Bible Study Guide
What Does the Bible Say About What does the bible say about divorce?
The Bible addresses what does the bible say about divorce in both the Old and New Testament. Here is what scripture teaches about what does the bible say about divorce and how these 7 passages apply to Christian life today.
Exploring 7 Key Passages
1. Matthew 19:3-6
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? And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, 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? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.KJV
This passage shows Jesus teaching that marriage is a divine union ordained by God. He emphasizes that what God has joined together should not be separated by man, establishing the sacred nature of marriage.
2. Matthew 19:7-9
They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? 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. 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.KJV
Jesus explains that Moses permitted divorce due to hard hearts, but it wasn't God's original intention. He states that divorce is only permissible in cases of sexual immorality, and remarriage after an unlawful divorce constitutes adultery.
3. Mark 10:11-12
And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her. And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.KJV
This verse reinforces Jesus' teaching that divorce followed by remarriage constitutes adultery. It applies equally to both husbands and wives who divorce and remarry.
4. 1 Corinthians 7:10-11
And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.KJV
Paul reiterates Christ's teaching that married couples should not separate. If separation does occur, the individuals should remain unmarried or seek reconciliation with their spouse.
5. 1 Corinthians 7:12-15
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. And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him. 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. 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.KJV
Paul addresses mixed marriages between believers and non-believers. He advises staying together if possible, but if the unbelieving spouse chooses to leave, the believer is not bound to the marriage and may find peace.
6. Malachi 2:16
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.KJV
This verse expresses God's hatred of divorce and describes it as dealing treacherously with one's spouse. It emphasizes the importance of being mindful of one's spirit and actions in marriage.
7. Deuteronomy 24:1-2
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. And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man's wife.KJV
This Old Testament passage describes the Mosaic law regarding divorce, which Jesus later clarified was given because of hardened hearts. It shows the formal process required for divorce under the old covenant.
Summary
Key Takeaways About What does the bible say about divorce
- This passage shows Jesus teaching that marriage is a divine union ordained by God.
- Jesus explains that Moses permitted divorce due to hard hearts, but it wasn't God's original intention.
- This verse reinforces Jesus' teaching that divorce followed by remarriage constitutes adultery.
- Paul reiterates Christ's teaching that married couples should not separate.
- Paul addresses mixed marriages between believers and non-believers.
- This verse expresses God's hatred of divorce and describes it as dealing treacherously with one's spouse.
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