7:15
“15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.”
Related Themes: Adultery Abuse Separation Unfaithfulness
Matthew 19:6
“6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
Related Themes: Marriage
Matthew 19:9
“9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.”
Malachi 2:16
“16 For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.”
Matthew 19:8
“8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.”
Related Themes: Abuse
Romans 7:2
“2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.”
Mark 10:12
“12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.”
Related Themes: Adultery
Matthew 5:31-32
“31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.”
Matthew 19:3-9
“3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.”
Related Themes: Adultery Omnipotence
Genesis 2:24
“24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.”
Related Themes: Marriage Dating Respecting Your Parents Fidelity Family
Hebrews 13:4
“4 Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
1 John 2:3-4
“3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”
Related Themes: Lust Holiness Consistency
Deuteronomy 24:1-4
“1 When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.2 And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man’s wife.3 And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife;4 Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the LORD: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.”
Related Themes: Adultery Abomination
1 Corinthians 7:10-17
“10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.”
1 Corinthians 7:10
“10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:”
Jeremiah 3:8
“8 And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.”
Exodus 14:14
“14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”
Related Themes: Frustration Patience Rest Arguing Help
1 Corinthians 7:39
“39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.”
Jeremiah 3:1
“1 They say, If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man’s, shall he return unto her again? shall not that land be greatly polluted? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the LORD.”
1 Corinthians 7:11
“11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.”
Related Themes: Adultery
Mark 10:11
“11 And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.”
Isaiah 50:1
“1 Thus saith the LORD, Where is the bill of your mother’s divorcement, whom I have put away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities have ye sold yourselves, and for your transgressions is your mother put away.”
Romans 7:2-3
“2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.”
Matthew 19:4-6
“4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
Related Themes: Earth Marriage Abomination Fidelity Marriage
1 Peter 3:1
“1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;”
Mark 10:2-12
“2 And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.3 And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?4 And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.10 And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter.11 And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.”
Related Themes: Humility
Mark 10:11-12
“11 And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.12 And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.”
