Scriptural Insights: Reasons for Divorce in the Bible

Marriage is meant to be a lifelong commitment, built on love, trust, and faith. But sometimes, relationships face deep struggles that make staying together seem impossible. Many people wonder what the Bible says about divorce and whether there are valid reasons for ending a marriage.

Scripture teaches that while God values marriage, there are certain situations where divorce is allowed. Understanding these biblical teachings can help those facing difficult marital decisions. This article explores the reasons for divorce in the Bible and what they mean for believers today.

Biblical View on Marriage and Divorce

The Bible presents marriage as a sacred and lifelong covenant designed by God. It is meant to reflect His love, faithfulness, and unity. While divorce is permitted under specific circumstances, it was never part of God’s original design. Understanding the biblical view on marriage helps to put divorce in the right context, showing why it is only allowed in certain situations.

Marriage as a Reflection of God’s Love

Marriage in the Bible is not just a human institution but a divine covenant. Genesis 2:24 states, “A man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” This verse highlights three key aspects of biblical marriage: leaving, joining, and becoming one. It signifies a deep and lasting commitment between husband and wife.

Beyond companionship, the Bible teaches that marriage reflects God’s relationship with His people. In Ephesians 5:25-27, Paul compares marriage to Christ’s love for the church: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” This means that marriage is meant to be selfless, sacrificial, and rooted in love. Just as Jesus never abandons His church, spouses are called to remain faithful and committed to each other.

However, this high standard for marriage does not mean that it will always be perfect. The Bible acknowledges that human weakness and sin can lead to broken relationships. That is why it addresses the reality of divorce, though not as an ideal outcome.

God’s Displeasure Toward Divorce

The Bible makes it clear that God does not take divorce lightly. Malachi 2:16 states, “For the Lord, the God of Israel, says that He hates divorce.” This verse does not mean that God hates divorced people, but rather that He disapproves of divorce because it goes against His original design for marriage.

Divorce often brings pain, broken families, and emotional struggles. In biblical times, it also left women vulnerable, as they often depended on their husbands for provision and security. That is why God set laws in the Old Testament to regulate divorce and protect the vulnerable (Deuteronomy 24:1-4).

Even though God dislikes divorce, He understands that in a fallen world, some marriages will fail. That is why Jesus and Paul addressed specific situations where divorce is allowed. However, Scripture consistently emphasizes that divorce should never be taken lightly or used as an easy escape from marital struggles.

Divorce as a Concession, Not a Command

Some people mistakenly believe that the Bible commands divorce in certain cases. However, Jesus clarified that divorce was only permitted due to human hard-heartedness. In Matthew 19:8, He said, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.”

This statement is crucial because it shows that God never intended for marriages to end in divorce. It was allowed in ancient Israel as a concession, mainly because of sin and brokenness in relationships. However, even when divorce is biblically permitted, it is never commanded.

This means that when possible, reconciliation should be the first option. The Bible encourages forgiveness, patience, and working through difficulties in marriage (Colossians 3:13, 1 Corinthians 7:10-11). However, when trust is completely broken—such as in cases of adultery or abandonment—divorce becomes an acceptable, though unfortunate, course of action.

Explicit Biblical Reasons for Divorce

The Bible does not encourage divorce, but it does allow it under specific circumstances. While some people may debate additional reasons based on biblical principles, Scripture explicitly mentions two clear grounds for divorce: sexual immorality and abandonment by an unbelieving spouse.

1. Adultery and Sexual Immorality (Porneia)

One of the clearest reasons for divorce in the Bible is sexual immorality. Jesus states in Matthew 5:32, “But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery.” He reaffirms this in Matthew 19:9, explaining that marital unfaithfulness breaks the covenant of marriage.

The Greek word used for sexual immorality here is porneia, which includes adultery, fornication, prostitution, and other forms of sexual unfaithfulness. This suggests that when a spouse betrays the marriage through sexual sin, the offended partner has the right—but not the obligation—to seek a divorce. However, forgiveness and reconciliation are always encouraged when possible.

2. Abandonment by an Unbelieving Spouse

Another clear biblical reason for divorce is when an unbelieving spouse chooses to leave. Paul addresses this issue in 1 Corinthians 7:15, stating, “But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace.”

This means that if a believer is married to an unbeliever and the unbelieving spouse decides to leave the marriage, the believer is not obligated to remain bound to that person. The phrase “not under bondage” implies that the abandoned spouse is free to move on, including the possibility of remarriage.

Other Considerations in Biblical Interpretation

While adultery and abandonment are the two explicitly stated reasons for divorce in the Bible, many believers and scholars have debated whether other circumstances could also justify divorce based on broader biblical principles. Different passages, cultural contexts, and theological interpretations contribute to an ongoing discussion about the biblical approach to marriage and divorce. Below are some key areas of consideration.

1. The Debate on Abuse as a Reason for Divorce

One of the most pressing questions in biblical interpretation is whether abuse—physical, emotional, or psychological—justifies divorce. The Bible does not explicitly list abuse as a reason for divorce, but it strongly condemns any form of violence or mistreatment.

• God’s Protection of the Oppressed: The Bible repeatedly emphasizes God’s heart for justice and the protection of the vulnerable. Psalm 11:5 states, “The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, He hates with a passion.” This shows that God does not approve of an environment where someone is being harmed.
• The Principle of Love in Marriage: Ephesians 5:25-29 commands husbands to love their wives as Christ loves the church—selflessly, sacrificially, and with care. If a spouse is abusive, they are violating this fundamental principle, breaking the marriage covenant in spirit, even if not in explicit biblical terms.
• Separation for Safety: 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 acknowledges that separation may sometimes be necessary, even though it does not specifically mention abuse. Many Christian leaders believe that a spouse in an abusive marriage should separate for their own well-being, with divorce becoming an option if there is no repentance or change from the abuser.

While Scripture does not explicitly command divorce for abuse, many argue that biblical principles of justice, love, and protection support the right to leave a harmful marriage.

2. Old Testament Perspectives on Divorce

The Old Testament contains divorce laws that differ from Jesus’ teachings in the New Testament. Some scholars explore whether these passages provide additional insights into biblical grounds for divorce.

• Deuteronomy 24:1-4 – Divorce for Indecency: In this passage, Moses allowed a man to divorce his wife if he found “something indecent” in her. The Hebrew term ervat davar (translated as “indecency” or “uncleanness”) has been widely debated. Some believe it referred to adultery or sexual misconduct, while others think it included broader moral failings. Jesus later clarified that divorce was permitted under the Law of Moses due to human hard-heartedness, but not part of God’s ideal (Matthew 19:8).
• Exodus 21:10-11 – Neglect as a Just Cause for Divorce?: This passage addresses the rights of a wife in a polygamous marriage, stating that if a husband fails to provide food, clothing, or marital rights, she is free to leave. Some scholars argue that this law sets a precedent for divorce due to severe neglect or mistreatment, even in monogamous marriages. While this passage was written within an ancient legal system, some believe it reflects God’s concern for justice and care in marriage.

While these Old Testament laws allowed for divorce in cases beyond adultery, Jesus narrowed the grounds for divorce in the New Testament, focusing on God’s original design for marriage. However, the principle of protecting the vulnerable remains a key biblical theme.

3. The Difference Between Mosaic Law and Jesus’ Teachings

Jesus’ teachings on divorce differ from the Old Testament laws, leading to discussions about whether Christians should follow stricter New Testament guidelines.

• Mosaic Law Permitted Divorce, But Jesus Limited It: In Matthew 19:8, Jesus explains that divorce was allowed under Moses because of human hard-heartedness, but from the beginning, it was not God’s design. This suggests that while divorce was legally permitted, it was never God’s perfect will.
• Jesus Focused on the Heart of Marriage: Unlike Old Testament laws that regulated divorce, Jesus emphasized God’s original design for marriage as a lifelong commitment (Genesis 2:24). His teachings shifted the focus from legal permissions to the heart of the covenant, urging couples to remain committed unless serious sin (such as adultery) has irreparably broken the relationship.

This distinction between legal allowances and God’s divine intention is essential in understanding why Jesus was more restrictive in His teachings on divorce.

4. The Question of Remarriage After Divorce

Another debated topic is whether remarriage is permitted after a biblical divorce.

• Jesus’ Words on Remarriage: In Matthew 19:9, Jesus states that “whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.” Some interpret this as a prohibition against remarriage unless the divorce was due to adultery.
• Paul’s Teaching on Remarriage: 1 Corinthians 7:15 suggests that if an unbelieving spouse abandons a believer, the believer is “not under bondage”. Some interpret this as permission to remarry, while others believe it only allows for separation without remarriage.
• Cases of Abuse and Neglect: If abuse or neglect is considered a legitimate reason for divorce, should remarriage also be allowed? Some argue that since divorce dissolves the marriage covenant, remarriage is a natural consequence, while others believe remarriage should only happen in certain circumstances.

Since different Christian denominations interpret this issue differently, believers are encouraged to seek wisdom, prayer, and pastoral guidance when considering remarriage after divorce.